Conditions

Fibroids Treatment

Dr Brooke O’Brien has a particular interest in diagnosing and treatment for women with uterine fibroids.

Fibroids

Overview

Uterine fibroids are the most common benign (non-cancerous) growth of the muscle and fibrous tissue that grow in the uterus.

Up to 30% of women in their 30's and up to 40% of women in the 40's may develop uterine fibroids.

Types of Fibroids

Different types of Uterine Fibroids

A pelvic ultrasound will detect any type of fibroid you may have, below is the different types of fibroids you could have;

Intramural fibroids - fibroids that are within the muscle of the wall of the uterus. Small fibroids are often asymptomatic and do not need treatment. If there are several fibroids, or they become very large, or are causing heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) they may require treatment.

Subserosal fibroids - fibroids that are on the outside of the uterus, and very rarely cause a problem unless they are very large and press on other organs.

Submucosal fibroids - fibroids that grow inside the cavity of the uterus and most commonly cause heavy bleeding. These can often be easily removed with a Hysteroscopy.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids

Abnormal uterine bleeding, with heavy menstrual bleeding and bleeding between periods.

Pressure on the bladder or bowel with large fibroids

Infertility and miscarriage

Pain

Abdominal mass when fibroids are large and cause abdominal swelling.

Treatment of Fibroids

Treatment Options

Many fibroids do not cause any symptoms and can be left alone or monitored with a repeat ultrasound.

However, if a fibroid is causing any of the above problems, treatment may be required. Treatment depends on the type of fibroid, desire for future fertility, the size of the fibroid and your personal preference.

Medications can be given to shrink the fibroid(s), however this is usually a short term option (3-6 months) due to side effects, and usually only prior to surgery.

Surgery options include;

Hysteroscopic resection for submucosal fibroid.
Myomectomy for removal of intramural fibroids, where the fibroid is cut out of the uterus and the uterus is left intact. This is usually only performed for women who desire future fertility.
Hysterectomy - for women who have significant symptoms, large fibroids and have completed their family.

Please discuss your concerns and options for treatment with Dr Brooke O’Brien.

To find out more about the services we offer or to book an appointment, contact us today for a confidential discussion.

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Contact Us

At Nurture Gynaecology, Dr Brooke O’Brien and her women's health team value every single patient. Our practice is located in Everton Park, on the northside of Brisbane.

Contact us today to book your gynaecologist appointment with Dr Brooke O’Brien.