Fibroid Treatment

Uterine fibroids, or leiomyomas, are non-cancerous growths in the uterus that often appear during childbearing years. Treatment options vary based on symptom severity, fibroid size, location, and a woman’s desire to maintain fertility.

Medications are often the first line of treatment. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists, such as leuprolide, can shrink fibroids by inducing a temporary menopausal state. Progestin-releasing intrauterine devices (IUDs) help control heavy bleeding but do not reduce fibroid size. NSAIDs offer pain relief, while tranexamic acid reduces menstrual bleeding.

Minimally invasive procedures include Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE), which blocks blood flow to fibroids, causing them to shrink. Laparoscopic or robotic myomectomy removes fibroids through small abdominal incisions, preserving the uterus. Hysteroscopic myomectomy excises fibroids via the vagina and cervix, ideal for fibroids within the uterine cavity. MRI-guided focused ultrasound surgery (FUS) noninvasively uses sound waves to destroy fibroid tissue.

For severe cases, surgical options like abdominal myomectomy or hysterectomy are considered. Abdominal myomectomy is suitable for large or numerous fibroids, while hysterectomy, the removal of the uterus, is a permanent solution but eliminates the possibility of future pregnancy.