Fibroid Treatment Frequently Asked Questions

View further Questions and Answers about Fibroids Treatment options below.

• • What are fibroids?
  • Why do people get fibroids?
  • How do I know if I have fibroids?
  • How do you check for fibroids?
  • Can you leave fibroids untreated?
  • At what age can you have a hysterectomy?
  • Is Uterine Fibroid Embolization a new procedure?
  • Can I still have children after UFE?
  • Will I be cured after UFE?
  • How much is fibroid removal surgery?
  • UFE procedure cost in South Africa

What are fibroids?

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous, benign, growths of the uterus that often appear during childbearing years from the age of 20-55 years. Also called leiomyomas (lie-o-my-O-muhs) or myomas, uterine fibroids aren’t associated with an increased risk of uterine cancer and almost never develop into cancer.

Uterine fibroids develop from the smooth muscular tissue of the uterus (myometrium). A single cell divides repeatedly, eventually creating a firm, rubbery mass distinct from nearby tissue. The growth patterns of uterine fibroids vary — they may grow slowly or rapidly, or they may remain the same size. Some fibroids go through growth spurts, and some may shrink on their own. Many fibroids that have been present during pregnancy shrink or disappear after pregnancy, as the uterus goes back to a normal size.

Fibroids range in size from seedlings, undetectable by the human eye, to bulky masses that can distort and enlarge the uterus. They can be single or multiple, in extreme cases expanding the uterus so much that it reaches the rib cage.

As many as 3 out of 4 women have uterine fibroids sometime during their lives, but most are unaware of them because they often cause no symptoms. Your doctor may discover fibroids incidentally during a pelvic exam or ultrasound. Only seek treatment for fibroids causing problems such a bleeding, pain or bloating to name a few symptoms.

Why do people get fibroids?

While doctors still don’t know the cause of uterine fibroids, research and clinical experience point to the following factors:

• Genetic changes: Many fibroids contain changes in genes that differ from those in normal uterine muscle cells. There’s also some evidence that fibroids run in families and that identical twins are more likely to both have fibroids than nonidentical twins.
• Hormones: Estrogen and progesterone, two hormones that stimulate development of the uterine lining during each menstrual cycle in preparation for pregnancy, appear to promote the growth of fibroids. Fibroids contain more estrogen and progesterone receptors than normal uterine muscle cells do. Fibroids tend to shrink after menopause due to a decrease in hormone production.
• Other growth factors: Substances that help the body maintain tissues, such as insulin-like growth factor, may affect fibroid growth. Fibroid growth has not been linked to diet.

Although researchers continue to study the causes of fibroid tumors, little scientific evidence is available on how to prevent them. Preventing uterine fibroids may not be possible, but only a small percentage of these growths require treatment.

How do I know if I have fibroids?

Your doctor can often detect fibroids during a bimanual exam. The doctor or gynaecologist usually performs an ultrasound scan to confirm the presence and location of fibroids. See our post, Signs You May Have Fibroids, for detailed explanation on the below symptoms.

The most common symptoms of uterine fibroids include:

• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Prolonged menstrual periods — seven days or more of menstrual bleeding
• Pelvic pressure or pain
• Frequent urination
• Difficulty emptying your bladder
• Constipation
• Backache or leg pains

How do you check for fibroids?

Fibroids are diagnosed through a variety of tests. Some fibroids masses may be deductible from a pelvic exam by a doctor. Usually, the doctor will require further testing to confirm the presence of fibroids. An ultrasound or MRI may be required to see the fibroid and extent of it. If a person is experiencing symptoms such as prolonged menstrual bleeding, excessive menstrual bleeding, pain during sex and pelvic pain, consult a doctor to determine if fibroids could be the reason.

Can you leave fibroids untreated?

Asymptomatic fibroids can be left untreated and often do as many women are not even aware they have fibroids due to the lack of symptoms. Women with symptoms may also go without treatment if the symptoms are manageable for them. The need for treatment arises when fibroids cause debilitating symptoms such as prolonged menstrual bleeding and immense pain and discomfort. When the quality of life is being compromised, fibroids should be addressed promptly and efficiently to restore a woman’s health.

At what age can you have a hysterectomy?

A hysterectomy can be performed at almost any age though it is avoided by medical specialists in the case of younger women. Due to the irreversible nature of a hysterectomy, women need to be made aware that they will be unable to carry children if they undergo the procedure. Most often, medical specialists will consider all other options before resorting to a hysterectomy, though in the case of cancer or major fear of cancer there is often little else that can be done. There are alternatives to a hysterectomy.

Is Uterine Fibroid Embolization a new procedure?

Uterine Fibroid Embolization as a technique was pioneered in 1974 by Dr.Jean-Jacques Merland. As of this writing, the efficacy of UFE for treatment of uterine fibroids has been confirmed by numerous institutional and multi-center studies for well over a decade.

Can I still have children after UFE?

Fibroids usually don’t interfere with conception and pregnancy. However, it’s possible that fibroids could cause infertility or pregnancy loss. Submucosal fibroids may prevent implantation and growth of an embryo. In such cases, doctors often recommend removing these fibroids before attempting pregnancy, or if you’ve had multiple miscarriages. Rarely, fibroids can distort or block your fallopian tubes, or interfere with the passage of sperm from your cervix to your fallopian tubes. Uterine fibroid embolization does not interfere with your chances of falling pregnant.

It is wise to consult with a fertility specialist if your only problem is that you are unable to have a baby.

Will I be cured after UFE?

Uterine Fibroid Embolization enjoys a solid reputation for relief of major symptoms of fibroids.  The research shows that upwards of 90% of women find relief. The chances of recurrence are much lower than with myomectomy. Recurrence rates after myomectomy are reported to be as high as 60% while the recurrence with embolization is less than 20%.

Embolization is an excellent treatment alternative for patients who have already had a myomectomy and are now experiencing recurrent fibroids and symptoms. A repeat myomectomy is technically difficult because of the scarring in the abdomen. Embolization does not involve surgery and thereby does not have the risks associated with it that repeat surgery does.

How much is fibroid removal surgery?

Fibroid removal surgery cost will vary based on the type of surgical treatment a patient receives. The exact figure of treatment will depend on a range of factors including hospital fees, surgeon fees, anaesthetist fees as well as any other relevant charges. On average a myomectomy, which is the surgical removal of fibroids, costs around 30% more than uterine fibroid embolisation. The cost of a hysterectomy, which is surgical removal of the womb, is significantly higher.

UFE procedure cost in South Africa

Almost all medical aids will cover the procedure costs of UFE/UAE in South Africa. Contact us for any specific details about what is covered and we will also assist in the authorisation process with your medical aid.

Contact Us to Request a Consultation

Fibroid Care operates as an independent services consultancy. If you are a patient, feel free to call us directly at +27 (0)79 810 9423, or contact us via the form below. Our goal is to contact you by phone within two business days to review your medical and financial information.