Benign growths
Non-cancerous muscular growths in or on the womb. Very common in women of childbearing age. Most can be managed without surgery.
Understanding
Fibroids (also called uterine leiomyomas or myomas) are non-cancerous growths of muscle and fibrous tissue that develop in or on the womb. They are extremely common: around one in three women will have them at some point.
Only about a third of patients with fibroids notice symptoms. Where symptoms do occur (heavy bleeding, pelvic pressure, fertility issues), treatment options range from medication and the Mirena coil through to fibroid removal (myomectomy) and, where appropriate, hysterectomy.
Fibroids are hormone-sensitive and often shrink after menopause as oestrogen levels fall.
Common symptoms
Heavy or prolonged periods
Pelvic pressure or pain
Lower back or leg pain
Urinary frequency or constipation if a fibroid is pressing on the bladder or bowel
Pain during intercourse
Difficulty getting pregnant in selected cases
Diagnosis
Approach
A structured workup, often within one appointment, to identify the cause and shape a clear treatment plan.
Pelvic examination
Transvaginal pelvic ultrasound
MRI scan for surgical planning when multiple or large fibroids are present
Hysteroscopy for fibroids inside the uterine cavity
Treatment
Treatment is built around your symptoms, preferences and any other conditions. Options often combine medication, hormonal treatments and where appropriate, surgery.
Medication to control heavy bleeding (tranexamic acid, anti-inflammatories)
Hormonal coil (Mirena) for bleeding control
Uterine artery embolisation in selected cases
Myomectomy: surgical removal of fibroids, preserving the womb
Hysterectomy when other options are not suitable
Related procedures
Fibroid removal
Surgical removal of fibroids while preserving the womb. A good option for women who would still like to have children, and for those who want to keep their uterus.
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Major keyhole surgery
Keyhole removal of the womb, cervix and (where indicated) the fallopian tubes and ovaries. Faster recovery and smaller scars than open hysterectomy.
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Hysteroscopic surgery
Hospital removal of endometrial polyps using hysteroscopy, often with the MyoSure tissue-removal system. A short, scar-free procedure that's effective in a single visit.
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Your consultation
A first appointment is unhurried. We work through your history, your symptoms and your priorities, and where helpful arrange examination, imaging or further tests at the same visit. You leave with a clear plan and time to ask any question you bring.