Uterine Fibroids Care

Medication can help control symptoms but does not permanently treat fibroids. Hormonal medications may reduce heavy menstrual bleeding caused by fibroids, although they generally do not shrink the fibroids themselves.

There is one medication that can temporarily shrink fibroids, but because it may have significant side effects, it is typically used only in certain situations—most commonly before surgery to improve anemia or make a minimally invasive procedure easier. Once medication is discontinued, fibroids generally return to their previous size and symptoms often recur.

Uterine artery embolization is a minimally invasive, uterus-preserving procedure that may be an option for women who do not plan future pregnancies. During the procedure, an interventional radiologist blocks the blood supply to the fibroids, causing them to shrink over time.

Most women experience gradual improvement in heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, and pressure symptoms over the following months. Our team works closely with interventional radiologists to determine whether this treatment is the right option for you.

Henry Ford is committed to offering minimally invasive treatment whenever possible. Our surgeons are experienced in advanced hysteroscopic, laparoscopic, and robotic techniques and will recommend the least invasive approach that can safely and effectively treat your fibroids. While many women are candidates for minimally invasive surgery, the best surgical approach depends on the size, number, and location of your fibroids. In some cases, an abdominal (open) procedure offers the safest or most effective treatment.

Transcervical Radiofrequency Ablation

The Transcervical Radiofrequency Ablation System is an incision-free, outpatient procedure that treats selected fibroids through the vagina using ultrasound-guided radiofrequency energy. Over time, the treated fibroids shrink, leading to improvement in heavy menstrual bleeding and other fibroid symptoms.
Most women return to normal daily activities within a day or two after the procedure, while symptom improvement occurs gradually over the following weeks and months as the fibroids shrink. Our specialists will determine whether Sonata is the right treatment option based on the size, number, and location of your fibroids.

Myomectomy

A myomectomy removes fibroids while preserving the uterus and is often the preferred surgical option for women who wish to become pregnant in the future or who want to keep their uterus.
Depending on the size, number, and location of your fibroids, myomectomy may be performed hysteroscopically, laparoscopically, robotically, or through an abdominal incision. Although fibroids can recur over time, myomectomy offers effective symptom relief while preserving future reproductive options for many women.

Hysterectomy

For women who have completed childbearing and want a permanent solution, hysterectomy is the only treatment that completely eliminates fibroids and prevents them from returning.
Whenever possible, our surgeons perform hysterectomy using minimally invasive techniques, including laparoscopic or robotic-assisted surgery, which typically result in less pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery than traditional open surgery.