Fibroids are fairly common and mainly affect women between the ages of 16 - 50.
Fibroids are non cancerous growths and mainly affect women in their reproductive years. Many women can have them and not know, but fibroids can grow and as they increase in size they can cause pain and discomfort.
What are the symptoms of fibroids?
Tummy bloating and discomfort
If a fibroid is particularly large it may make you feel bloated and cause pain in your stomach
Pelvic pain
Heavy or painful periods
Lower back pain
More frequent urges to urinate
Changes to your bowel movements
Pain during intercourse
Difficulty getting pregnant
How do you diagnose fibroids?
We can check for fibroids with a pelvic examination or an internal ultrasound scan.
What causes fibroids?
It is unclear what causes fibroids, but factors can increase your risk of getting them such as being over weight, having a diet low in fruit and vegetables, having family history of fibroids and being on the contraceptive pill.
How are fibroids removed?
If you are nearing menopause then the fibroids will go away on their own. However, if you are younger the fibroids may grow and cause pain.
There is no medicine that will shrink a fibroid but you can take anti inflammatory medicine or progesterone to slow down the growth of the lining of your womb.
If these do not help, you may be offered a hysterectomy. This is the removal of your womb and is the most effective way to remove the growths.
If you want to have children in your future then a myomectomy can be considered, depending on the size of your fibroids. This is keyhole surgery to the uterus to remove the fibroids from the wall lining but it doesn't guarantee they won't return.
How do I book a consultation?
You can book a consultation with Evi Bakali via her secretary or direct with Spire Healthcare.
Appointments are available via private medical insurance or paying for yourself. Click here for the most up to date self funding fees and for private medical insurance information.