Your treatment options, compared

Regular review of symptoms and scans without active treatment.

Sometimes considered for

Sometimes considered when fibroids are small, symptoms are mild, or menopause is close.

Recovery

No recovery time.

Fertility

No direct effect on fertility either way.

Trade-offs

Fibroids may grow, and symptoms can change over time.

Hormonal and non-hormonal medicines used to reduce bleeding, manage pain or temporarily shrink fibroids.

Sometimes considered for

Sometimes considered for symptom control, or before a planned procedure.

Recovery

None, though side effects vary by medicine.

Fertility

Some medicines are not suitable while trying to conceive.

Trade-offs

Symptoms often return when treatment stops. Not a permanent solution.

Focused ultrasound energy is used to treat fibroid tissue through the skin, guided by ultrasound or MRI.

Sometimes considered for

May be considered for certain fibroid types, sizes and positions. Eligibility depends on imaging and is decided by a specialist.

Recovery

Often a short recovery, but this varies by centre and by case.

Fertility

Uterus-preserving. Evidence on pregnancy outcomes is still developing and must be discussed with a specialist.

Trade-offs

Not available everywhere, not suitable for every fibroid, and re-treatment is sometimes needed.

An interventional radiologist blocks the blood supply to fibroids through a small catheter.

Sometimes considered for

Sometimes considered for multiple fibroids or heavy bleeding.

Recovery

Usually shorter than open surgery; cramping is common in the first days.

Fertility

Uterus-preserving, but its effect on future pregnancy is debated and needs specialist discussion.

Trade-offs

Fibroids can regrow; some women need further treatment.

Heat delivered directly into a fibroid through a small probe, often laparoscopically.

Sometimes considered for

Sometimes considered for specific fibroid numbers and positions.

Recovery

Often shorter than open surgery.

Fertility

Uterus-preserving; fertility evidence should be discussed with a specialist.

Trade-offs

Availability is limited and not all fibroids can be reached.

Surgical removal of fibroids while keeping the uterus.

Sometimes considered for

Frequently considered where fertility matters or where fibroids are large or numerous.

Recovery

Varies widely by approach — from days to several weeks.

Fertility

Uterus-preserving and commonly chosen by women planning pregnancy.

Trade-offs

Surgical risks apply, and new fibroids can develop later.

Removal of the uterus.

Sometimes considered for

Considered when a definitive end to fibroid symptoms is the goal.

Recovery

Several weeks, depending on the surgical approach.

Fertility

Pregnancy is no longer possible afterwards.

Trade-offs

Permanent and irreversible. Many women are offered it early; a second opinion on uterus-preserving options is reasonable.