What are fibroids?

 

Fibroids are non-cancerous growths in the uterus. They can have different sizes, shapes and locations on the uterus. They can be in the inside of the uterus (submucosal), within the walls (intramyometrial), outer surface (subserosal) or attached by a stem (peduculated).

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How do I know if I have fibroids?

 

If you have fibroids, you might have:

• Heavy, more frequent or longer menstrual periods

• Painful periods
• Difficulty or frequent urination
• Constipation or difficult bowel movements

• Enlarging abdomen
• Miscarriage or pregnancy loss

• Difficulty getting pregnant

 

Most women with fibroids do not have any symptoms.

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How are fibroids diagnosed?

 

Ultrasound is the most common test to find fibroids. Sound waves are used to create a picture of the uterus. Sometimes, a sonohysterogram is needed nd the location of the fibroids. This is a test where fluid is put into the uterus through the cervix. Ultrasound is then used to create a picture of the inside of the uterus. Other tests, such as MRI and CT scans, may be used but are rarely needed.

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I have fibroids. Do they need to be treated?

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If your fibroids are small and not causing symptoms, you do not need treatment.

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Fibroids should be treated if they are causing:

• Heavy menstrual bleeding or discomfort

• Growing quickly
• Miscarriage or difficulty getting pregnant

 

 

What medications can I use to treat my fibroids?

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There are many drugs that can treat fibroids. You should talk about the side effects of these medications with your doctor.

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What types of surgery can be used to treat fibroids?

 

Your options for surgery depend on the size and location of the fibroids. It also depends on if you want to have children in the future. You should talk about the risks and benefits of surgery with your doctor.

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Myomectomy

This is the surgical removal of fibroids leaving the uterus in place. This surgery lets a woman keep her uterus so that she can have babies in the future. If a woman becomes pregnant, she might need a cesarean section for the birth of the baby after this surgery.

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There are 3 ways to do this surgery:

• Laparotomy (open surgery with 1 large incision on the abdomen)

• Laparoscopic (keyhole surgery with 4 to 5 small incisions on the abdomen)

• Hysteroscopic (no incisions. The fibroid is removed using a device inserted through the vagina)

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Hysterectomy

This is the removal of the uterus, including the fibroids inside the uterus. This surgery is for women who no longer want babies. Your ovaries may or may not be removed.

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There are 3 ways to do this surgery:

• Laparotomy (Open surgery with 1 large incision on the abdomen)

• Laparoscopic (Keyhole surgery with 4 to 5 small incisions on the abdomen)

• Vaginal (No incisions on the abdomen. The uterus is removed through the vagina)

 

 

Are there any other options for treating my fibroids?

 

Some women cannot take the medications or have surgery. There are other options for treating fibroids. You should talk to your doctor to see if these are good treatment options for you.

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Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE)

A radiologist performs this procedure. Tiny particles are injected into the blood vessels to the uterus. This blocks the blood flow to the uterus and causes the fibroids to stop growing.

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Because this blocks the blood flow to the uterus, it can cause problems in future pregnancies. Women who want children should consider other treatments.

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High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU)

A radiologist performs this procedure. Sound waves are focused into the fibroid to heat and destroy the fibroid. Because this is a newer technology, we do not know the effects on future pregnancy. We recommend that women who want children should consider other treatments. In Canada, this technology is still undergoing clinical trials and is not approved for general use.

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Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre

2075 Bayview Avenue Toronto, ON M4N 3M5

Telephone: 416.480.6100

www.sunnybrook.ca
PR 47186 (MAR 2016)