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Finding out about Fibroids: Information for Patients in the United Kingdom
What Are Fibroids?
Fibroids, also known as uterine fibroids or leiomyomas, are non-cancerous growths that develop in or on the uterus. They vary in size, shape, and location, ranging from small, undetectable masses to large formations that can distort the shape of the uterus. While the exact cause of fibroids isn't known, hormonal and genetic factors are believed to play a significant role.Symptoms
Many women with fibroids do not experience any symptoms. However, when symptoms do occur, they can include heavy menstrual bleeding, prolonged periods, pelvic pain, frequent urination, constipation, and pain during intercourse. The severity of symptoms depends on the size, number, and location of the fibroids.Diagnosis
Fibroids are often discovered during a pelvic examination or prenatal ultrasound. In addition to a physical exam, your GP may recommend imaging tests such as an ultrasound or MRI to get a clearer picture of the fibroids' size and location. In some cases, a hysteroscopy or laparoscopy may be performed to provide more information.Treatment Options
Treatment for fibroids depends on the severity of your symptoms, the size and location of the fibroids, and your plans for future pregnancies. Common treatments include: - **Medication:** Drugs like Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists can shrink fibroids temporarily and reduce symptoms like heavy bleeding. - **Non-invasive Procedures:** MRI-guided focused ultrasound surgery (FUS) uses high-frequency sound waves to destroy fibroid tissue. - **Minimally Invasive Procedures:** These include uterine artery embolization (UAE) and myomectomy, which remove fibroids while preserving the uterus. - **Surgery:** A hysterectomy, or the removal of the uterus, is a permanent solution but is usually considered a last resort.Living with Fibroids
While fibroids can be a source of discomfort, many women manage their symptoms successfully with the help of their healthcare providers. Lifestyle modifications, including maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, and regular exercise, can also help manage symptoms. Regular check-ups with your GP are crucial for monitoring your condition and adjusting treatment as needed.Support Resources
There are numerous resources available in the UK for women dealing with fibroids. The NHS website offers comprehensive information and guidance, and organisations like The British Fibroid Trust provide support and advocacy. Speaking with a healthcare provider can also help address any concerns and provide personalised care.Finding out about Fibroids: Information for Patients in the United Kingdom
What Are Fibroids?
Fibroids are lumps that grow in or on a woman's uterus. They are not cancer. Fibroids can be small or big, and they can be in different places on the uterus. We do not know exactly why fibroids grow, but hormones and genes might have something to do with it.Symptoms
Some women with fibroids do not feel any different. But some women might have heavy bleeding during their periods, periods that last a long time, pain in the lower belly, need to pee a lot, trouble with going to the bathroom, or pain during sex. How bad these symptoms are depends on how big the fibroids are and where they are.Diagnosis
Doctors often find fibroids during a check-up or when a woman is pregnant and gets an ultrasound. Your doctor might do more tests, like an ultrasound or MRI, to see where the fibroids are and how big they are. Sometimes, doctors use tools like a camera to look inside and learn more.Treatment Options
How doctors treat fibroids depends on how bad the symptoms are and what you want for the future. Some common treatments are: - **Medication:** Some medicines can make fibroids smaller and help with heavy bleeding. - **Non-invasive Procedures:** Doctors can use sound waves to get rid of fibroid tissue without cutting the body. - **Minimally Invasive Procedures:** These are small operations to take out fibroids without removing the uterus. - **Surgery:** Taking out the uterus is a last option if nothing else works.Living with Fibroids
Fibroids can be uncomfortable, but many women feel better with the help of their doctors. Eating healthy food, keeping a good weight, and doing regular exercise can help. It's important to go to the doctor regularly to check how things are going and change treatment if needed.Support Resources
There are many places in the UK that can help women with fibroids. The NHS has lots of information, and groups like The British Fibroid Trust offer help and support. Talking to a doctor can also help you understand what's going on and find the best care for you.Frequently Asked Questions
Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the womb (uterus). They are made up of muscle and fibrous tissue and vary in size.
Symptoms of fibroids can include heavy periods, abdominal pain, frequent urination, constipation, backache, and in some cases, fertility issues.
Fibroids are most common in women aged 30-50 and are more prevalent in women of African-Caribbean origin. Having a family history of fibroids and being overweight also increase the risk.
Fibroids are usually diagnosed through pelvic examinations, ultrasounds, and in some cases, MRI scans or hysteroscopy.
