Fibroids are common non-cancerous growths of muscle that form within the muscular wall of the uterus (womb). Fibroids occur in up to 7 out of 10 women by the time they are aged 50.
What are fibroids?
Signs and symptoms
What causes fibroids?
Diagnosis
Management & treatment
Impact on fertility & pregnancy
Who to see for help
ABC Health Report on fibroids
Fibroids are common non-cancerous growths of muscle that form within the muscular wall of the uterus (womb). Fibroids occur in up to 7 out of 10 women by the time they are aged 50.
Fibroids (also known as uterine fibromyomas, leiomyomas or myomas) may grow in different layers of the uterus.
Fibroids can be located within the muscle (intramural); other types grow in the outer muscle layer (subserosal) or are inside the cavity of the uterus (submucosal).
Fibroids can vary in size, ranging from the size of a pea to the size of a rock melon or larger.
Most women have fibroids that don’t cause any symptoms. However, if fibroids cause problems, symptoms will depend on the size, number and location of the fibroids.
These may include the following:
Bleeding in between periods is not common but can sometimes happen. In rare instances, a fibroid may become cancerous and this is called a sarcoma.
It is not known exactly why fibroids occur. However, we do know the female hormones, oestrogen and progesterone play a significant role in stimulating fibroids to grow.
Fibroids grow in women of reproductive age, until menopause. After menopause, they usually shrink and may disappear.
Some factors increase your risk of getting fibroids, while others lower your risk including:
A diagnosis of fibroids may be made during a vaginal examination, ultrasound or during surgery for other conditions.
The first test recommended is a transvaginal ultrasound, where the ultrasound probe is gently placed in the vagina. This is more accurate than a pelvic ultrasound where the probe is moved over the tummy (abdomen). Other tests may include MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).
Fibroids may be confirmed during a hysteroscopy, which is a procedure performed under local or general anaesthesia. A hysteroscope (a thin telescope) is carefully inserted along the vagina into a woman's uterus to examine the inside cavity.
Fibroids can also be confirmed during laparoscopy (keyhole surgery). This is an examination using a thin telescope, performed under general anaesthesia. Through small cuts in the abdomen, the doctor is able to look at or operate on the pelvic organs, such as the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes.
Most fibroids will not require treatment unless they are causing problems such as:
Treatment depends on:
The treatment options can be categorised as medical or surgical. These may be combined depending on your needs, such as:
| Treatment | How it works |
|---|---|
| Anti-inflammatory painkillers, such as mefenamic acid (Ponstan®) or ibuprofen (Nurofen®) | Reduces period pain. May also be prescribed to reduce heaviness of bleeding. |
| Antifibrinolytic (tranexamic acid - Cyclokapron®) | Reduces heaviness of bleeding by slowing blood clot breakdown in the womb (uterus) lining. |
| Mirena® IUD | This T-shaped, contraceptive device is inserted into the uterus, and slowly releases a hormone called a progesterone. It reduces heaviness of bleeding. Can be removed if you are planning pregnancy. You can find more information about the Mirena® IUD here. |
| Combined contraceptive pill (also known as 'The Pill') Progesterone-only pill (also known as 'The mini pill') | May reduce bleeding. Can be stopped if you are planning pregnancy. You can find more information here. |
| GnRH agonist | An artificial hormone used to prevent natural ovulation. May be used to shrink fibroid before a planned operation. Not recommended for longer term use because of side effects such as osteoporosis (bone thinning), and fibroid regrowth when the treatment is stopped. |
| Iron replacement | May be required if iron deficiency or anaemia is present (due to heavy bleeding). Available as oral supplements or iron infusion (injection into the vein). |
| Treatment | How it works |
|---|---|
| Uterine artery embolisation | Small, sterile particles are injected into the uterine artery to reduce the blood supply to the fibroid. This can make the fibroid shrink by a third or half its size. The procedure is performed:
|
| Hysteroscopic myomectomy (resection of fibroid) | A hysteroscope is used under general anaesthesia to cut out a fibroid that is partially or completely inside the cavity of the uterus. |
| Abdominal myomectomy | Complete removal of a fibroid under general anaesthesia using:
|
| MRI-directed ultrasound technique | Guided by MRI, high intensity focused ultrasound waves overheat the cells in a fibroid, causing it to shrink by one-third to one-half. Only about one-third of fibroids are suitable for this procedure. This prolonged procedure is performed by a specialist radiologist and is not covered by Medicare. |
| Hysterectomy | This can be done to remove some or all of the uterus particularly for multiple fibroids causing major symptoms. A hysterectomy is the only procedure that will permanently prevent fibroids from growing or recurring. A woman should make the decision to have a hysterectomy only after a discussion with her doctor about the reasons for the operation, how it will be performed, the benefits and possible risks. It is a treatment for women who have no desire for future fertility. You can read more about hysterectomy here. |
The effect of fibroids on fertility and pregnancy depends on the size and position of the fibroids (not the number of fibroids). In some cases, Caesarean section may be recommended for future births.
Only certain types of fibroids will have an impact on getting pregnant and/or delivery.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of fibroids, see your doctor. Your doctor may refer you to a gynaecologist.
Jean Hailes gynaecologist Dr Elizabeth Farrell featured on ABC Radio's Health Report in a special report on fibroids.
You can hear the full interview here.
