The Harborne Hospital
Mindelsohn Way B15 2FQ Birmingham
Fibroids
ALSO KNOWN AS UTERINE MYOMAS OR LEIOMYOMAS
Fibroids are a common condition affecting a significant percentage of women every month with heavy and painful periods
About fibroids
Fibroids are non-cancerous growths made up of muscle and fibrous tissue that develop in or around your womb (uterus). Many women are unaware they have fibroids because they do not necessarily exhibit any symptoms. However, in some cases it can have a severe and damaging impact on quality of life due to the severity of the symptoms.
Need to know
Symptoms may include: - Heavy periods and painful bleeding - Abdominal and/or lower back pain - Frequent urination - Constipation - Pain during sex
Your consultant will request an imaging test to confirm a diagnosis of fibroids. This will help them to get a more accurate idea of the location, size and number of your fibroids. Tests include: - Ultrasound scan. This can be used to identify the presence of fibroids in the body. - Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan. This can be helpful for providing a more detailed image of the location, size and number of fibroids present. - Hysteroscopy. This is where a small camera is used to look inside your womb at the fibroids. It is also used to rule out any other causes of the bleeding.
Treatment options will depend on the severity of the symptoms you are experiencing. If your symptoms are causing you considerable pain, treatments may include: - Medications to shrink the fibroids and reduce heavy periods. - Surgery. Your consultant may recommend a hysterectomy (surgery to remove your womb) or a myomectomy (surgery to remove the fibroids from the wall of your womb) if your symptoms are severe. - Uterine artery embolisation (UAE). An alternative prodecure to surgery that involves blocking the blood vessels that supply the fibroids, causing them to shrink.
Types of fibroids
Submucosal fibroids
These occur under the lining of the womb. This type can also grow on a peduncle, which is an elongated stalk of tissue.
Intramural fibroids
This is the most common type of fibroid that can develop. They grow within the wall of the womb and may cause the womb to be an irregular shape.
Subserosal fibroids
These develop on the outer wall of the womb and are usually symptomless. However, if they grow large enough they can put pressure on surrounding organs.
Treatment focus: Fibroid embolisation
This treatment does not require an operation, and has been shown to significantly reduce the size of fibroids – helping to improve symptoms.
Our Fibroids locations
Women’s Health Centre
27 Harley Street W1G 9QP London
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.