Fibroids can sometimes cause fertility problems depending on their size and location, but many women with fibroids can still conceive and have a healthy pregnancy.
Treatment options range from watchful waiting for smaller, asymptomatic fibroids to medications, non-invasive procedures like uterine artery embolisation (UAE), and surgical options such as myomectomy or hysterectomy.
UAE is a non-surgical procedure where the blood supply to the fibroids is blocked, causing them to shrink.
Maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and eating a balanced diet may help manage symptoms. Reducing stress and avoiding substances like alcohol and caffeine can also be beneficial.
Fibroids are almost always benign (non-cancerous), and it is very rare for them to turn into cancer, known as leiomyosarcoma.
Submucosal fibroids grow into the inner cavity of the womb. They are less common but more likely to cause heavy menstrual bleeding and fertility issues.
Yes, fibroids can cause pain or discomfort during sex, especially if they are large or located near the cervix.
Medications like Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists, anti-inflammatory drugs, and oral contraceptives can help manage symptoms but do not eliminate fibroids.
A hysterectomy, which is the surgical removal of the womb, is a permanent solution for fibroids in women who do not wish to have children in the future.
Regular check-ups are recommended to monitor the growth and symptoms of fibroids. Your healthcare provider will advise you on the frequency based on your individual situation.
Yes, fibroids can recur after treatment, especially if a non-surgical option was chosen. Regular monitoring and follow-up with your healthcare provider can help manage this.
Fibroids are lumps that grow in or around the womb (uterus). They are not cancer. Fibroids are made of muscle and thick tissue. They can be big or small.
Fibroids are lumps that can grow in the belly area. They can cause:
- Very heavy periods.
- Pain in the belly.
- Needing to pee a lot.
- Not going to the toilet properly.
- Hurting in the back.
- Sometimes problems having a baby.
It can help to talk to a doctor or nurse. Writing down how you feel will help you remember symptoms.
Fibroids are lumps that can grow in a woman’s body.
Women get fibroids most often between 30 and 50 years old.
Fibroids are more common in women from African-Caribbean backgrounds.
If your family members have fibroids, you might get them too.
Being overweight can make fibroids more likely.
If reading is difficult, you can try listening to information or watching videos to help understand better.
Doctors use special tests to find fibroids. They might feel your tummy, use a camera, or do a scan called an ultrasound. Sometimes, they use an MRI or look inside with a small camera.
Sometimes, fibroids can make it hard for a woman to get pregnant. This depends on how big the fibroids are and where they are inside the body. But, many women with fibroids can still get pregnant and have a healthy baby.
There are different ways to help with fibroids.
If the fibroids are small and not causing problems, you might just wait and see.
Doctors can use medicine to help. There are also things doctors can do without cutting you open, like a procedure called UAE.
If you need an operation, doctors can take out the fibroids or remove the whole womb.
Talk to your doctor to find out what is best for you. They can explain more and help you decide.
UAE is a treatment that does not need surgery. It stops blood from going to the fibroids, so they get smaller.
Keeping your weight healthy, doing exercise often, and eating good foods can help you feel better. Staying away from stress, alcohol, and caffeine can also help.
Fibroids are almost always not cancer. It is very rare for them to become cancer. This type of cancer is called leiomyosarcoma.
Submucosal fibroids are lumps that grow inside the womb. They are not very common, but they can make periods heavier and make it harder to have a baby.
If this is hard to understand, it can help to read slowly or ask someone to explain it. Using a ruler or finger to follow each line can also help.
Yes, fibroids can hurt or feel uncomfortable during sex. This can happen if the fibroids are big or close to the cervix.
Some medicines can help with the symptoms of fibroids. These medicines include GnRH agonists, pills for swelling, and birth control pills. But these medicines do not make fibroids go away completely.
Here are some tips to help you:
- Ask a doctor about different medicines.
- Use a calendar to track how you feel each day.
- Try using a heating pad to help with pain.
- Talk to someone if you feel upset or worried.
A hysterectomy is an operation where doctors take out the womb. This is a way to stop fibroids for women who do not want to have children later.
It is good to visit the doctor often to check on fibroids. Fibroids are lumps that can grow in the body. Your doctor will tell you how often you need to come and see them. It depends on how your body is doing.
Yes, fibroids can come back after treatment, especially if you did not have surgery. It is important to see your doctor regularly to check and manage them.
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