Fibroids (myomas)

Fibroids (Myomas): Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment Options in London

Fibroids are super common — but just because they’re common doesn’t mean they should be ignored. For many women, fibroids cause uncomfortable symptoms that impact daily life, fertility and overall wellbeing. If you’ve been diagnosed with fibroids or think you might have them, you’re not alone — and expert help is available.

At Happiher, we offer bespoke care for women with fibroids, combining advanced surgical expertise with a patient-first approach. If you’re looking for a private gynaecologist in London, this guide will help you understand your options.

What Are Fibroids?

Fibroids, also known as myomas or leiomyomas, are non-cancerous growths of muscle and fibrous tissue that develop in or around the uterus (womb). They can be tiny (undetectable to the human eye) or large (distorting and enlarging the uterus). Fibroid tumours is another term used to describe these growths.

Fibroids are classified by their location:

• Intramural fibroids: grow within the muscular wall of the uterus

• Submucosal fibroids: grow into the cavity of the womb

• Subserosal fibroids: grow on the outer wall of the uterus

• Pedunculated fibroids: attached to the uterus by a stalk

Risk Factors

Uterine fibroids are a common condition that affects many women, especially those of childbearing age. Several risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing fibroids:

• Family History: If your mum or sister had fibroids, you’re more likely to get fibroids yourself. Genetics play a big role in fibroid growth.

• Age: Fibroids are most common in women between 30-50. As women age, the likelihood of getting fibroids increases.

• Ethnicity: Research shows that African American women are more likely to get fibroids than women of other ethnicities. They also tend to get fibroids younger and have more severe symptoms.

• Obesity: Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of getting fibroids. Excess body fat can affect hormone levels which may promote fibroid growth.* Diet: A diet high in red meat and low in fruits and vegetables may increase the risk of getting fibroids. A balanced diet is key to managing your risk.

• Hormone Levels: High levels of oestrogen and progesterone, the hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle, can stimulate fibroid growth. Hormonal fluctuations during reproductive years are a big factor in fibroid development.

Knowing these risk factors can help you take proactive steps in managing your health and seeking early intervention if needed.

How Common Are Fibroids?

Most fibroids are very common, especially in women aged 30-50. It’s estimated that up to 70% of women will get fibroids at some point during their reproductive years, although not all will have symptoms.

What Causes Fibroids?

The exact cause of fibroids isn’t fully understood but several factors may play a role:

Fibroids develop due to a combination of hormonal, genetic and lifestyle factors.

• Hormones: Oestrogen and progesterone promote fibroid growth

• Genetic factors: Family history of fibroids increases risk

• Ethnicity: Fibroids are more common and more severe in women of African-Caribbean descent

• Lifestyle factors: Obesity and diet may influence risk

Symptoms of Fibroids

Many fibroids cause no symptoms and are found incidentally during routine pelvic exams or scans. However, the symptoms caused by fibroids when they do occur can be significant.

Common symptoms include:

• Heavy or prolonged periods

• Pelvic pain or pressure

• Bloating or feeling full in the abdomen

• Pain during sex

• Frequent urination

• Constipation

• Difficulty conceiving or recurrent miscarriage (in some cases)

The type, size and location of fibroids determine the symptoms.

How Are Fibroids Diagnosed?

Diagnosis usually starts with a consultation and examination. Doctors play a big role in diagnosing fibroids and recommending treatment options.

At Happiher, diagnostic options may include:

• Pelvic ultrasound: the first line imaging test for fibroids

• Transvaginal ultrasound: for a closer look at the uterus and ovaries

• MRI scan: for complex cases especially when planning surgery* Saline sonohysterography: to assess submucosal fibroids within the uterine cavity

Accurate diagnosis means we can offer the right treatment — tailored to your symptoms, goals and future fertility plans.

Fibroids and Pregnancy

Fibroids can affect pregnancy in several ways and the impact depends on the size and location of the fibroids. Women with large uterine fibroids may experience:

• Heavy Menstrual Bleeding: Fibroids can cause heavy bleeding during pregnancy which can lead to anaemia. This needs to be monitored to ensure mother and baby are healthy.

• Pelvic Pain: Fibroids can cause significant pelvic pain and pressure making pregnancy more uncomfortable.

• Frequent Urination: Large fibroids can press on the bladder causing frequent urination. This can be particularly bothersome during pregnancy when bladder pressure is already increased.

• Miscarriage: Fibroids especially those in the uterine cavity can increase the risk of miscarriage. The size and position of the fibroid is a critical factor in this risk.

• Preterm Labour: Fibroids can increase the risk of preterm labour and delivery. Close monitoring by your healthcare provider is essential to manage this risk.

• Placenta Previa: Fibroids can increase the risk of placenta previa, a condition where the placenta covers the cervix and can complicate delivery.

