Fibroids Tests, Monitoring, Management

Expert Fibroid Management: A Personalised Approach to Your Care

Being diagnosed with uterine fibroids can bring a wave of questions and concerns. Are they serious? Do I need surgery? How will this affect my periods and my fertility? At Happiher, we understand these anxieties, and our dedicated fibroid management service is designed to provide clear answers and a personalised plan that is right for you.

For many women, the best path forward is not immediate surgery. Our outpatient service focuses on comprehensive testing, active monitoring, and non-surgical management. Led by specialist consultant Dr. Manou Kaur, our goal is to manage your symptoms and monitor your fibroids effectively, empowering you to live comfortably and make unhurried, informed decisions about your long-term health.

Our Philosophy: Not All Fibroids Require Surgery

Fibroids are extremely common, non-cancerous growths of the uterus, and their presence alone does not automatically mean you need an operation. Our approach is guided by one key principle: we treat the symptoms, not just the scan report.

Our outpatient management program is ideal for women who:

• Have fibroids that are not causing severe, life-disrupting symptoms.
• Wish to avoid or delay surgery.
• Want to preserve their fertility and need careful monitoring.
• Are approaching menopause, when fibroids often shrink naturally.

Your Outpatient Journey: From Diagnosis to a Long-Term Plan

Our comprehensive service is designed to give you a complete picture of your health and a clear strategy for the future.

Step 1: The In-Depth Consultation: Your journey starts with a thorough discussion. We listen to your symptoms, your health history, and—most importantly—your personal goals regarding your periods, your fertility, and your quality of life.

Step 2: Advanced Diagnostic Imaging: A detailed diagnosis is key. Dr. Kaur will perform a high-resolution transvaginal ultrasound to precisely map your fibroids. We assess their number, size, exact location (e.g., within the uterine wall, in the cavity, or on the outer surface), and their blood supply. In some complex cases, an MRI may be used for an even more detailed “blueprint.”

Step 3: Creating Your Personalised Management Plan: This is a collaborative process. Based on your unique situation, we will discuss the best path forward:

Active Monitoring (“Watchful Waiting”): If your fibroids are small and you have no symptoms, the best plan is often simple observation with periodic follow-up scans to ensure they are not growing significantly.

Medical & Hormonal Management: For women with symptoms like heavy bleeding, we can explore a range of highly effective non-surgical options. This includes hormonal treatments like the hormonal coil (IUS), which can dramatically reduce bleeding, or other non-hormonal medications.

Surgical Planning: If your symptoms are severe or not responding to other treatments, we will discuss surgical options in detail. Our outpatient service is where we conduct all the necessary pre-operative planning for procedures like hysteroscopic, laparoscopic, or robotic-assisted myomectomy.

A Focus on Fertility and Uterus Preservation

For women who wish to conceive, the location and size of fibroids can be critical. Our management program is designed with fertility in mind.

• Careful Monitoring: We can track the growth of fibroids to see if they might impact the uterine cavity.
• Informed Pre-Conception Planning: We provide expert guidance on whether your fibroids may pose a risk during pregnancy and help you decide on the optimal timing for treatment versus conception.
• The Right Treatment at the Right Time: By monitoring your fibroids, we can help you choose the right time to intervene surgically, if needed, to maximize your chances of a successful pregnancy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can fibroids turn into cancer?
   Fibroids are almost always benign (non-cancerous). A type of cancerous fibroid, called a leiomyosarcoma, is extremely rare (estimated to occur in less than 1 in 1,000 cases). Rapid growth of a fibroid, especially after menopause, is a sign that warrants closer investigation.
2. Will my fibroids keep growing?
   Not necessarily. Fibroids are sensitive to hormones, so they may grow during your reproductive years. However, they often stop growing or even shrink after menopause when hormone levels decline.
3. Do I need to have my fibroids checked regularly?
   If you are on a “watchful waiting” plan, a follow-up scan is typically recommended every 6 to 12 months, or sooner if you develop new or worsening symptoms.
4. Can I manage heavy bleeding from fibroids without surgery?
   Yes, absolutely. The hormonal IUS (Mirena coil) is a very effective first-line treatment for reducing heavy menstrual bleeding caused by fibroids. Other medical options are also available.

Take Control of Your Fibroid Management

A diagnosis of fibroids doesn’t have to mean immediate surgery. We are here to provide the expert monitoring and personalised care you need to manage your health effectively.