Treatment:

Treatment depends on several things, including:

• Your age
• General health
• Severity of symptoms
• Type of fibroids
• Whether you are pregnant
• If you want children in the future

Some women may just need pelvic exams or ultrasounds every once in a while to monitor the fibroid's growth.

Treatment for the symptoms of fibroids may include:

• Birth control pills (oral contraceptives) to help control heavy periods
• Intrauterine devices (IUDs) that release the hormone progestin to help reduce heavy bleeding and pain
• Iron supplements to prevent or treat anemia due to heavy periods
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naprosyn for cramps or pain
• Short-term hormonal therapy injections to help shrink the fibroids

Surgery and procedures used to treat fibroids include:

• Hysteroscopic resection of fibroids: Women who have fibroids growing inside the uterine cavity may need this outpatient procedure to remove the fibroid tumors.
• Uterine artery embolization: This procedure stops the blood supply to the fibroid, causing it to die and shrink. Women who may want to become pregnant in the future should discuss this procedure with their health care provider.
• Myomectomy: This surgery removes the fibroids. It is often the chosen treatment for women who want to have children, because it usually can preserve fertility. More fibroids can develop after a myomectomy.
• Hysterectomy: This invasive surgery may be an option if medicines do not work and other surgeries and procedures are not an option.

Support Groups:

National Uterine Fibroid Foundation - www.nuff.org

Expectations (prognosis):

Some women with fibroids have no symptoms and may not need treatment.

During a pregnancy, existing fibroids may grow due to the increased blood flow and estrogen levels. The fibroids usually return to their original size after the baby is delivered.

Complications:

Complications of fibroids include:

• Severe pain or excessively heavy bleeding that may require emergency surgery
• Twisting of the fibroid, which causes a blockage in nearby blood vessels feeding the tumor (surgery may be needed)
• Anemia (low red blood cell count) if the bleeding is very heavy
• Urinary tract infections, if pressure from the fibroid prevents the bladder from fully emptying
• Cancerous changes called leiomyosarcoma (rare)

In rare cases, fibroids may cause infertility. Fibroids may also cause complications if you become pregnant, although the risk is thought to be small:

• Some pregnant women with fibroids may deliever a premature baby because there is not enough room in the womb.
• A c-section may be needed if the fibroid blocks the birth canal or causes the baby to be in a dangerous position.
• Some pregnant women with fibroids have heavy bleeding immediately after giving birth.

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you have:

• Changes in your periods, including heavy bleeding, increased cramping, or bleeding between periods
• Fullness or heaviness in your lower belly area