Heavy periods

Anemia due to chronic excessive bleeding

Pain or pressure in the abdomen or lower back

Pain during sex

Difficulty urinating, frequent urination or constipation

Infertility (the inability to have children)

Medication: Medication can be a stand-alone treatment or used to help shrink the fibroids in preparation for surgical removal. However, medication doesn’t work for everyone. Fibroids can return soon after the treatment ends, and certain medications may produce symptoms of early menopause, also known as perimenopause.

Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE): This treatment method blocks the blood supply to the fibroids, causing them to shrink. UAE can have positive, short-term results for some patients; however, the effects of UAE on future pregnancies are unknown.

Myomectomy: This surgical procedure removes fibroids, while leaving the uterus intact. Women treated with myomectomy may still be able to have children after the surgery; however, it is possible for fibroids to return.

• Types of Myomectomy:

  1. Open Abdominal: Also known as traditional myomectomy, the fibroid is removed through a long, open incision in the abdomen.

  2. Minimally Invasive Options: Less invasive options offer quicker recovery times and less scarring than traditional myomectomy:

     1. Laparoscopic: a small scope is inserted through a tiny incision in the abdomen to remove the fibroid

     2. Hysteroscopic: a small scope is inserted into the uterus via the vagina and cervix to remove the fibroid

Hysterectomy: This procedure involves removing the uterus, or womb. Your doctor may also remove the fallopian tubes and/or ovaries during the same surgery.

Hysterectomy is the only complete treatment method for fibroids, however, as a major surgery, it should only be considered after all other options have been explored. Explore your hysterectomy options to learn about less invasive treatments available with shorter recovery times.