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Fibroids
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Fibroids at HCA Healthcare UK
Why choose us?
We’re one of the UK’s leading private healthcare providers. We have women's health specialists and multidisciplinary teams here to support you, and you’ll be treated with care in state-of-the-art facilities. We’ll ensure you get fast access to the right consultant and quick results on any tests and screenings too.
Our women’s health appointments are extended, so you’ll have time and space to discuss your condition and any concerns about treatment.
Fibroids are non-cancerous growths made up of muscle and fibrous tissue that develop in or around your womb (uterus). They’re common, but they often don’t have any symptoms, so you might not know you have them.
If your fibroids don’t affect your day-to-day life, we may not need to treat them at all, but if they’re more severe they can cause pressure, pain or bleeding. Our expert gynaecology consultants are here to support you, assess your situation and provide any treatment you might need.
There are three main types of fibroids:
- Intramural fibroids grow within the wall of your womb and can cause it to be an irregular shape. They’re the most common type of fibroids.
- Submucosal fibroids occur under the lining of your womb and grow into its cavity.
- Subserosal fibroids develop on the outer wall of your womb. They’re usually symptomless, but they can put pressure on your surrounding organs if they grow large enough.
If you have fibroids, you may not experience any pain or discomfort at all. But they can cause:
- Heavy or painful periods
- Abdominal pain
- Lower back pain
- Frequent urination
- Constipation
- Pain during sex
- Difficulty getting pregnant
If you're experiencing any of these symptoms and think you may have fibroids, or if you’re concerned and just want to get checked out, we can help.
No one knows exactly what causes fibroids, but we do know that their development is linked to the amount of oestrogen in your body. Your oestrogen is highest in your reproductive years, and that’s when fibroids are often diagnosed. After menopause, your oestrogen levels are lower, and any fibroids usually shrink.
If you’re overweight your oestrogen levels go up, so maintaining a healthy weight can help lower your risk of fibroids.
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Fibroids tests and scans at HCA UK
Get a clear picture
If you have fibroids, or you’re concerned about them, your consultant might ask for an imaging test or, in some cases, a minimally invasive surgical procedure. This will help them get a more accurate idea of where, how many and how big any fibroids are. They’ll review your results, and you'll usually hear back within 48 hours. If you need any fibroids treatment, we’ll get started straight away. Tests for fibroids might include:
Fibroids treatments at HCA UK
Treatment tailored to you
At HCA UK, we’ll ensure any treatment and support is totally focused on you and your condition.
Your treatment will depend on your symptoms, and the number, size and location of your fibroids. Your care team will talk you through all your treatment options carefully, and if your symptoms are minor, we may be able to simply monitor you. We can also sometimes treat fibroids with anti-inflammatory or hormone medications that can shrink them or reduce any bleeding.
If your symptoms are causing you pain or concern, your consultant might recommend the following treatments:
- Myomectomy. This removes your fibroids through an incision on your bikini line. An abdominal myomectomy - cut across your tummy - is an option depending on your condition.
- Fibroid embolisation. This blocks blood vessels supplying the fibroids, so they shrink.
- If fibroids symptoms are very severe, your consultant may recommend a hysterectomy to remove your womb.
- Robotic surgery performed by the da Vinci® system, helping you get home faster with less pain. This may not be suitable for large or multiple fibroids.
Accessing private health care
Self-pay
You don’t need health insurance to be seen quickly. If you’re looking for treatment and don’t want to wait, all of our fertility treatments can be paid for as and when you need them.
And to give you peace of mind from the start, we’ll provide you with a clear and transparent quote outlining exactly what’s included in your self-pay package.
Fibroids FAQs
They’re fairly common. It’s hard to say exactly, but anywhere between 20-80% of women are likely to develop fibroids in their reproductive years. They’re also more likely to occur in women in women of African-Caribbean origin.
So, if you receive a fibroids diagnosis, it's important to remember you're not alone, and that we can help you.
Fibroids can grow and shrink, and this can happen steadily or quickly. It all depends on hormone levels. For example, pregnancy raises your oestrogen and can cause fibroids to expand, while menopause reduces your oestrogen levels, which can shrink them.
If a female family member such as your mother or sister has fibroids, you may be more likely to develop them too. If you're showing signs of fibroids or are symptom-free but are concerned about your risk of having them, please get in touch and we’ll get you an appointment with a specialist in as little as 24 hours.
Yes. Fibroids don’t completely stop you from becoming pregnant, but they can block your reproductive system and make conceiving more difficult. If you do get pregnant, you’ll produce more oestrogen, which might enlarge any fibroids you have and cause complications. If you already know you have fibroids when you get pregnant, your midwife can help you access the right care.
Most women with fibroids don’t experience any symptoms or require any treatment. But more severe cases do carry risks, including:
Infertility: This can happen if the fibroids are large, because they can prevent a fertilised egg from attaching to the womb lining ,or stop sperm from getting to your egg.
Anaemia: This is when your body doesn't have enough red blood cells, and blood loss from a heavy period can make it worse.
It's rare, but fibroids can also cause risks if you're pregnant. These include:
- Premature labour
- Miscarriage
- Placental abruption
- Foetal growth restriction
If you're diagnosed with fibroids, our consultants are here to explain the potential complications and answer all your questions. We're dedicated to supporting you we'll make sure you feel informed and protected, every step of the way.
Fibroadenomas are non-cancerous growths just like fibroids, but they develop in your breast, and they typically feel like a smooth lump. They’re common, they can occur at any age and they’re usually harmless.
“We can manage your fibroid symptoms in a way that suits your specific needs.”
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This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.