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Removal of Fibroids

Fibroids are a common issue for many women. They are non-cancerous growths or lumps (benign tumours) of the uterus. Some women will develop only one fibroid, some will develop multiples. They can often go unnoticed, although, in some cases, they can cause heavy bleeding, pain, pressure and infertility.

Up to 30% of women will develop fibroids, and there are some medical therapies which can be used to manage the symptoms. A small proportion of women who suffer from fibroids will need them removed.

This procedure is called a myomectomy.

Depending on where the fibroid predominantly lies, the size of the fibroid and how many fibroids are present treatment can involve open surgery, keyhole surgery, or hysteroscopic surgery.

The surgeon will remove the fibroid and reconstruct the uterus. The procedure is recognised for having a very low level of complications and for how effective it can be for reducing period pain and increasing the chances of falling pregnant.

At Dr Guy Skinner, Guy performs all myomectomies and is recognised for his skill in this area, as well as his ability to explain any issues simply and clearly.

Full healing of the uterus can take a few months, but the result can be quite significant.

FAQ’s

Fibroids are growths made of muscle and fibrous tissue that occur in or near your womb.

These growths are non-cancerous and often go unnoticed – although they are estimated to occur in over 70% of women of childbearing age.

Fibroids, which are also called uterine myomas or leiomyomas, can be as small as a peppercorn or as large as a softball.

There are a number of symptoms for fibroids. These include:

  • heavy periods 
  • painful periods
  • tummy (abdominal) pain
  • lower back pain
  • a frequent need to urinate
  • constipation
  • pain or discomfort during sex

While fibroids themselves do not affect fertility, in some cases (and only very rarely) complications caused by these growths can cause infertility.

If you are having any of these symptoms, we recommend talking to an experienced gynaecologist, like Dr Guy Skinner, to uncover the potential reason for any discomfort.

No one really knows. 

And while the exact cause may not be known, there is a recognised link to oestrogen – as most fibroids are seen in women who are between 16 and 50, when their bodies produce the most oestrogen. 

They tend to grow when oestrogen levels are high, and shrink when oestrogen levels are low (although some women may still develop fibroids after menopause).

Around 1 in 3 women will develop fibroids at some point – but most often between the ages of 30 and 50 – and mostly in women who have not had babies. 

No one knows why, but the risk of developing fibroids decreased once you’ve had a child and reduces even further with every child.

You may not need treatment at all.

If your fibroids are not causing you any discomfort, best practice gynaecological treatment recommends leaving them as they will usually disappear without any external treatment. 

If you do have any of the symptoms listed above, and you need to address any discomfort, Guy will usually try a medical approach to relieve those symptoms. This is usually temporary, as the fibroid will often disappear without the need for external intervention.  

Should that fail, surgery may be conducted as a final resort.