Hysterectomy

• Surgical removal of the uterus.
• Expect a hospital stay and a recovery period.

• Fibroids never come back because the uterus is removed.

• Reproductive potential is lost. Other side effects possible.
• Recovery time is typically several weeks.

Abdominal myomectomy

• Removal of one or more of the fibroids with open abdominal surgery.

• Preserves the uterus and cervix.

• A re-occurrence of the fibroid symptoms is possible if new fibroids grow.

Laparoscopic or hysteroscopic myomectomy

• One or more of the fibroids are removed using laparoscopic or endoscopic techniques.

• Less invasive than open abdominal myomectomy, fibroids can be removed via abdominal endoscope or the cervix/vagina.

• Not suitable for larger, multiple, or deep fibroids.

Uterine artery embolization

• The uterine artery is blocked with small particles; the fibroid is starved of its blood supply.

• Symptom relief with shorter hospital stay than hysterectomy or myomectomy.

• Risks include radiation, premature menopause, serious infection, bleeding and embolization of other than the fibroids.

Magnetic Resonance guided Focused Ultrasound

• The use of focused ultrasound waves to heat and destroy fibroid tissue. MRI images are used for treatment planning and feedback.

• No surgical incision required. No radiation; quick return to normal life.

• Fibroid recurrence not proven. Not suitable for persons contraindicated for MRI.

Hormone therapy

• A drug treatment that causes fibroid shrinkage.

• Non-surgical, conservative method of fibroid treatment.

• Treatment is only effective for 6-12 months.
• Causes menopausal symptoms.
• May result in rapid return of symptoms after stopping treatment.

Watchful waiting

• No treatment.

• Monitoring for any progression of symptoms.

• Sometimes fibroid symptoms diminish with menopause.

• Fibroids can continue to grow with an increase in symptoms.
• Fibroids beyond a certain size may require surgery.