Fibroids

Dr Jenny Cook  |  Sydney Gynaecologist & Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeon

Understanding Fibroids and Treatment Options

A fibroid is a benign overgrowth of the muscle layer of the uterus (the myometrium). Fibroids are classified according to their size and location in the uterus:

  • Submucosal: located in the cavity of the uterus

  • Intramural: located in the muscle layer

  • Subserosal: located on the outside wall of the uterus

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Fibroids are common and treatable, and with the right approach, you can find relief.

Fibroids Explained

Causes, symptoms, risks, and treatment options for fibroids.
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Symptoms and When Treatment Is Considered

Not all fibroids need to be treated. I will take a detailed history of your symptoms and make a list of the reasons that an operation might be required. These reasons include:

  • Heavy bleeding – occurs if there is a submucosal fibroid or if there are large intramural fibroids

  • Awareness of pelvic mass – generally occurs if a fibroid is greater than 10 cm

  • Compromise to fertility – occurs if there is a submucosal fibroid, if the fibroid distorts the cavity, or if the fibroid is greater than 10 cm

  • Rapid growth of a fibroid – generally considered to be > 2 cm per year (seen on serial ultrasound scans). If growth is likely to reach a size that will cause issues, we will discuss removal

  • Pain – can occur if a fibroid outgrows its blood supply and degenerates; or with a pedunculated fibroid on a thin stalk that can twist (torsion) and cause pain

  • Concern regarding sarcoma – about 1:1000 fibroids are sarcoma (cancer of a fibroid)

  • Risk of pregnancy complications – including risk of pre-term labour, degeneration causing pain, growth during pregnancy, and risk of post-partum haemorrhage (significant bleed at delivery)

Treatment Options

I will carefully review all imaging (ultrasounds or pelvic MRI) available for the fibroid. We will discuss your symptoms and decide if surgical intervention is required. Surgical intervention options include:

Case Studies

Explore safe and effective treatments for fibroids.

Fibroids can affect your quality of life and fertility, but with the right investigations and tailored treatment plan, they can be safely managed. I will work closely with you to find the best option.

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