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Uterine fibroids are common during the reproductive years. South Island Interventional Radiology in Christchurch assesses patients from across the South Island for minimally invasive treatment. Contact the team to discuss symptoms, assessment and available treatment options.
What are uterine fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are benign (non-cancerous) tumours that grow in or outside the uterus. These tumours are composed of smooth muscle and fibrous tissue and can grow. A woman may have one fibroid, or she may have many. Uterine fibroids are very common in women of reproductive age. Many women will not know they have one until they present with symptoms, or if a medical examination is undertaken for other reasons.
What causes uterine fibroids?
Research suggests a key factor influencing fibroid development is the hormones oestrogen and progesterone. Genetics are thought to play a role, and fibroids are more likely to affect women who have had family members suffer the condition. There are other contributing factors, such as women’s age, reproductive history, and lifestyle factors.
Symptoms of uterine fibroids
Common symptoms include heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain or pressure, abdominal swelling and frequent urination. Some fibroids affect fertility or pregnancy, particularly those that distort the uterine cavity. Many women with fibroids have successful pregnancies. If you are planning pregnancy, discuss whether your fibroids need assessment or treatment with your doctor.
Are uterine fibroids dangerous?
Fibroids are benign, but symptoms should not be dismissed. Heavy bleeding can cause iron deficiency or anaemia, and other conditions can cause similar bleeding or pain. Arrange medical assessment for persistent or worsening symptoms. Seek urgent help for very heavy bleeding, fainting, severe pain or difficulty breathing; call 111 in an emergency.
Fibroids and menopause
Fibroids often shrink and symptoms may improve after menopause, but they do not always disappear. Any bleeding after menopause needs prompt medical assessment, even if you already know that you have fibroids. New or increasing pelvic symptoms also need review.
Treatment for uterine fibroids
Treatment depends on symptoms and individual priorities. Monitoring may be enough when symptoms are mild. Hormonal or non-hormonal medicines can help manage bleeding or pain. Myomectomy removes fibroids, while hysterectomy removes the uterus. Uterine fibroid embolisation (UFE), also called uterine artery embolisation (UAE), is a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure in which an interventional radiologist uses a thin catheter and particles to reduce the fibroids’ blood supply, helping them shrink over time.
Choosing a treatment
UAE can improve symptoms but may require further treatment. Risks include post-procedure pain, infection, access-site bleeding or injury and reduced ovarian function; rare complications can require surgery. The right treatment depends on your symptoms, the size and position of your fibroids, your overall health and whether you want a future pregnancy. A specialist can talk you through the options.