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Video

Video: Uterine fibroids treatments: When to consider treatment

By Mayo Clinic staff

Transcript

Roger Harms, M.D., Mayo Clinic specialist in obstetrics-gynecology

Fibroids should be treated when the woman has (signs and) symptoms. In the majority of cases, those symptoms may be pain — maybe with a period or maybe at other times. Sometimes fibroids cause excessive bleeding with periods or bleeding between periods. Occasionally fibroids may grow large enough to put pressure on neighboring organs in the pelvis and that produces symptoms or problems with bladder or bowel function. Under those circumstances, it's wise (to seek care) because the treatment is effective. Without symptoms, almost always, the fibroids can simply be observed.

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References
  1. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists. Alternatives to hysterectomy in the management of leiomyomas. Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2008;112:387.
  2. Evans P, et al. Uterine fibroid tumors: Diagnosis and treatment. American Family Physician. 2007;75:1503.
  3. Harms RW (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Jan. 28, 2009.

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April 21, 2009

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