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Fibroid Specialist
Up to one in three women will have fibroids at some point in their life, most often in their 30s and 40s. While many women experience no symptoms at all and require only monitoring, fibroids can sometimes cause issues that impact your daily life, such as painful, heavy or irregular periods, as well as fertility problems.
If you have any concerns about fibroids, it’s always best to consult a specialist. They can determine if further investigation, monitoring or treatment is necessary.
What Are Fibroids?
Fibroids are noncancerous growths that are made up of muscle and fibrous tissue that form a hard, round ‘knot’ in and around the womb (uterus). They vary in size and typically develop during reproductive years, most frequently between the ages of 30 and 50. Fibroids tend to develop slowly until the menopause, when they usually shrink.
What causes fibroids?
It’s not completely clear what exactly causes fibroids, but we know that several factors can increase the likelihood of developing them:
- Hormones: Fibroids form during a woman’s reproductive years, when oestrogen levels are at their highest. They then tend to shrink when levels are low, after the menopause when your periods stop.
- Family history: If your mother, sister, or grandmother has a history of fibroids, you have an increased chance of developing them, suggesting a possible genetic predisposition.
- Ethnicity: Fibroids are thought to be more common if you are of African-Caribbean heritage.
- Lifestyle: A higher body weight can increase the risk of fibroids.
It’s important to know that taking the combined oral contraceptive pill does not appear to increase the risk of fibroids, while using a progestogen-only method of contraception may reduce the risk.
What Are the Typical Symptoms of Fibroids?
Many women with fibroids experience no symptoms, and you may only discover you have them during a routine examination or scan. However, if symptoms do occur, it’s important to discuss them with your doctor. Symptoms may include:
How Are Fibroids Diagnosed in Our Clinic?
We provide detailed consultations with consultant gynaecologists who are highly experienced in diagnosing and treating fibroids. They will discuss your symptoms with you, carry out a gentle examination of your abdomen and an internal examination, to assess the condition, size and shape of your womb. They will also carry out:
- An ultrasound scan: an advanced pelvic ultrasound provides us with a detailed picture of the internal structures of your uterus as well the size and location of any fibroids.
- A blood test: This can help diagnose fibroids by checking for anaemia, thyroid issues, and other conditions.
Case courtesy of Bruno Di Muzio, Radiopaedia.org. From the case rID: 31750
At The Medical Chambers we use highly accurate diagnostic tools, including 3D pelvic ultrasounds, to assess your womb and any fibroids. This can help to give us a clear understanding of what’s going on, and whether you require treatment or further monitoring.
What Is the Treatment for Fibroids?
Treatment depends on whether you have symptoms and how severe they are. We would also consider the size and location of the fibroids, and your individual needs, especially if you are thinking of starting a family. Options include:
- Monitoring: If you have mild or no symptoms, we may recommend simply monitoring your fibroids over time.
- Medication: Certain medications can reduce bleeding or manage pain. Fitting a progestogen-releasing intrauterine system can help to control bleeding and provide contraception. Special hormone blockers can shrink fibroids by mimicking the menopause.
- Minimally invasive procedures: We may refer you for cutting-edge techniques such as uterine artery embolisation or MRI guided focused ultrasound. These are less invasive than surgery, but their long term effects on fertility are still being researched.
- Surgery: In some cases, we may recommend surgery to remove the fibroids.
Can Fibroids Affect Your Fertility or Pregnancy?
Fortunately, many women with fibroids have healthy pregnancies. However, depending on their size and location, fibroids can sometimes affect the chances of conceiving. In some cases they can also increase the risk of miscarriage and premature birth.
If you’re trying for a baby and are worried you may have fibroids, it’s important to seek specialist advice. Our consultant gynaecologists – many of whom specialise in fertility – can offer guidance and personalised care to support you, advising on any potential risks and how to manage them.
See a Fibroid Specialist in London
We have a team of consultant gynaecologists here at the Medical Chambers Kensington who are leading experts in the diagnosis, management and treatment of fibroids. We offer specialist appointments that include a detailed consultation, a blood test and an advanced pelvic ultrasound scan.
To find out how our private fibroid specialists can help you, please telephone 020 7244 4200 for a confidential chat or make an appointment online.
