A fibroid is a common benign tumor of the uterus, composed of fibrous, or connective, tissue. It is estimated that up to 70 percent of women develop uterine fibroids in their lifetime.
Some women with uterine fibroids have no symptoms, or have only mild symptoms, while other women have more severe, debilitating symptoms. Common uterine fibroid symptoms include:
Large fibroids can usually be identified during a regular gynecologic exam. Ultrasound can identify most fibroids, and office hysteroscopy is an excellent tool for detecting uterine fibroids inside the uterine cavity. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) gives the best information about the exact location and size of the fibroids and is very useful in assessing treatment options. MRI also can be helpful in determining if there is a different type of pathology in the uterus that is causing the symptoms.
Fibroid treatment is highly personalized and depends on a number of factors, including severity of symptoms, size of the fibroids, and desire for fertility preservation. Asymptomatic fibroids may not require any treatment. On the other hand, fibroids that cause infertility or debilitating symptoms may be treated with a range of options. Here are a few examples of fibroid treatments:
The latest surgical treatments for fibroids include minimally invasive (laparoscopic and robotic) surgical techniques, which offer smaller incisions and faster recovery than open surgical techniques. These procedures should be performed by a gynecologic surgeon who is experienced in minimally invasive techniques. Examples of surgical treatments for fibroids include:
Non-surgical fibroid treatments include:
The Center for Infertility and Reproductive Surgery (CIRS) at Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) is one of the premier infertility and reproductive medicine programs in the country. Our renowned team has one of the highest numbers of physicians in the nation that are certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology in reproductive endocrinology and fertility services. Our specialized expertise and access to the latest therapies and technologies in reproductive disorders and reproductive surgery enable us to tailor treatments to meet your individual needs.
View a list of our doctors that specialize in fibroid treatment.
The faculty members and researchers at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology are dedicated to doing everything possible to provide women and their families with the most advanced care available anywhere.
As a teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School, we are world-renowned for our expertise in gynecology and pregnancy, and have been a trusted name in women’s health for more than 180 years. Our rich history includes landmark research that has helped guide the care provided to women around the world. Learn more about our research.
Our commitment to patient- and family-focused care has shaped our Center for Women and Newborns at the Mary Horrigan Connors Center for Women’s Health – world-renowned for the quality of our obstetrical and neonatal care and dedicated to the most comprehensive state-of-the-art obstetrical services under one roof. U.S. News & World Report has ranked Brigham and Women’s Hospital the #1 hospital in the nation for obstetrics and gynecology.
BWH has long been committed to not only the care of our patients but also the many other needs that they and their families have. This philosophy of patient- and family-focused care – involving systems and services that emphasize healing in a comfortable, relaxed environment – is a guiding force behind the care we provide.
BWH is committed to providing all of our patients with the safest, highest-quality, most-satisfying care possible and follow established protocols that have been shown to improve patient outcomes. Our Inpatient Satisfaction Survey, sent to patients’ to assess their total care experience, helps us to monitor what we are doing well and where we could improve. We pride ourselves in the Quality of Patient Care we provide and how we compare with other hospitals.
If you believe you should have an evaluation and would like to schedule an appointment with one of our fibroid treatment experts, call 1-800-294-9999 to speak to one of our knowledgeable coordinators who can help to connect you to the doctor that best meets your needs, or fill out an online appointment request.
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