Being told you have fibroids can come as a surprise, especially if they were discovered during a routine scan or while investigating symptoms such as heavy periods or fertility concerns.For many women, the first reaction is often worry. Are they dangerous? Will I need surgery? Will they affect my ability to have children? The good news is that fibroids are very common, and many women with fibroids have no symptoms at all. In many cases, they can be managed successfully with monitoring or treatment tailored to your individual needs.
Understanding what fibroids are and how they may affect your health—is the first step towards making informed decisions about your care.
What Are Fibroids?
Fibroids, also known as uterine fibroids or leiomyomas, are non-cancerous (benign) growths that develop from the muscle of the uterus. They are not cancer, and the vast majority will never become cancerous.Fibroids can vary significantly in:
- Size (from a few millimetres to several centimetres)
- Number (a single fibroid or multiple fibroids)
- Location within the uterus
Because every fibroid is different, every woman’s experience is different too. Some women never know they have fibroids until they are found incidentally during an ultrasound, while others experience symptoms that affect their quality of life.
What Symptoms Can Fibroids Cause?
Many fibroids cause no symptoms at all. However, depending on their size and location, fibroids may cause:
- Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
- Pelvic pressure or a feeling of fullness
- Pelvic pain or discomfort
- Frequent urination due to pressure on the bladder
- Constipation if pressure is placed on the bowel
- Pain during intercourse
- Lower back pain
In some cases, fibroids may also affect fertility or pregnancy, although this depends largely on where they are located within the uterus.
Can Fibroids Affect Fertility?
Not all fibroids affect fertility. Many women with fibroids conceive naturally and go on to have healthy pregnancies.However, certain fibroids particularly those that distort the cavity of the uterus—may interfere with implantation, increase the risk of miscarriage, or contribute to difficulty conceiving.
Factors that may influence whether fibroids affect fertility include:
- Their size
- Their location
- The number of fibroids present
- Whether they change the shape of the uterine cavity
If you are trying to conceive or planning a pregnancy, your fertility specialist or gynaecologist can assess whether your fibroids are likely to impact fertility and whether treatment is recommended.
Do Fibroids Always Need Treatment?
One of the most common misconceptions about fibroids is that they always need to be removed. In reality, many fibroids require no treatment at all. If they are small, not causing symptoms, and are unlikely to affect fertility or pregnancy, your doctor may simply recommend monitoring them over time. Treatment is generally considered when fibroids:
- Cause heavy menstrual bleeding
- Lead to pelvic pain or pressure
- Affect fertility or recurrent miscarriage
- Grow rapidly
- Significantly impact quality of life
The decision to treat fibroids is highly individual and depends on your symptoms, reproductive goals, and overall health.
What Treatment Options Are Available?
If treatment is needed, there are several options available. These may include:
Monitoring
Many fibroids can simply be observed with regular follow-up appointments and imaging.
Medication
Some medications can help manage symptoms such as heavy bleeding or temporarily reduce fibroid size, depending on your individual situation.
Surgical Management
For women whose fibroids are causing significant symptoms or affecting fertility, surgery may be recommended. The most appropriate surgical approach depends on the size, number, and location of the fibroids, as well as whether future pregnancy is planned. Your specialist will discuss the benefits and risks of each option to help determine the most appropriate treatment for you.
Every Woman’s Situation Is Different
Fibroids are incredibly common, but there is no one-size-fits-all approach to management. Some women never require treatment. Others benefit from medication or surgery to improve symptoms or optimise fertility outcomes. This is why personalised assessment is so important. Understanding the characteristics of your fibroids and how they relate to your symptoms and future plans allows your healthcare team to develop a treatment plan tailored specifically to you.
A Diagnosis Is the Beginning, Not the End
Receiving a diagnosis of fibroids can feel overwhelming, but it is important to remember that it is also the beginning of understanding what is happening in your body. With the right assessment and guidance, most women have a range of management options available. Whether your goal is to reduce symptoms, improve fertility, or simply monitor your condition, personalised care can help you make informed decisions with confidence. A diagnosis is not something to fear. It is the first step towards understanding your health and planning for your future.