Fibroids are noncancerous growths that develop in or on the muscular walls of the uterus. Many women have fibroids sometime during their lives. While fibroids do not always cause symptoms, their size, location, and number can lead to problems for some women.
If fibroids cause severe symptoms, the most common treatment option is surgery to remove the fibroids. But fibroid surgery comes with risks like infection, bleeding, blood clots, damage to other organs, longer recovery times, repeat procedures if fibroids grow back, and hysterectomy. Because of these risks, many women want to know if there are ways to get rid of fibroids without surgery.
Conclusion
Yes, there are several ways to get rid of fibroids without surgery. The options include:
- Medications – Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists can shrink fibroids by blocking estrogen and progesterone production. Birth control pills can help manage heavy bleeding and pain.
- MRI-guided focused ultrasound – Noninvasive procedure uses focused ultrasound waves to destroy fibroid tissue.
- Uterine artery embolization – Blocks blood flow to fibroids, causing them to shrink.
- Myomectomy – Removes fibroids but leaves the uterus intact.
- Natural treatments – Diet, supplements, stress reduction may help manage symptoms.
- Watchful waiting – Monitoring fibroids for growth and symptoms if they aren’t problematic.
The best approach depends on the number, size and location of fibroids, severity of symptoms, plans for pregnancy, and one’s preferences for medical procedures. While natural and non-invasive options do not make fibroids disappear completely, they can often significantly shrink fibroids and relieve symptoms without surgery.
What are fibroids?
Uterine fibroids, also called leiomyomas or myomas, are noncancerous growths of smooth muscle cells and fibrous connective tissue in the wall of the uterus. While the cause is unclear, fibroids seem to result from genetic changes that allow uterine muscle cells to multiply rapidly.
Fibroids can grow as a single tumor or in clusters. They range in size from microscopic to several inches across. Some remain small and undetectable, while others grow large enough to distort and enlarge the uterus.
Most fibroids develop within the uterine wall (intramural fibroids). Some grow inward into the uterine cavity (submucosal fibroids), and others grow on the outer surface of the uterus (subserosal fibroids). Some can even grow on stalks extending outside the uterus (pedunculated fibroids).
Prevalence of uterine fibroids
Uterine fibroids are extremely common, affecting 20-80% of women by age 50. Risk factors include:
- Genetics – Having a family member with fibroids increases risk.
- Race – African American women 2-3 times more likely to develop fibroids.
- Age – Fibroids become more common in 30s and 40s until menopause.
- Obesity
- Eating habits – Eating more beef, ham and red meat.
- Birth control – Taking oral contraceptives before age 16.
- Pregnancy – Never giving birth.
Symptoms and complications
Most fibroids do not cause any symptoms. However, larger fibroids can press on nearby organs and nerves, causing:
- Heavy, prolonged menstrual periods
- Menstrual pain (cramps)
- Pelvic pain, pressure, fullness
- Frequent urination
- Lower back pain
- Pain during sex
- Reproductive problems, like infertility, miscarriages
- Pregnancy complications
Rarely, fibroids can cause rapid growth of abnormal uterine muscle cells. Another uncommon complication is a form of cancer called leiomyosarcoma.
When is surgery necessary to remove fibroids?
Most women with asymptomatic fibroids can simply have regular checkups to monitor fibroid growth. For those with mild to moderate symptoms, medication and natural treatments often work well to control symptoms.
But for women with severe, debilitating symptoms, surgery is often the quickest and most definitive solution. Doctors usually recommend surgery if fibroids:
- Are larger than a 4-5 month pregnancy
- Cause prolonged, heavy menstrual bleeding (anemia)
- Press on the bowel or bladder leading to loss of control or obstruction
- Cause severe abdominal or back pain
- Are suspected to be cancerous or rapidly growing
- Make pregnancy difficult or cause recurrent miscarriage
Surgery may also be a good option if fibroids are causing severe symptoms that do not respond to other treatments. But there are surgical and nonsurgical options that can allow many women to avoid major surgery.
Nonsurgical and minimally invasive ways to remove fibroids
Medications
Medications typically do not make fibroids disappear completely. But they can shrink fibroids and often effectively manage troublesome symptoms like heavy bleeding and pelvic pain until menopause when fibroids typically shrink on their own.
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists
GnRH agonists treat fibroids by blocking the production of estrogen and progesterone, putting the body in a temporary postmenopausal state. Common GnRH agonists include leuprolide (Lupron, Eligard), goserelin (Zoladex), triptorelin (Trelstar), and histrelin (Vantas).
Studies show GnRH agonists shrink fibroids by about 30%-50% in 3 to 6 months of use. But fibroids often regrow after discontinuation. To maintain results, GnRH agonists are sometimes used before surgery to shrink fibroids to allow a vaginal or less invasive procedure.
Potential side effects of GnRH agonists include menopause-like symptoms like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, decreased bone density, and mood changes.
Oral contraceptives
Birth control pills do not reduce fibroid size. But by regulating menstrual cycles and balancing hormone levels, they often help manage heavy and painful periods associated with fibroids. Some newer oral contraceptives specifically aim to reduce menstrual bleeding.
MRI-guided focused ultrasound surgery
MRI-guided focused ultrasound surgery is a noninvasive approach that uses focused ultrasound waves to destroy uterine fibroid tissue. The procedure is done while the patient is conscious, pain-free, and relaxed inside an MRI scanner equipped with a focused ultrasound device.
The MRI allows the doctor to pinpoint fibroids and guide the ultrasound beam. The ultrasound then heats and eliminates fibroid tissue while leaving surrounding areas unharmed.
Clinical studies show focused ultrasound surgery reduces fibroid symptoms and shrinks tumors by about 40-60% 12 months after treatment. Patients can usually go home the same day and return to normal activities within 1-2 days.
