On This Page


What are fibroids? Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that form in the muscle wall of your uterus. They can vary in size from a pea to a rockmelon or bigger. This condition occurs in up to 70% of women aged under 50.

After menopause, fibroids usually shrink and may disappear.

For example: , due to heavy periods – this might make you feel tired or dizzy.

You might also experience: pregnancy complications

What causes fibroids? We don’t know exactly what causes fibroids, but we do know the female hormones oestrogen and progesterone stimulate the growth of fibroids.

Some factors may increase the risk of fibroids

For example: Fibroids can be diagnosed in different ways.

For example: (under general anaesthetic) – a thin telescope goes into your belly button to see your pelvic organs.

It’s important to get a diagnosis and treat the condition if required

If you are diagnosed with fibroids, your doctor will explain the different treatment options depending on the size, number and location of your fibroids.

If your fibroids are small and not causing any problems, your doctor may monitor them for changes – or they may not need to be monitored at all. Your doctor might use a combination of hormones or other medicines to shrink your fibroids, especially if infertility is an issue.

After you stop taking the medicines, your fibroids may grow back.

You may be able to treat your fibroids with radiological treatment

For example: uterine artery embolisation – a non-surgical procedure that blocks blood supply to part of the uterus high-intensity ultrasound, guided by MRI – only suitable for certain types of fibroids.

You might need different types of surgery, depending on the size and position of your fibroids. This can be performed as a hysteroscopy (via the vagina) or a laparoscopy (keyhole surgery).

If you have large or multiple fibroids, they may recommend a (removal of the uterus).

Talk to your specialist about the potential benefits and risks of each option before you decide. Symptoms of fibroids heavy or long periods painful periods bleeding between periods – this depends on the size and position of the fibroids iron deficiency pain during sex feeling heaviness or pressure in the back, bowel and bladder feeling like you haven’t emptied your bladder or bowel weeing a lot swelling in your lower abdomen a family history of fibroids starting your periods early polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) obesity high blood pressure Getting a diagnosis an external ultrasound on your abdomen an ultrasound inside your vagina – this is more accurate than an external ultrasound an MRI a hysteroscope – a thin telescope shows the inside of your uterus a laparoscopy Fibroids might cause infertility , miscarriage or premature labour Managing fibroids Monitoring Medical treatment Radiological treatment Surgery Your specialist may recommend a myomectomy hysterectomy More information For more detailed information, related resources, articles and podcasts, visit Jean Hailes for Women’s Health Where to get help Your GP Gynaecologist Jean Hailes for Women’s Health .

Key Points

  • About 20 to 30% of women experience some symptoms related to fibroids
  • Some factors may increase the risk of fibroids
  • It’s important to get a diagnosis and treat the condition if required
  • You may be able to treat your fibroids with radiological treatment
  • This can be performed as a hysteroscopy (via the vagina) or a laparoscopy (keyhole surgery)