Uterine Fibroids Overview
Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop within the muscular wall of the uterus. While very common, they can cause a range of symptoms that can significantly impact your quality of life, including heavy or prolonged bleeding, pelvic pain, frequent urination or constipation and abdominal bloating or distension.
Types of Fibroids:
- Intramural: Grow within the muscular wall of the uterus.
- Submucosal: Grow in the muscle layer beneath the inner lining of the uterus and protrude into the uterine cavity.
- Subserosal: Grow on the outer surface of the uterus.
- Pedunculated: Attach to the uterus with a stalk.
Treatment Options that may be recommended
- Medical therapies: Non hormonal and hormonal treatments, medications for pain management.
- Minimally invasive procedures: Such as uterine artery embolisation (UAE)
- Surgical options: In some cases, more invasive procedures may be necessary such as a myomectomy (removal of the fibroid) or hysterectomy (removal of the uterus).