Treatments for Uterine Fibroids

by Ricker Polsdorfer, MD

En Español (Spanish Version)

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 medications
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:

Uterine fibroids. The National Uterine Fibroids Foundation website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed December 7, 2017.

Uterine fibroids fact sheet. Women's Health—US Department of Health and Human Services website. Available at: https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/uterine-fibroids. Updated February 6, 2017. Accessed December 7, 2017.

Uterine leiomyoma. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T115612/Uterine-leiomyoma . Updated April 15, 2016. Accessed December 7, 2017.

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Last reviewed November 2018 by Beverly Siegal, MD, FACOG
Last Updated: 12/20/2014

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