Uterine fibroids are growths in the uterus. They are non-cancerous and affect a good portion of women. They usually don’t cause symptoms or other health problems. Usually, they don’t require treatment but sometimes they do cause problems because of their size, number, or location. It’s not completely clear what causes fibroids but it appears that estrogen and progesterone play a part. If fibroids do cause symptoms they can include heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, bleeding between periods, anemia, frequent urination or difficulty urinating, infertility or miscarriages, low back pain or abdominal pain, constipation, severe menstrual cramps, constant vaginal discharge, and a feeling of fullness in the lower abdomen.
According to Baylor Medicine, treatment will depend on the number, size, and location of the fibroids, the symptoms they are causing, and the individual patient. Treatment options include:
Watchful waiting. For fibroids that aren’t causing symptoms or problems.
Medications. To relieve symptoms, including menstrual cramps and bleeding.
Myomectomy. Surgical removal of fibroids while leaving the uterus intact.
Endometrial ablation. Destroys the lining of the uterus using some form of energy, such as heat.
Uterine artery embolization. Decreases the blood supply to the fibroids, causing them to shrink.
Hysterectomy. Surgical removal of the uterus.
MRI-guided ultrasound surgery. Uses ultrasound waves to destroy fibroids.
For more information visit: https://www.bcm.edu/healthcare/specialties/obstetrics-and-gynecology/ob-gyn-conditions/menstrual-disorders/uterine-fibroids