Understanding Fibroids

What they are, symptoms & treatment options

What Are Fibroids?

Fibroids are benign (non-cancerous) growths that develop in the walls of the womb (uterus).

• Made of muscle and fibrous tissue

• Can be single or multiple

• Can vary greatly in size

• Common and treatable

Fibroids are not cancer and rarely become cancerous.

Symptoms of Fibroids

Some people have no symptoms, but others may experience:

Physical Symptoms

  • • Painful or heavy periods
  • • Anaemia (from heavy bleeding)
  • • Bleeding between periods or after sex
  • • Pain or discomfort during sex
  • • A swollen tummy (sometimes looking pregnant)
  • • Abdominal or lower back pain

Other Effects

  • • Constant urge to pass urine
  • • Constipation or bloating
  • • Low mood or depression
  • • Difficulty getting pregnant
  • • Increased risk of miscarriage
  • • Tiredness, dizziness, weakness, headaches

If left untreated, fibroids can grow and may cause complications.

Types of Fibroids

It's possible to have more than one type at the same time:

Submucosal fibroids

Grow under the lining of the womb (may grow on a stalk)

Intramural fibroids

Grow within the wall of the womb (most common)

Subserosal fibroids

Grow on the outside wall of the womb (can press on nearby organs if large)

Pedunculated fibroids

Grow on a stalk, either inside or outside the womb

Causes & Risk Factors

The exact cause is unknown, but your risk may be higher if you:

Have a family history of fibroidsAre of African or Caribbean heritageAre overweight
Started your periods earlyHave hormonal imbalances

Fertility & Pregnancy

Potential Challenges

  • • Can sometimes make it harder to get pregnant
  • • May slightly increase risk of miscarriage
  • • May increase risk of preterm birth

Positive Outlook

  • • Most women with fibroids can still have healthy pregnancies
  • • Extra monitoring during pregnancy available

Emotional Wellbeing

Fibroids can affect more than just your body:

• Tiredness or anaemia can lower energy

• Pain and heavy bleeding can affect mood

• Tummy swelling can impact confidence and body image

It's okay to ask for emotional support or counselling — you're not alone.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on your symptoms and their severity:

Medication

Anti-inflammatory medicines

Relieve pain

Tranexamic acid

Reduces bleeding

Hormonal treatments

Pill, coil, progesterone tablets – regulate periods

GnRH analogues

Shrink fibroids (often used before surgery)

Procedures & Surgery

Myomectomy

Removes fibroids while keeping the womb

Hysterectomy

Removes the womb (only if symptoms are severe & no further pregnancies planned)

Transcervical resection

Removes submucosal fibroids through the cervix

Uterine artery embolisation (UAE)

Blocks blood supply to fibroids to shrink them

Your doctor will help you choose the safest and most effective option based on your symptoms and fertility plans.

Self-Care Tips

• Track your periods, bleeding and pain

• Eat iron-rich foods (leafy greens, beans, lean red meat) if anaemic

• Stay active, manage stress, and rest when needed

• Talk to your doctor about supplements if you are low in iron

Support & Follow-Up

• We'll support you with regular check-ups to monitor your fibroids

• Your care plan can be adjusted as your needs change

• You don't have to go through this alone

Remember

Fibroids are common and treatable

They are not cancerous

Getting assessed early can prevent complications

Early assessment can protect your fertility

If you have symptoms of fibroids, book an appointment — we're here to help.