Uterine Fibroid Treatment: How Are Fibroids Removed?

If you’ve been diagnosed with uterine fibroids, you may be wondering:

How are fibroids removed, and do they always need treatment?

The answer depends on the person.

Some fibroids cause little or no trouble and may only need monitoring. Others can lead to heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, bladder pressure, fertility concerns, or symptoms that interfere with daily life.

The best treatment may depend on your symptoms, the size and location of the fibroids, your overall health, and whether you hope to become pregnant in the future.

What are uterine fibroids?

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus.

Some women have fibroids without experiencing any symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may include:

Heavy or prolonged periods
Pelvic pain or pressure
Frequent urination
Pain during sex
Constipation or bowel pressure
Abdominal fullness
Fertility or pregnancy concerns

The size of a fibroid matters, but its location can be just as important.

Do all fibroids need to be removed?

No.

If fibroids aren’t causing significant symptoms, your doctor may recommend monitoring them rather than treating them immediately.

Treatment may become worth discussing if you experience:

Heavy bleeding or anemia
Ongoing pelvic pain
Bladder or bowel pressure
Pain during intercourse
Fertility concerns
Symptoms that are getting worse
Fibroids that are affecting your quality of life

Having fibroids doesn’t automatically mean you need surgery.

Treating fibroids vs. removing fibroids

Not every fibroid treatment actually removes the fibroid.

Some medications may help manage heavy bleeding, pain, or other symptoms.

Other procedures may shrink or destroy fibroid tissue.

Surgery may physically remove the fibroid.

The goal of treatment may be to control symptoms, shrink the fibroids, preserve fertility, remove the fibroids, or provide a more permanent solution.

How are fibroids removed?

One of the most common procedures used to remove fibroids is called a myomectomy.

A myomectomy removes fibroids while leaving the uterus in place.

There are several ways it may be performed.

Hysteroscopic myomectomy

Fibroids growing into the uterine cavity may sometimes be removed through the vagina and cervix using a thin instrument called a hysteroscope.

This approach doesn’t require an abdominal incision.

Laparoscopic or robotic myomectomy

Some fibroids can be removed through small abdominal incisions using minimally invasive surgery.

For the right patient, this may allow for smaller incisions and a shorter recovery than traditional open surgery.

Abdominal myomectomy

Larger, more numerous, or difficult-to-reach fibroids may sometimes require an open abdominal procedure.

The right approach depends on the number, size, and location of the fibroids.

Are there treatments that shrink fibroids instead?

Yes.

Some procedures treat fibroids without physically removing them.

Uterine artery embolization reduces the blood supply to fibroids, which can cause them to shrink.

Radiofrequency ablation uses heat energy to destroy fibroid tissue.

Focused ultrasound may also be used in certain patients to treat fibroid tissue without traditional surgery.

Not every procedure is right for every patient, especially when future pregnancy is a consideration.

What about hysterectomy?

A hysterectomy removes the uterus rather than individual fibroids.

Because the uterus is removed, fibroids can’t grow back afterward.

However, pregnancy is no longer possible following a hysterectomy, so fertility goals are an important part of the conversation.

A hysterectomy may be considered when symptoms are severe, other treatments aren’t appropriate, or future pregnancy isn’t desired.

How do fertility goals affect treatment?

If you hope to become pregnant in the future, tell your doctor early in the treatment process.

A myomectomy may be considered because it removes fibroids while preserving the uterus.

Your doctor will also consider whether the fibroids are changing the shape of the uterine cavity or potentially affecting fertility.

There isn’t one treatment that is best for every patient.

Can fibroids come back?

They can.

A myomectomy removes existing fibroids but doesn’t prevent new fibroids from developing later.

Treatments that shrink or destroy fibroids may also require additional treatment in the future.

This is one reason your age, symptoms, health history, and long-term goals all matter when choosing a treatment.

Questions to ask during a fibroid consultation

You don’t need to know which procedure you want before your appointment.

Consider asking:

How many fibroids do I have?
Where are they located?
How large are they?
Are my symptoms being caused by the fibroids?
Do I need treatment now?
Could minimally invasive surgery be an option?
How could treatment affect future pregnancy?
What would recovery look like?
Could my fibroids return?

There isn’t one right fibroid treatment

If you’re searching for ways to get rid of fibroids, remember that treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all.

Some women only need monitoring. Others may benefit from medication, a procedure that shrinks the fibroids, or surgery to remove them.

The important part is understanding what’s causing your symptoms and choosing a treatment that fits your health and future goals.

National Wellness Month is also a good reminder to pay attention when heavy bleeding, pain, pressure, or other symptoms begin affecting how you feel every day.

At The Kaldas Center, we take the time to understand your symptoms, evaluate your options, and determine whether monitoring, medical treatment, or a surgical solution may be appropriate.

Schedule an appointment with The Kaldas Center to start getting answers.

Medical Disclaimer

This article is for educational purposes only and isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Fibroid treatment depends on your individual symptoms, medical history, imaging findings, and fertility goals. Speak with a qualified healthcare provider about the treatment options that may be appropriate for you.