Fibroids are very common and usually harmless.  They can take a variety of forms, most usually lumps that occur within the layers of muscles surrounding the uterus.  They may be very small or can grow as large as a full term foetus.  Fibroids are usually stimulated by hormones, most particularly oestrogen and will tend to shrink following the menopause.

The most usual way to diagnose them is via an ultrasound scan or a hysteroscopy.  Problems that may necessitate removal include heavy and/or painful periods and backache.  Other symptoms include severe constipation, bloating of the abdomen, frequency of urination.

There are a number of treatments and what may be offered will depend to a certain extent on your gynaecologist and doctor.  Removal of the uterus (hysterectomy) is the most common treatment, although a woman can also opt to have a myomectomy which removes just the fibroid or to have embolisation which involves particles being injected into the blood supply of the fibroid which hopefully causes them to shrink. Myomectomy may be offered if a woman has not yet completed her family as it may help to preserve her fertility.

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