Fibroid removal
Fibroids are growths that can occur on the inside, outside or in the wall of your uterus. They're very common – half of all women have them, usually in their 40s and 50s.
Can you have fibroids and not know it? Yes. You may not experience any symptoms. Depending on their size and location, you may experience symptoms including heavy bleeding, pain, bloating and urinary frequency.
Fibroids are almost always benign, but you may opt for fibroid removal if they're causing you problems.
Myomectomy
If you still want to become pregnant, fibroids can be removed by a surgery called myomectomy. This surgery removes the fibroids while keeping the uterus intact. Your HonorHealth gynecologist will typically do this surgery on an outpatient basis using minimally invasive laparoscopic or robotic surgical techniques that require small incisions.
Fibroid removal options after having children
If you're done having children, you have two options:
- Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE): This non-surgical procedure is performed by an HonorHealth interventional radiologist. The minimally invasive procedure uses polyvinyl alcohol particles to block blood flow to arteries supplying the fibroids, shrinking them over time.
- Hysterectomy: Minimally invasive or open surgery to remove the uterus.
Discuss with your gynecologist to determine which procedure would benefit you most.