If you are pregnant and have fibroids, it’s essential to work closely with your healthcare provider to monitor your condition and manage any symptoms that arise.

Do Fibroids Affect Fertility?

Fibroids can affect fertility sometimes depending on the size and location. Fibroids grow in different ways and their size and location can affect fertility. Submucosal fibroids (those growing into the uterine cavity) are most likely to affect implantation and pregnancy outcomes. However many women with fibroids conceive and have healthy pregnancies without issues.

If fertility is a concern, expert assessment and treatment planning is crucial.

Complications of Untreated Fibroids

Untreated fibroids can lead to several complications some of which can impact your health and quality of life:

• Anaemia: Heavy menstrual bleeding caused by fibroids can lead to anaemia, a condition where there is a deficiency of red blood cells. This can cause fatigue, weakness and other health issues.* Severe Symptoms: Untreated fibroids can cause severe symptoms like intense pelvic pain, heavy bleeding and frequent urination. These symptoms can disrupt daily life and need medical attention.

• Infertility: Large fibroids can make it difficult to conceive. They can block the implantation of the embryo or the fallopian tubes.

• Pregnancy Complications: Untreated fibroids can increase the risk of pregnancy complications like miscarriage, preterm labour and placenta previa. These risks need to be monitored and managed.

• Uterine Rupture: In rare cases large fibroids can cause the uterus to rupture during pregnancy or delivery posing a serious risk to both mother and baby.

• Cancer: While rare, fibroids can increase the risk of uterine cancer. Seek medical attention if you have symptoms of fibroids or if you are pregnant and have a history of fibroids.

A doctor can help you develop a treatment plan to manage your symptoms and prevent complications. Early intervention and regular monitoring is key to your health and well-being.

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Treatment Options for Fibroids

Not all fibroids need treatment. If they are not causing symptoms, monitoring them with regular scans may be enough. But if they are causing pain, bleeding or fertility problems, treatment options include targeting the blood flow to fibroids to shrink them.

Minimally Invasive Procedures

An interventional radiologist performs UAE by cutting off the blood supply to fibroids.

Other Options

Radiofrequency ablation is a procedure that uses sound waves to treat fibroids. UAE involves injecting small particles to block the blood supply to fibroids.

Medical Management

Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus. They can cause various symptoms like heavy menstrual bleeding, pain and pressure in the pelvic area. While some fibroids may not need treatment, others can be managed through various medical interventions. Medication can be used to manage symptoms caused by fibroids and it’s important to consult healthcare providers about the side effects and complications of these medications.

Medical management options:* Hormonal therapies (e.g., GnRH analogues) to shrink fibroids temporarily. These medications work by regulating hormone levels to reduce the size of fibroids and manage symptoms.

• Mirena coil to manage heavy periods

• Non-hormonal medications to control bleeding and pain

Minimally Invasive Procedures

• Laparoscopic (keyhole) myomectomy: surgical removal of fibroids, preserving the uterus. This procedure involves making a few small incisions to insert surgical tools and a camera, unlike the traditional method that requires a larger incision in the abdomen.

• Robotic-assisted myomectomy: even greater precision and quicker recovery. This procedure requires only small incisions, minimising recovery time and potential complications.

• Hysteroscopic resection: removal of fibroids inside the uterine cavity using a small camera

At Happiher, Dr Kaur specialises in minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgery, providing patients with shorter recovery times, less pain and excellent surgical outcomes.

Other Options

Choose the right treatment depends on your symptoms, future fertility plans, the size and location of the fibroids and your overall health. Some fibroids need treatment due to significant symptoms or health risks like iron-deficiency anemia.

• Uterine artery embolisation (UAE): non-surgical procedure performed by radiologists to shrink fibroids

• Hysterectomy: removal of the uterus, considered only for severe symptoms when childbearing is complete

Living with Fibroids

Fibroids can be frustrating, painful and emotionally draining especially when symptoms disrupt daily life or fertility. Managing fibroids is an important part of women’s health as it empowers female patients with relevant information and updates from medical experts. But you don’t have to suffer in silence or settle for uncertainty.

At Happiher, we work with you to understand your unique needs and create a plan that puts your health and happiness first.

Why Choose Happiher for Fibroid Care?

If you’re looking for a fibroid specialist in London, Happiher offers:

• Rapid access to expert consultations

• Comprehensive diagnostic imaging

• Specialised minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgery

• Fertility-preserving surgical options

• Woman-centred care at every stageFibroids, also known as uterine myomas, are non-cancerous growths in or around the uterus. Many women may not know they have them as they don’t have symptoms, while a smaller percentage may have symptoms that can affect pregnancy or fertility.

We are located at Chelsea & Westminster, The Lister and The Wellington Hospital.

Conclusion

Fibroids are common but you are not a statistic. Whether you’re managing heavy periods, pelvic pain or planning a family in the future, help is available — and it can make all the difference.

At Happiher we care.