UTERINE FIBROIDS

Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are benign arising from the smooth muscle cells of the uterus. Fibroids are present in up to 25 % of women in reproductive age. Signs and symptoms of fibroids can include very heavy periods, pelvic pain or pressure, urinary frequency, feeling a mass in the lower abdomen and infertility.

Diagnosis can be made from history, pelvic examination, blood work up and ultrasound scan of the pelvis.

Management depends on age and desire to retain the uterus and symptoms. If asymptomatic no treatment is needed. For symptomatic women medication, such as Tranexamic acid, oral contraceptives, or a progesterone containing IUD(Mirena) can be used

If medical treatment is unsuccessful or unsuitable some will women need the fibroids to be removed (i.e. myomectomy) or the entire uterus removed (i.e. hysterectomy). Often this can be done by minimally invasive procedure (Hysteroscopy /Laparoscopy) resulting in less pain and shorter recovery time.