Does Every Fibroid Require Surgery?

If the fibroid is very small (e.g., 1-3 cm), located on the outer surface of the uterus, and does not cause any complaints such as bleeding or pain, it is not operated on. Your doctor will simply apply a "Wait and See" strategy, monitoring the growth rate of the fibroid through 6-month or annual ultrasound check-ups.

If the fibroid presses against the inner lining of the uterus (endometrium) causing excessive menstrual bleeding that leads to anemia, if it presses on the intestines or bladder causing constipation/frequent urination, if it prevents a baby from attaching (infertility), or if it suddenly grows very rapidly, it must definitely be surgically removed (Myomectomy).

Yes. If there is a risk for the patient to undergo surgery, the growth of the fibroid can be stopped and bleeding reduced with certain hormone medications (birth control pills, GNRH analogues). Also, with an interventional angiography method called "Uterine Artery Embolization," the vessel feeding the fibroid is blocked, causing the fibroid to become deprived of blood and shrink.