Approximately 25% of women over the age of 35 have fibroids. A large part of managing these will lead to simple reassurance for many women who have had incidental scans for another reason and have been told they have fibroids.
Fibroids, however, can cause problems as they get larger. Depending on where they are sited in the uterus, they can be associated with heavy bleeding and pressure effects, particularly on the bladder. Good imaging techniques are essential to describe the size and position of the fibroids and then to counsel regarding appropriate treatment. Occasionally fibroids can be removed through a telescope within the womb (hysteroscopy). In other circumstances, particularly when preserving fertility, fibroids may have to be removed abdominally (myomectomy).