UK HealthCast: What are fibroids?

UK HealthCast is a podcast series featuring interviews with UK HealthCare experts on a variety of health-related topics.

On this edition of UK HealthCast, Dr. George Thomas, a minimally invasive gynecologic surgeon at UK HealthCare, explains what fibroids are, symptoms women with fibroids may experience and the various treatment options for fibroids available at UK HealthCare.

Read below for some key takeaways from Dr. Thomas’ conversation. 

What are fibroids?

Fibroids are non-cancerous muscle tumors that form in the walls of the uterus. Almost all women are at-risk for fibroids.

Fibroids are like “muscle balls” that can vary in size and number, and they often going undetected unless they cause symptoms or are found during imaging for unrelated conditions. Fibroids are generally benign, meaning they do not pose a direct cancer risk. However, their presence can significantly affect a woman’s quality of life.

Certain factors increase the likelihood of fibroid occurrence. These include genetics, hormone levels and age, with women in their 30s and 40s being particularly susceptible. Dr. Thomas stresses the importance of understanding fibroids, as many women may have them without realizing it, especially if the growths are small and symptomless. 

Signs and symptoms of fibroids

Fibroids often present with a variety of symptoms, depending on their size, location and number. Fibroid symptoms typically are categorized into two main types: abnormal bleeding and bulk symptoms.

• Abnormal bleeding: One of the most common signs of fibroids is abnormal menstrual bleeding. This can manifest as heavy periods or irregular menstrual cycles. Women may experience longer or more frequent periods, which can lead to fatigue or anemia if left untreated.
• Bulk symptoms: Larger fibroids can exert pressure on surrounding organs, leading to other health issues. For example, fibroids pressing on the bladder may cause urinary frequency, while pressure on the bowel can result in constipation. These bulk symptoms can interfere with daily activities and negatively impact overall health and well-being.

Treatment options for fibroids at UK HealthCare

UK HealthCare provides a wide range of treatment options for fibroids, ensuring that each patient receives personalized care. Dr. Thomas outlines three primary approaches: expectant management, medical management, and surgical intervention. Each of these options is tailored to the severity of the symptoms and the patient’s overall health goals.

• Expectant management: This option is suitable for women whose fibroids are not causing significant symptoms or discomfort. Expectant management involves monitoring fibroids without immediate intervention. Since fibroids are benign, patients may choose this option if their day-to-day life is not significantly impacted. Regular check-ups help ensure that any changes in the fibroids are detected early.
• Medical management: For women experiencing symptoms such as heavy bleeding, medical management may be the best course of action. This involves the use of hormone-suppressing medications to reduce bleeding and manage the effects of fibroids. While this option does not eliminate fibroids, it can provide significant relief from symptoms and improve quality of life.
• Surgical options: When fibroids cause significant discomfort or when medical management is insufficient, surgery may be recommended. UK HealthCare offers several surgical options, depending on the patient’s needs and reproductive goals. 
  • For women who are no longer planning to have children, a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) is a permanent solution. This procedure can be performed using minimally invasive techniques, such as robotic-assisted or traditional laparoscopic surgery, which allow for faster recovery times and fewer complications.
  • For women who wish to preserve their uterus, UK HealthCare also offers myomectomy, a procedure that removes the fibroids while leaving the uterus intact. Like a hysterectomy, this procedure can also be performed minimally invasively, making it a viable option for women who wish to maintain their fertility.

In addition to traditional treatments, UK HealthCare is at the forefront of advanced and emerging fibroid treatments. 

• Fibroid ablation: A new, incisionless approach that uses focused energy to destroy fibroid tissue without the need for surgery. This technique offers a minimally invasive alternative for women seeking relief from fibroid symptoms.
• Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE): Performed in collaboration with our interventional radiology department, UFE is a minimally invasive procedure that involves blocking the blood supply to the fibroids, causing them to shrink over time. This option is particularly effective for women who want to avoid surgery but need relief from their symptoms.

The importance of awareness and early intervention

Dr. Thomas emphasizes the importance of raising awareness about fibroids and encouraging women to seek medical advice if they experience symptoms. Many women may dismiss heavy periods or pelvic discomfort as normal, but these could be signs of fibroids. By seeking medical care early, women can access a wide range of treatment options that can significantly improve their quality of life.

UK HealthCare is uniquely positioned to provide comprehensive care for women with fibroids. With a dedicated team of specialists and access to the latest technology, we offer a full spectrum of treatment options, from conservative management to advanced surgical techniques. The multidisciplinary approach ensures that each patient receives personalized care based on their symptoms, goals and overall health.

Click here for more information on fibroids and the treatment options available at UK HealthCare.