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Fibroids Q&As

Published by Bupa's health information team, February 2009.

Answers to questions about fibroids

This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.

 

Is it possible for fibroids to come back after surgery?

Yes, there is a chance that they will come back unless you have a hysterectomy.

Explanation

The only way to completely get rid of your fibroids is to have a hysterectomy (have your womb removed). The fibroids can't come back after you have had this operation. However, after having a hysterectomy you won't be able to have any children. If you plan on having a baby you will need to consider having a myomectomy or non-surgical treatment for your fibroids instead.

A myomectomy is an operation which removes the fibroids, but not your womb. It's possible that your fibroids will grow back after you have had a myomectomy. Studies have shown that up to 45 percent of women find that their fibroids re-grow after a myomectomy, and sometimes another operation is needed to remove them again. Other treatments that don't involve a large operation may also help.

Speak to your GP or gynaecologist for advice on which type of treatment for fibroids would be most suitable for you.

Further information

Sources

  • Brewer DS, Endometriosis and fibroids; the complete guide to the causes, the symptoms and the treatments. London: Vermilion, 1995:144-145
  • Shaw RW, Soutter WP, Stanton SL. Gynaecology. 2nd ed. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 1997:448
  • Fibroids - effects of surgical treatments. BMJ Clinical Evidence. clinicalevidence.bmj.com, accessed 22 May 2008
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Will the symptoms of fibroids improve after I have gone through the menopause?

Yes, fibroids tend to shrink after the menopause so your symptoms should improve.

Explanation

The amount of the hormone oestrogen in your body decreases after the menopause. This will usually cause your fibroids to gradually shrink, which should mean that your symptoms are reduced. If you're approaching the menopause then it may be best for you to wait and see if your symptoms get better on their own before you consider having any surgical treatment.

Further information

Sources

  • Fibroids - effects of surgical treatments. BMJ Clinical Evidence. clinicalevidence.bmj.com, accessed 22 May 2008
  • Brewer DS, Endometriosis and fibroids; the complete guide to the causes, the symptoms and the treatments. London: Vermilion, 1995:144-145
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Can taking the contraceptive pill treat the symptoms of fibroids?

The combined contraceptive pill can be used to treat heavy periods and may be a useful treatment if your heavy periods are caused by fibroids.

Explanation

The combined contraceptive pill contains the hormones oestrogen and progesterone. It comes as tablets which you take every day for 21 days and then you have a seven day break. The combined contraceptive pill can be used as a treatment for fibroids and heavy painful periods. However, it isn't suitable if you wish to become pregnant. There are other reasons why the contraceptive pill may not be suitable for you, including if you're over the age of 35 and smoke or have high blood pressure. Your GP will be able to let you know whether the combined contraceptive pill would be a suitable treatment for you.

The combined contraceptive pill contains oestrogen, which is known to make fibroids grow. Because of this, you will be put on a pill that mainly consists of progesterone and only contains a low level of oestrogen. You will need to have regular check-ups with your doctor to make sure that your fibroids don't start growing more quickly after you have started taking the pill.

The combined oral contraceptive pill protects you from getting fibroids in the long term, and gets more effective at this the longer you take it for. So fibroids are less common in women who are already taking the combined contraceptive pill than in those who aren't.

Further information

Sources

  • Brewer DS, Endometriosis and fibroids; the complete guide to the causes, the symptoms and the treatments. London: Vermilion, 1995:144-145
  • Fibroids - effects of surgical treatments. BMJ Clinical Evidence. clinicalevidence.bmj.com, accessed 22 May 2008
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Will having a uterine artery embolisation make me infertile?

No, the procedure won't make you infertile.

Explanation

A uterine artery embolisation (UAE) is a procedure which blocks the blood supply to your fibroids. This causes them to shrink, which should mean that your symptoms improve.

Having a UAE shouldn't affect your fertility. Research suggests that the fertility of women who have had a UAE is no worse than that of women with fibroids who haven't had the procedure carried out. Some women who were infertile before their UAE have managed to become pregnant after the procedure, but this isn't guaranteed. Having a UAE also doesn't appear to increase your risk of having a miscarriage.

There is a very small risk of you becoming infertile if you develop an infection during or after the procedure. This is because an infection can occasionally mean that you need to have a hysterectomy (your womb removed) after the UAE.

There isn't much information available on whether having a UAE will affect the way that a baby grows within your womb if you do get pregnant in the future. Because of this, some doctors may be cautious about offering you this treatment if you wish to have a child in the future.

Further information

Sources

  • Hirst A, Dutton S, Wu O, et al. A multi-centre retrospective cohort study comparing the efficacy, safety and cost-effectiveness of hysterectomy and uterine artery embolisation for the treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids. The HOPEFUL study. Health Technol Assess 2008; 12(5):1-248. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  • O'Donovan P. Preserving your womb: alternatives to hysterectomy. 1st ed. Chipping Norton: Bladon Medical Publishing, 2004:99-101
  • Uterine artery embolisation for the treatment of fibroids. National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), 2004. www.nice.org.uk
  • West C. Understanding hysterectomy and the alternatives. Poole: Family Doctor Publications, in association with The British Medical Association, 2002:32-33, 50-53, 83
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This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.

Publication date: February 2009

 

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