Fibroids: common, non-cancerous, worth knowing

Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the womb. They are common, mainly affect people who have not been through menopause, and many people never know they have them.

Possible symptoms

• Heavy or painful periods
• Tummy or lower back pain
• Needing to pee more often or suddenly, or leaking
• Bloating, constipation or pain when pooing
• Discomfort during sex
• Difficulty getting pregnant, which is uncommon

The NHS says you are more likely to have fibroids if you are from a Black or Asian background, have never had a full-term pregnancy, are overweight, have high blood pressure or diabetes, or a close relative has them. Heavy bleeding can lead to iron-deficiency anaemia.

How they are found

A GP may ask about your symptoms and examine you. An ultrasound scan can show how many fibroids there are, where they are and how big. Sometimes they are found by chance on another scan.

Treatment

If fibroids are not causing problems, they often need no treatment. If they are, NICE guidance for heavy periods says that for fibroids under 3cm that do not distort the womb cavity, a hormonal coil (IUS) is considered first. Other options are tranexamic acid, anti-inflammatory painkillers (NSAIDs), the combined pill or progestogen tablets. For fibroids of 3cm or more, you may be referred to a specialist, who can discuss medicines (including newer tablets that shrink fibroids for some people), uterine artery embolisation, or surgery such as a myomectomy (removing the fibroids) or hysterectomy. The right choice depends on size, location and whether you want a future pregnancy.