Understand the concern
Symptoms can include heavy bleeding, pressure and bowel or bladder problems. Size, position and number influence the effect of fibroids.
What assessment may involve
Ultrasound helps map the fibroids. Discuss which symptoms they explain and whether another cause also needs assessment.
Care options to discuss
Monitoring, bleeding treatments, fibroid removal, embolisation or hysterectomy may be discussed. Benefits and effects on future pregnancy differ.
These are discussion points, not a prescription. Suitability and availability vary.
Practical next steps
Ask where the fibroids are, their size and whether they explain your symptoms. A fibroid found on a scan does not automatically require treatment. Record bleeding, pressure, bladder symptoms and the effect on your life, and tell the team about future pregnancy plans.
Follow-up and decisions
Compare the aims of medicines and procedures: symptom control, shrinking or removing fibroids, or treating the uterus more extensively. Ask about recovery, possible recurrence and fertility effects. If monitoring is chosen, clarify which changes should bring you back sooner.
A question you may have
Does every fibroid need surgery?
No. Fibroids without troublesome symptoms may need no treatment.
Prepare for your appointment
What to record
Note bleeding, pressure, bladder symptoms and future pregnancy plans.
Questions worth asking
Which fibroid is likely to explain my symptoms?
What are the benefits and disadvantages of keeping my womb?