Uterine fibroid embolization
Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), also called uterine artery embolization, blocks blood flow to fibroids, causing them to die and shrink. It is performed by an interventional radiologist and takes about 1 hour.
The doctor inserts a thin tube into a blood vessel in the groin and guides it to the arteries supplying blood to the uterus and fibroids. Then small particles are injected to block the flow of blood. Imaging techniques help the doctor monitor and precisely control the injection.
Embolization shrinks fibroids by about 40-60% within 3-6 months. Most women return home the same day and can resume usual activities within 1 week.
Myomectomy
Myomectomy is the surgical removal of uterine fibroids while leaving the uterus intact. It maintains the woman’s ability to have children.
In traditional open myomectomy, the surgeon accesses the uterus through a large abdominal incision. With laparoscopic myomectomy, the surgeon uses a lighted viewing instrument (laparoscope) and small instruments inserted through several small abdominal incisions.
Robotic myomectomy uses a specialized robotic system for improved visualization, precision, flexibility, and control. It is minimally invasive like laparoscopy but allows a range of motion similar to open surgery.
Studies show myomectomy provides significant symptom relief in 80-90% of patients. Fibroids do not recur in around 8% of patients. Recurrence rates depend on the number, type, and location of fibroids removed.
Natural medicine treatments for fibroids without surgery
Natural and holistic medicine aims to treat the body as a whole versus isolated symptoms. For fibroids, the goals are removing potential triggers, promoting hormone balance, improving circulation, relieving inflammation and symptoms like cramping.
Natural approaches cannot eliminate fibroids that have already formed. But they may help slow or stop the development of new fibroids. And they can shrink fibroids and greatly reduce fibroid symptoms for some women, potentially avoiding the need for surgery.
Dietary changes
Some foods and nutrients can help balance hormones, reduce inflammation, and discourage fibroid growth. Potential dietary tips include:
- Eat lots of fruits and vegetables, especially dark leafy greens.
- Choose organic foods when possible to avoid hormone-disrupting chemicals.
- Increase omega-3 fatty acids from fish and fish oil.
- Reduce saturated animal fats.
- Avoid alcohol, caffeine, sugar, dairy, gluten, red meat.
Vitamins, minerals, and supplements
Certain natural supplements may help stabilize hormones, reduce bleeding, decrease inflammation, and discourage fibroid growth and symptoms. Options to consider include:
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin C
- B complex vitamins
- Iron
- Magnesium
- Selenium
- Zinc
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Proteolytic enzymes
- Antioxidants like turmeric
- Herbs like milk thistle, ginger, red clover, green tea extract
Acupuncture
Acupuncture uses ultra-thin needles inserted in specific points on the body to stimulate nerve activity. This triggers the release of the body’s natural pain relievers called endorphins. By improving energy flow, acupuncture may help relieve fibroid symptoms.
Stress management
Stress can create hormone imbalances and promote inflammation that may encourage fibroid growth and symptoms. Relaxation techniques like meditation, guided imagery, deep breathing exercises, yoga, or tai chi can help manage stress.
Exercise
Regular exercise helps manage weight, boosts blood flow, reduces inflammation, balances hormones, and relieves stress. Aim for 30 minutes per day of moderate exercise like brisk walking, swimming, or cycling.
Massage
Massage can increase blood flow, promote relaxation, decrease cramping and back pain, improve mood, and lower stress hormones related to fibroids. Therapeutic self-massage or regular massages may help control symptoms.
Watchful waiting as an alternative to fibroid removal surgery
Watchful waiting involves monitoring fibroids during periodic examinations to check for growth and symptoms. It avoids unnecessary medical procedures in women whose fibroids are not currently causing problems.
However, tell your doctor about any changes like:
- Increasing abdominal swelling and discomfort
- Worsening menstrual pain and bleeding
- Bladder or bowel problems due to fibroid growth
- Severe pain or rapid increase in pain
Monitoring for unpredictable growth and complications allows treatment if fibroids begin affecting quality of life. But about 80% of fibroids do not require any intervention or can be managed with nonsurgical approaches.
The best approach to removing fibroids without surgery
The best approach depends on factors like:
- Number, size, location, and type of fibroids
- Severity of symptoms
- Age and proximity to menopause when fibroids typically shrink
- Desire for pregnancy
- Personal preferences regarding medications, procedures, risks, and downtime
A combination approach often works best. For example:
- Noninvasive: Focused ultrasound surgery to shrink large fibroids, combined with holistic treatments like supplements, massage, and acupuncture to control symptoms.
- Medications: Oral contraceptives to reduce heavy bleeding alongside GnRH agonists to shrink fibroids before attempting conception.
- Minimally invasive: Laparoscopic or robotic myomectomy to remove problematic fibroids while keeping the uterus intact for future pregnancy.
While medications, natural approaches, and minimally invasive procedures do not guarantee fibroids will not return, they can significantly shrink fibroids and relieve debilitating symptoms for many women. This allows them to take a more conservative approach and avoid major surgery.
Conclusions
Yes, there are several effective options that allow many women to get rid of fibroids without surgery, including:
- Medications like GnRH agonists and birth control pills
- Noninvasive MRI-guided focused ultrasound surgery
- Uterine fibroid embolization
- Minimally invasive myomectomy
- Natural approaches involving diet, exercise, stress reduction
- Watchful waiting if fibroids are not currently problematic
The best approach depends on the specific circumstances. While medication and natural options do not eliminate fibroids, they can often dramatically shrink fibroids and reduce symptoms, potentially avoiding major surgery.
Women should have an open discussion with their doctor regarding the pros and cons of all options for their individual situation. Many women with fibroids can achieve significant relief and avoid hysterectomy through nonsurgical treatment options.