FIBROIDS
What are fibroids?
Fibroids are benign growths found in and around the uterus. They are made up of muscle and fibrous tissue. Fibroids grow slowly over time and symptoms develop as they enlarge. At 40 years of age, 40 % of women have some fibroids. or other locations.
Symptoms to look for
Symptoms are uncommon, but 1 out of 3 women may experience pelvic pain or heavy periods. Fibroids may also contribute to infertility and miscarriage.
Symptoms depend on the size, number and location or fibroids. Fibroids growing inside the cavity of the womb (submucous fibroids) are more likely to cause heavy periods, miscarriage and infertility.
A scan for diagnosis
My gynaecology practice provides ultrasound in the clinic with immediate diagnosis and mapping of fibroids. Treatments required are immediately discussed and instituted.
Keyhole surgery
Many fibroids can be removed through keyhole surgery (laparoscopy or hysteroscopy) as day case procedures, with minimal post operation discomfort and a quick recovery time. As a skilled minimal access gynaecological surgeon, I use the most recent advances in keyhole surgery
Types of fibroids
Fibroids are classified according to their location in the womb. Fibroids growing into the cavity of the woman at known as submucous fibroids. Fibroids growing within the wall of the uterus are known as intermural fibroids and fibroids growing outwards from the womb are known as subserous fibroids.
Submucous and intramural fibroids cause most symptoms.
What treatments are available?
Most fibroids do not require treatment. However, if treatment is required options include surgical removal fibroids. This can be performed through the keyhole (submucous fibroids can be removed by hysteroscopy) and intramural and subserous fibroid can be removed through laparoscopy. However large multiple fibroid requires open surgery for removal.
Medical treatments include hormonal manipulation to stop periods for those with heavy period. Stopping the periods temporary would allow time for blood count to be replenished, especially those women who are
anaemic (have low iron and therefore low blood counts) due to heavy period.
Some hormonal manipulation shrinks and reduce blood flow to the fibroid, to facilitate keyhole surgery. Treatments such as the combined oral contraceptive pill also reduces heavy periods.
Are fibroids cancerous?
Fibroids are almost always benign. Very rarely they may change to become cancerous. However, this is thankfully very rare. Malignancy is suspected in cases of fast-growing fibroids, especially in older women and after the menopause.
Do fibroids naturally go away after menopause?
Fibroids gradually increase in size over time, under the influence of oestrogen hormone. They grow rapidly during high oestrogen state search as pregnancy. However, after the menopause they do not continue to grow and in many cases would get smaller.
If you would like more information about how we can help you, have a look at our Fibroid package.
GET IN TOUCH
If you have a condition or any concerns that you would like to discuss in complete confidentiality, please use this form to get in touch.
Either myself or one of my team will get back to you as soon possible, but please be aware that my professional schedule does not usually allow me to personally respond immediately.
If you have a condition or any concerns that you would like to discuss in complete confidentiality, please use this form to get in touch.
Either myself or one of my team will get back to you as soon possible, but please be aware that my professional schedule does not usually allow me to personally respond immediately.