Uterine Fibroids

Learn more about fibroids and how they are treated.

Overview

Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous tumours that grow in the muscle of the uterus. 

Fibroids are common and vary in size and type. They can cause a range of symptoms, depending on factors such as their location and size. Many people will experience no symptoms at all.

Fibroids can grow within the wall of the uterus, inside the uterus where menstrual blood is made and babies develop, or on the outside of the uterus.

Their size can range from as small as a grain of rice to as large as a melon or bigger.

Our care

Learn more about the specialized care provided at Mount Sinai Hospital for Gynaecology.

This content is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to be used or relied upon for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. It does not replace the need for consultation with a health-care professional. Please speak with your health-care professional for questions about your health.

Symptoms

Symptoms of fibroids can vary based on their size, type and location. They often cause no symptoms at all.

Common symptoms may include the following:

Abnormal bleeding
Pelvic pressure or bloating
Constipation or difficulty urinating
Pain during intercourse
Infertility

Diagnosis

If you have symptoms of fibroids, your physician will confirm the diagnosis with a pelvic exam or ultrasound.

In some cases, an advanced ultrasound called a sonohysterogram or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) might also be needed to make the diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment for fibroids is recommended to relieve symptoms or preserve fertility. The recommended treatment will depend on the specific symptoms you are experiencing.

Oral pain medication

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or naproxen can help reduce the amount of menstrual bleeding.

Tranexamic acid

This non-hormonal medication can be taken on days when you have heavy bleeding to reduce blood loss.

Hormonal therapy

Birth control medication (such as the pill, the ring, the patch or a progesterone IUD) can thin the lining of the uterus and decrease the amount of bleeding.

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists

This medication causes the ovaries to stop producing estrogen which induces a reversible, medical menopause. It is used to shrink the size of fibroids and relieve symptoms such as pelvic pain or pressure.

GnRH agonists also reduce the volume of menstrual flow and correct for anemia.

GnRH antagonists

This type of medication causes your ovaries to stop producing both estrogen and progesterone which helps to shrink fibroids and relieve symptoms.

Uterine artery embolization (UAE)

This minimally invasive procedure shrinks fibroids by cutting off their blood supply. An interventional radiologist performs the procedure, using X-rays to see the fibroids. Not all patients are eligible for this procedure. A health-care provider will determine if this method is right for you.

Myomectomy

A myomectomy is a surgical procedure used to remove fibroids.

Myomectomy can be performed hysteroscopically, laparoscopically, with robotic assistance and by laparotomy.

During surgical planning, we will consider your goals, the size and location of the fibroids, and the abilities of the surgical team.

Our team has the skills to often perform this surgery in a minimally invasive way.

Hysterectomy

Surgical removal of the uterus with a hysterectomy may be recommended for patients who do not plan to have future pregnancies. This method is the only way to eliminate the possibility of a recurrence of fibroids.

Hysterectomy can be performed vaginally, laparoscopically, robotically and by laparotomy.

Our team specializes in minimally invasive surgical approaches for even some of the most difficult cases.