It often starts quietly, with a little extra pain during periods, a heavier-than-usual flow, or a strange pressure in your lower abdomen. Most women brush it off. But sometimes, these “small changes” are your body’s way of whispering that something deeper is going on… something as common, yet misunderstood, as uterine fibroids.
Fibroids are incredibly common, yet surrounded by confusion and fear. Some women discover them accidentally during a routine scan. Others struggle for years with heavy bleeding, bloating, back pain, or infertility before getting diagnosed. The truth is: fibroids are treatable, manageable, and often far less scary when you understand your options.
The diagnosis of uterine fibroids can be worrying. Many women initially fear the worst, but learning the facts brings clarity and reassurance. This guide provides detailed information on the symptoms, causes, and all available treatment options, including both non-surgical and surgical approaches, as well as the latest minimally invasive procedures.
Uterine fibroids are benign (non-cancerous) tumors that grow from the muscular wall of the uterus. They can be:
Fibroids are not cancerous and rarely turn cancerous. But their size and position can impact menstrual health, fertility, and day-to-day comfort.
What Causes Fibroids?
The exact cause is still being researched, but the most common triggers include:
Fibroids grow when these hormone levels are high, which is why they are most common during reproductive years.
If your mother or sister has fibroids, your chances increase significantly.
Higher body fat increases estrogen levels, encouraging fibroid growth.
More lifetime exposure to estrogen increases fibroid risk.
Increasingly recognised as a contributing factor, and is very common in Indian women.
Understanding these helps you plan preventive care and long-term management.
The right treatment for fibroids depends on their size, number, location, symptoms, and whether you wish to preserve fertility. Here are the most common and effective options:
If your fibroids are small, not causing symptoms, or found incidentally, your doctor may recommend regular check-ups and ultrasounds.
Best for: Mild or no symptoms.
While medicines can’t permanently shrink fibroids, they help manage symptoms.
Best for: Symptom control, short-term relief, or pre-surgical management.
A non-surgical procedure where the blood supply to fibroids is blocked, causing them to shrink.
Recovery: Quick, usually 1 week.
Best for: Women not planning pregnancy and looking for a non-surgical option.
Targets and shrinks fibroids using heat energy.
Recovery: Fast, minimal pain.
Uses ultrasound waves to destroy fibroid tissue without incisions.
Surgical removal of fibroids while keeping the uterus intact.
Can be done through laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, or an open procedure.
Best for: Women who want to preserve fertility.
Complete removal of the uterus.
This is the only permanent cure for fibroids.
Best for: Severe symptoms, very large fibroids, or those who do not want future pregnancies.
While lifestyle changes cannot remove fibroids, they help support overall well-being.
Deciding on the best option involves discussing:
A gynaecologist can help you understand what will work best for your body and long-term health.
