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Fibroids & Cysts
Understanding Fibroids & Ovarian Cysts
Fibroids and ovarian cysts can cause pain, heavy or irregular bleeding, bloating, and fertility problems, significantly affecting a woman’s overall health and quality of life.
Have more questions about Fibroids and Ovarian Cysts?
Fibroids are noncancerous growths that develop in or on the muscle wall of the uterus, often influenced by hormonal and genetic factors.
They can vary in size and number, and while some cause no symptoms, others lead to heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain or pressure, frequent urination, constipation, back pain, and in some cases, fertility or pregnancy complications.
Management of fibroids depends on their size, location, symptoms, and a woman’s fertility goals.
Mild or symptom-free fibroids may simply be monitored. For symptomatic cases, treatments include medications (such as hormonal therapies or NSAIDs to control bleeding and pain), minimally invasive procedures like uterine artery embolisation to shrink fibroids, and surgical options such as myomectomy (fibroid removal) or hysterectomy (uterus removal) in severe cases.
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop on or inside the ovaries, often as part of the normal menstrual cycle.
Most cysts are harmless and disappear on their own, but some can grow large, rupture, or twist (ovarian torsion), leading to pelvic pain, bloating, fullness or pressure in the abdomen, changes in menstrual cycles, and sometimes pain during sex or urination.
In rare cases, they may cause severe pain or complications requiring urgent medical attention.
Management of ovarian cysts depends on their type, size, and the symptoms they cause.
Small, simple cysts often need only observation and regular ultrasound monitoring, as they may resolve on their own. Hormonal treatments, such as birth control pills, can help prevent new cysts from forming.
If cysts are large, persistent, or causing pain, surgical removal (usually by laparoscopy) may be required. In rare cases where a cyst appears suspicious for cancer, further investigation or more extensive surgery is needed.
The goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms, prevent complications, and preserve ovarian function whenever possible.