What are the main symptoms of uterine fibroids, and do all fibroids require surgery?

Uterine fibroids are benign (non-cancerous) muscle tumours of the uterus. Not all fibroids need treatment or surgery.

If fibroids are small and non-symptomatic, simple monitoring is often all that is required.

Treatment is usually recommended when fibroids cause noticeable symptoms, such as:

Exceptionally heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding leading to iron deficiency or anaemia.

Pelvic pressure, fullness, or a visible lower abdominal bulge.

Frequent urination or difficulty emptying the bladder due to pressure on adjacent organs.

Constipation or lower back discomfort.

Depending on their size, number, and location (submucosal, intramural, or subserosal), treatment ranges from non-hormonal and hormonal medications to uterine artery embolisation to minimally invasive procedures like hysteroscopic or robotic assisted laparoscopic myomectomy (fibroid removal).