Treatment for Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are the most common benign (non-cancerous) tumours that occur in females. They are asymptomatic most of the time and they develop in women in the middle or later part of their reproductive years. However these uterine fibroids can cause heavy and painful menstrual bleeding. Pain can also be experienced during sexual intercourse. One may also experience urinary urgency or pressure on the bladder and rectum.

The main mode of identification of a uterine fibroid is using an ultrasound scan. With that, we are able to identify not only the position but also estimate the size of the fibroids. A more accurate and precise depiction of the fibroids would be to use an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan.

Most asymptomatic fibroids do not require any attention and treatment. For symptomatic fibroids, medication can be administered to alleviate symptoms such as pain and bleeding. In cases that are deemed serious, surgery may be considered. Patients may be recommended to undergo a myomectomy, whereby selected fibroids would be removed. Some patients may be advised to do a hysterectomy, whereby the entire uterus is removed to prevent further complications from developing.