Personalised Management for Your Health and Fertility

Fibroids — also called myomas or leiomyomas — are common, non-cancerous growths of the uterus that can develop during your childbearing years.

They may be located:

• On the inside of the uterus
• On the outside surface
• Within the muscular wall itself

Fibroids start from a single muscle cell in the uterus that grows over time. They are not cancerous and very rarely become malignant.

Many women have fibroids without even knowing it — they are often discovered during a routine examination or scan.

Possible Symptoms

Most fibroids cause no problems at all. However, when symptoms occur, they may include:

• Heavy or long menstrual periods
• Spotting or bleeding between periods
• Pelvic pain or discomfort
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• A sensation of pelvic “heaviness” or pressure
• Frequent urination or bladder pressure
• Difficulty becoming pregnant or recurrent miscarriage
• Lower back pain
• A lump or swelling in the lower abdomen

Types of Fibroids

Fibroids are classified according to their location in the uterus:

• Intramural – grow within the muscular wall (most common)
  
• Submucosal – develop just beneath the inner lining (endometrium) and can cause heavy bleeding and cramping
• Subserosal – grow on the outer surface of the uterus, sometimes appearing like a “lump” pressing on nearby organs

Endometrial polyps — small stalk-like growths on the uterine lining — can also cause menstrual changes or bleeding between periods and may be treated similarly.

When is Treatment Needed?

Many fibroids don’t require treatment and can be safely monitored (“watch and wait”). Treatment is usually recommended if fibroids are:

• Rapidly growing
• Large and causing pressure symptoms
• Causing heavy or irregular bleeding
• Affecting fertility or causing recurrent miscarriage

Treatment Options

We tailor treatment to your individual needs, considering fibroid size, number, location, symptoms, and your future pregnancy plans.

Options include:

• Medication – Hormonal medicines can shrink fibroids and improve symptoms; may be used before surgery
• Hysteroscopic surgery – Removal of fibroids via the cervix, suited to submucosal fibroids
• Laparoscopic (“keyhole”) surgery – Minimally invasive removal via small abdominal incisions
• Open surgery (myomectomy) – Needed for larger fibroids; may affect future birthing options (more likely to need a caesarean)
• Hysterectomy – Surgical removal of part or all of the uterus; pregnancy is no longer possible afterwards

Our Approach

At our practice, we focus on:

• Accurate diagnosis with ultrasound and/or hysteroscopy
• A clear explanation of your condition and options
• Preserving fertility wherever possible
• Minimising symptoms and improving quality of life

We will work with you to develop a personalised treatment plan and coordinate care with fertility specialists if you are planning a pregnancy.

If you are experiencing heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, or difficulty conceiving, we encourage you to book a consultation. Early assessment can help prevent

complications and give you the widest choice of treatment options.