Uterine Fibroids

If you've been diagnosed with uterine fibroids, you should know they are non-cancerous growths or tumors that can form on the wall, both inside and outside, of the uterus. In fact, most women (as many as 80%) have uterine fibroids.⁸¹ Many have no symptoms and require no treatment. About 25% of women with fibroids do have symptoms severe enough to require medical attention.⁸¹

Symptoms can include abdominal pain, pain during sex, abnormally heavy bleeding, and constipation. These symptoms can also be caused by other conditions. Fibroids can also cause infertility.

Depending on the severity of the symptoms, pain medication and hormone therapy may be all that is needed. In more serious cases, surgery may be the best treatment option. That why it's important to talk to your doctor and get the right diagnosis along with the best plan for treatment. Factors that may be considered to determine if surgery is the best solution include:

• Symptoms you are having
• Whether you are planning on having children
• The size and location of the fibroids
• Your age

Fibroid Removal Surgery

If your doctor recommends surgery, you should know that there may be a range of possible procedures available to you. In some cases, minimally invasive techniques (where only small incisions are necessary) can be used that typically reduce the pain and scarring and may help you recover more quickly.

Site References

Talking to Your Doctor about Fibroid Treatment

It's important for you to learn as much as possible about your condition and treatment options, and your doctor is your best resource. Here are some questions for you to get the conversation started:

Questions About Fibroids

• What causes fibroids?
• How big are my fibroids?
• Where are they located?
• How fast will they grow?
• Will they keep me from getting pregnant?
• I don't feel anything. How bad can they be?

Questions About Treatment Options for Fibroids

• Will fibroids go away on their own?
• Do I have to pursue treatment for my fibroids?
• Are there any non-surgical treatment options for my situation?
• Can I change my diet or take hormones to shrink them?
• If we have to take out the uterus, what are my options?
• What about a minimally invasive procedure? Is that a viable option for me?
• Are my fibroids too big for a minimally invasive procedure?
• What are the differences in recovery for minimally invasive and open procedures?
• Can I keep my ovaries? My cervix?

Once you've been referred to a surgeon, it's important to continue the conversation about your procedure. Only your surgeon can decide whether or not you're a candidate for a minimally invasive procedure, but you should feel comfortable getting the best information.

Finding a Surgeon

To locate a surgeon in your area experienced in minimally invasive procedures for fibroids, use our Find a Physician tool.