Fibroids
Lumps of muscle in the womb
Fibroids are lumps of muscle that grow in or on the womb. They are very common and are not cancer. Many women have no symptoms. Others have heavy periods, pain or a swollen tummy. Dr Leng Meng Chik, an obstetrician and gynaecologist at KPJ Seremban Specialist Hospital, checks fibroids with a scan and explains your choices.
Good to know
Most fibroids do not need surgery. If they are not causing problems, you can leave them alone. Dr Leng may suggest a scan now and then to keep an eye on them.
See a doctor soon if you have
- Bleeding so heavy you soak a pad every hour
- Feeling dizzy, faint or short of breath
- Sudden, severe pain in your tummy
- A lump that grows fast, especially after menopause
If you have any of these, please see a doctor soon. For sudden, severe pain or heavy bleeding, go to the nearest emergency department.
What are the symptoms?
Many women find out they have fibroids by chance, during a scan for something else. When fibroids do cause symptoms, these are the most common:
- Heavy or long periods
- Pain in the tummy or lower back
- Needing to pee often
- Constipation
- Pain or discomfort during sex
What causes fibroids?
Doctors do not know the exact cause. Fibroids are linked to oestrogen, the main female hormone. This is why they can grow during the years you have periods and often shrink after menopause.
How does Dr Leng check for fibroids?
She asks about your periods and feels your tummy. An ultrasound scan shows the size and place of each fibroid. If your periods are heavy, a blood test checks for anaemia. Sometimes an MRI scan is needed before surgery.
What are the treatment choices?
The right choice depends on the size and place of your fibroids, your symptoms and whether you want a pregnancy in future.
- Watch and wait, with a scan now and then
- Medicines to make periods lighter and less painful
- Medicines to shrink fibroids for a short time, often before surgery
- Myomectomy: surgery to remove the fibroids and keep the womb
- Hysterectomy: surgery to remove the womb, for women who do not plan more pregnancies
Can I get pregnant if I have fibroids?
Most women with fibroids can get pregnant and have a healthy baby. Fibroids inside the cavity of the womb can sometimes make it harder. Dr Leng will tell you if yours are likely to matter.
What else do women ask about fibroids?
Can fibroids turn into cancer?
Very rarely. Almost all fibroids stay harmless. A rare cancer can look like a fibroid on a scan. Tell Dr Leng if a lump grows fast, especially after menopause, so she can check it.
Will fibroids go away on their own?
They often shrink after menopause, when hormone levels drop. Before menopause, they may stay the same size or grow slowly. Some women never need treatment.
Do I need a hysterectomy?
Not usually. Many women do well with medicine or with surgery to remove only the fibroids. Hysterectomy is one choice among several. It is mainly for women who do not plan more pregnancies.
Can fibroids cause problems in pregnancy?
Sometimes. Fibroids can grow or cause pain during pregnancy. Most pregnancies with fibroids go well. Dr Leng checks them on your pregnancy scans.
Dr Leng Meng ChikConsultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, MD (UNIMAS), MRCOG (UK). MMC 54266. KPJ Seremban Specialist Hospital. About Dr Leng
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Related conditions
See Dr Leng about fibroids in Seremban.
Bring your questions. Dr Leng will explain what is going on and help you choose what to do next.