Fibroid Treatment – Symptoms, Causes & Best Treatment Options
Fibroids, non-cancerous growths that form in or around the uterus, impact nearly 70% of women by age 50. These uterine fibroids vary in size and number, and while some are symptomless, others can cause pain or complications. Treatment for fibroids is tailored to the individual woman, and the severity of the symptoms, the size, and position of the fibroids will determine which treatments are appropriate. Now there’s hope that modern medicine can help, with new treatments for fibroids that are nonsurgical — including some that don’t require any anaesthetic.
What Causes Fibroids?
Although the exact cause of fibroids is unknown, several factors may influence their development. Approaches to fibroid growth: Hormone activity, especially that of oestrogen and progesterone, has a significant effect on fibroids, and also has an impact on their growth. These hormones are often elevated during a woman’s fertile years; thus, fibroids are also more common during that time.
Genetics also appear to be a factor — women with a family history of fibroids are more likely to grow them. Obesity, earlier age at menarche, and vitamin D deficiency are additional risk factors. It is not exactly clear why fibroids develop, but these factors increase the likelihood of their occurrence.
Fibroids Symptoms: When to Seek Treatment
Not all fibroids generate symptoms. But for many women, fibroids can have a major impact on the quality of life. Fibroids can be symptomatic, with symptoms including:
- Heavy or prolonged menstrual periods, which can cause iron-deficient anaemia.
- Pelvic discomfort, or the sensation of fullness or pressure, particularly when fibroids become large.
- The need to urinate often because of pressure on your bladder.
- Low back pain, or pain with sexual intercourse.
- Enlarged or distended abdomen.
Symptoms may gradually increase over time, especially if fibroids grow. If you have any of these symptoms, particularly heavy bleeding or continued pelvic pain, talk with a doctor to consider what treatment might work for you.
Which Size of Fibroid is Dangerous?
Fibroids are usually measured in centimetres, and size can affect the way the growths will impact your body. Small fibroids (less than 5 cm) are often benign and may not require any special treatment but observation.
If fibroids are large (more than about 5 cm), they can cause complications such as anaemia, infertility, or pressure on nearby organs (the bladder or bowel). In a few cases, when a fibroid grows quickly, it can signal the need to be evaluated sooner rather than later. That being said, symptoms are often more important than size — some women with large fibroids have no discomfort, while others with small fibroids report severe symptoms.
Best Treatment for Fibroids: Options Compared
The optimal fibroid treatment is determined by several factors, including the size, number, and location of the fibroids, as well as the woman’s age and desire to have children. Here are the trade-offs among the best options:
A. Non-Surgical Treatments
- Medications: NSAIDs (for pain), hormonal birth control (to help control bleeding), and GnRH agonists (which reduce fibroids by dropping hormone levels).
- Hormonal IUDs: They can help regulate heavy bleeding and do not compromise fertility.
- Uterine Artery Embolisation (UAE): Minimally invasive procedure that cuts off the blood flow to the fibroids, leading to their shrinkage.
- MRI-Guided Focused Ultrasound (FUS): Non-invasive procedure in which high-intensity ultrasound waves are used to destroy fibroid tissue.
B. Surgical Treatments
- Myomectomy: Removes fibroids while keeping the uterus intact—no fertility concerns involved.
- Hysterectomy: Complete removal of the uterus; the only way to permanently eliminate fibroids.
- Endometrial ablation: Damages the lining of the uterus and is usually recommended for small fibroids and women not interested in having children.
New Treatment for Fibroids Without Surgery
New Treatments for Fibroids: Advances in fibroid care now enable the condition to be treated in many cases without surgery. The most common non-surgical or minimally invasive treatments are:
- MRI-Guided Focused Ultrasound (FUS): A newer procedure that destroys fibroid tissue by directing high-frequency sound waves at targeted fibroids while a radiologist monitors the process using MRI — all without any cutting. Recovery is short, and most women are back to normal in a few days.
- Uterine artery embolisation (UAE): Through a tiny skin incision, arteries that feed fibroids are blocked, starving them over time so that they shrink.
- Oral therapies: New options such as Relugolix provide a hopeful alternative for fibroid shrinkage and bleeding control in cases that do not involve surgery.
These treatments are associated with less downtime, fewer complications, and greater comfort, but they aren’t appropriate for all types or locations of fibroids.
Lifestyle & Home Remedies for Fibroid Management
Aside from medication, the following lifestyle changes could help in the management of fibroids and promote overall well-being:
- Diet: Increase your iron intake with leafy greens and beans to prevent anaemia. Cutting back on red meat and eating more fruits and vegetables might help as well.
- Exercise: Working out keeps hormones in balance and can contribute to weight control.
- Stress reduction: Relaxation techniques, including yoga, meditation, or taking a stroll, can help lower cortisol levels, which can impact hormone balance.
- Heat: Pelvic pain and cramping can be alleviated with a hot water bottle or warm compress.
Conclusion
While fibroids are a common gynaecological condition, the correct treatment can make a world of difference! Whether you are considering non-invasive options or thinking about surgery, the right treatment depends on your symptoms, the size of your fibroids, and your personal goals — especially regarding fertility and recovery.
Schedule a consultation to learn your options for personalised fibroid treatments.
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