For too many women, pelvic discomfort, heavy periods, and persistent fatigue have become part of everyday life, often dismissed as something to “just put up with.” Yet in many cases, these symptoms point to a common but frequently overlooked condition: fibroids. While benign, fibroids can have a significant impact on quality of life. The good news is that you can regain control of your health and well-being with the right fibroids treatment.
This guide is designed to help you understand your options, recognise when to seek help, and explore the various pathways to relief and recovery.
Table of Contents
What Are Fibroids?
Fibroids, or uterine myomas or leiomyomas, are non-cancerous growths in or around the uterus. They’re incredibly common, affecting an estimated 1 in 3 women at some point during their reproductive years, although many remain unaware due to a lack of symptoms.
When symptoms do appear, they can include:
- Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
- Pelvic pain or pressure
- Frequent urination
- Constipation or bloating
- Pain during sex
- Lower back pain
- Fertility issues or pregnancy complications
The impact of fibroids on a woman’s physical, emotional, and reproductive health can be significant. Yet many suffer in silence, assuming their symptoms are normal or that treatment isn’t available.
When to Seek Help
If fibroids are affecting your daily life, it’s time to seek medical advice. Whether it’s heavy bleeding, pain, or difficulty conceiving, you don’t have to simply put up with it. Early diagnosis and personalised fibroids treatment can dramatically improve comfort and long-term health outcomes.
Modern medicine now offers a wide range of options, allowing treatments to be tailored to your specific symptoms, fertility goals, and preferences.
Diagnosis: Getting the Full Picture
Diagnosis typically starts with a pelvic exam followed by imaging tests such as:
- Ultrasound: The most common tool for detecting fibroids.
- MRI: Offers a more detailed view of fibroid size, location, and number.
- Hysteroscopy or laparoscopy: Occasionally used for visual confirmation, especially if surgery is being considered.
Understanding your fibroids’ size, number, and location is essential for choosing the most suitable treatment.
Exploring Fibroids Treatment Options
There is no one-size-fits-all solution. The best fibroids treatment for you depends on various factors, including age, severity of symptoms, desire for children, and overall health.
1. Watchful Waiting
If your fibroids are small and not causing symptoms, you may not need treatment immediately. However, regular monitoring is recommended to ensure they’re not growing or beginning to cause issues.
2. Medication-Based Treatments
These are typically used to manage symptoms rather than remove the fibroids themselves.
- Hormonal treatments: Birth control pills, hormonal IUDs, or gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists can help regulate heavy bleeding and shrink fibroids temporarily.
- Non-hormonal options: Tranexamic acid or NSAIDs may be prescribed for pain and heavy bleeding.
While these treatments can offer relief, they’re often a temporary solution and may not be suitable for women trying to conceive.
3. Non-Surgical Procedures
Modern techniques offer effective alternatives to traditional surgery with shorter recovery times.
- Uterine Fibroid Embolisation (UFE): A minimally invasive procedure that blocks the blood supply to fibroids, causing them to shrink.
- MRI-guided focused ultrasound surgery (FUS): A newer technique that uses sound waves to destroy fibroid tissue without incisions.
These options are ideal for women looking to avoid surgery, although not all types of fibroids are suitable for these methods.
4. Surgical Treatments
Surgery may be recommended if fibroids are large, causing severe symptoms, or impacting fertility.
- Myomectomy: Removes fibroids while preserving the uterus—often chosen by women who wish to maintain fertility.
- Hysterectomy: Complete removal of the uterus—considered when other treatments haven’t worked or when childbearing is no longer a priority.
Advancements in laparoscopic and robotic surgery mean these procedures are more precise, with shorter hospital stays and faster recovery.
Taking a Holistic Approach to Recovery
Treatment is just one part of the journey. A truly transformative approach to fibroids includes addressing lifestyle, nutrition, and emotional well-being.
Diet and Lifestyle Tips:
- Eat anti-inflammatory foods: Leafy greens, berries, oily fish, and whole grains may help manage inflammation and hormone balance.
- Limit red meat and processed foods: These can aggravate symptoms in some women.
- Exercise regularly: Helps maintain a healthy weight and reduces oestrogen levels.
- Manage stress: Chronic stress can contribute to hormonal imbalance. Consider mindfulness, yoga, or therapy.
Emotional Wellbeing:
Living with fibroids can take a toll on your mental health, especially if symptoms interfere with daily life or fertility. Counselling, support groups, or speaking openly with your healthcare provider can make a big difference.
The Role of Specialist Care
Seeking help from a gynaecologist specialising in fibroids can make all the difference. They’ll guide you through diagnosis and treatment and provide personalised advice based on your health goals.
In many cases, private care can offer quicker access to advanced diagnostics and a broader range of treatment options. Seeing a specialist privately may be worth exploring if you’ve been struggling to get answers or feel your concerns haven’t been taken seriously.
Fibroids are common, but suffering in silence doesn’t have to be. With modern fibroids treatment options now more effective, less invasive, and more personalised than ever, it’s possible to break free from discomfort and reclaim control over your body.
Better women’s health begins with awareness, compassion, and proactive care. If you’re experiencing symptoms that affect your daily life, don’t ignore them. Help is available, and transformation is possible.
Take care of your health and don’t wait—explore fibroids treatment options today with helpful tips from NextMagazine.
