What are the treatments for the condition?

Most fibroids do not cause symptoms and don't need treatment. Sometimes, medicines are used to shrink the tumor by decreasing the level of estrogen in the blood.

Women with symptoms like heavy bleeding and pain may need surgery. If the woman is not planning to have any more children, a hysterectomy may be recommended. This is surgery to remove the uterus. If the woman would like to become pregnant in the future, a myomectomy may be done instead. This is surgery to remove only the fibroid. The uterus is left intact.

Another procedure that may be performed is an arterial embolization. A tube is threaded into a uterine artery. Small beads are injected into the artery leading to the tumor. This blocks the blood flow to the artery, shrinking the fibroid.

Laser treatment, called myolysis, is another procedure used to destroy fibroids. The woman takes medication for 3 to 4 months to shrink the tumor before the laser treatment is done.

What are the side effects of the treatments?

Surgery carries a risk of bleeding, infection, and allergic reaction to anesthesia.

What happens after treatment for the condition?

If a hysterectomy was done, no more fibroids can develop. If the ovaries were removed with the uterus, hormone replacement therapy may be necessary. Fibroids do grow back about 10% of the time after a myomectomy.

How is the condition monitored?

Women with fibroids should be examined every 6 months to monitor the size of the fibroid. Any unusual symptoms or concerns should be reported to the healthcare provider.