Treatments for Uterine Fibroids

The treatments for uterine fibroids are directed toward controlling your symptoms. The goals of treatment are to reduce blood loss and to eliminate symptoms.

Possible approaches include:

Watching and waiting
Over-the-counter and/or prescription medicines
Measures to reduce excessive bleeding
Treatments for anemia
Procedures to destroy or remove the uterine fibroids
Removal of the entire uterus (only in the most severe cases and when pregnancy is no longer desired)

No one treatment option is best for all women. Many factors influence which choice is right for you including:

Age
Medical history
Symptoms
Number and location of fibroids

If you have fibroids, talk to your doctor about the different options available. Make sure to weigh all the risks and benefits of each treatment before making your decision.

Treatment involves:

Lifestyle changes Medications Surgery

References

Leiomyoma. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/ . Updated May 22, 2012. Accessed August 16, 2012.

Uterine fibroids. The National Uterine Fibroids Foundation website. Available at: http://www.nuff.org/health%5Futerinefibroids.htm . Accessed August 16, 2012.

Uterine fibroids fact sheet. Womens Health.gov website. Available at: http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/uterine-fibroids.cfm . Updated May 13, 2008. Accessed August 16, 2012.

Revision Information

Reviewer: Andrea Chisholm
Review Date: 09/2012
Update Date: 00/91/2012

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.