Fibroids

Fibroids are benign tumours of the uterine muscle. They affect about 30-50% of all women over the course of their lifetime. While some fibroids are not bothersome, some women experience many changes to their menstrual cycle and daily routines due to the presence of fibroids

Symptoms commonly associated with fibroids include:
• heavy menstrual bleeding
• pain or pressure in pelvis
• bloating sensation or fullness
• urinary urgency and bladder pressure
• constipation
• pregnancy complications

Not all fibroids need to be treated. However, if the size or the symptoms of the fibroids requires intervention there are many safe options available to women. Some examples of treatment include:
• Dietary avoidance of high fats and high sugars, including alcohol
• Medicines are frequently used to manage symptoms. Depending on the main complaint or concern, treatment options often includes birth control pills, vaginal ring, IUD’s, or pills to control the bleeding.
• Surgical options include endometrial ablation, myomectomy, or hysterectomy

Uterine artery embolization procedures block further growth of fibroid tumours by reducing the direct blood flow to the fibroid(s). These procedures are done by our colleagues in Interventional Radiology at Mediclinic Sandton Hospital.
For more information, make an appointment to discuss your options today.