Uterine fibroid
Uterine fibroids are the most common benign tumour of the female reproductive system — occurring in up to 70% of women by age 50. Palmotićeva Clinic provides complete diagnostics (ultrasound, colour Doppler) and treatment counselling: monitoring, medication or minimally invasive surgery (laparoscopic myomectomy).
What are uterine fibroids?
A uterine fibroid (leiomyoma) is a benign tumor of the uterine muscle tissue. It is a round muscular formation with a capsule and vascular plexus that can be located in any part of the uterus, ranging from very small to very large. Fibroids are one of the most common gynecological diagnoses — a significant number of patients encounter them during a routine ultrasound examination.
The most common causes of fibroids are genetic predisposition and hormonal imbalance. Growth rates vary — some fibroids grow very rapidly, while others remain stable for years.
Symptoms of uterine fibroids
Fibroids can significantly impair quality of life. The most common complaints include:
- Heavy menstrual bleeding — may lead to decreased hemoglobin levels (anemia) and a significant reduction in quality of life during the menstrual cycle
- Lower abdominal pain — caused by the pressure the fibroid exerts on surrounding tissues
- Frequent or difficult urination — resulting from fibroid pressure on the bladder
- Constipation — caused by pressure on the rectum
- Infertility or miscarriage — fibroids can interfere with implantation and pregnancy development
- Abdominal distension — visible enlargement of the abdomen with larger fibroids
- Pain during sexual intercourse
Treatment methods for uterine fibroids
The choice of treatment is determined individually, taking into account the patient's age, pregnancy plans, the size and number of fibroids, and any accompanying conditions.
- Hormonal therapy — previously used only as preparation for surgery; it is now also available as a standalone therapy with regular check-ups
- Uterine artery embolization — a minimally invasive procedure that blocks blood flow through the arteries supplying the fibroids; one of the most important modern treatment methods
- HIFU ablation — a non-invasive procedure that destroys the central part of the fibroid using high-intensity focused ultrasound
- Hysteroscopic resectoscopy — submucosal fibroids are removed via a vaginal approach using operative hysteroscopy, without any abdominal incisions and with extremely fast recovery
- Laparoscopic myomectomy — removal of fibroids while preserving healthy uterine tissue through a minimally invasive approach; the method of choice for younger women and patients undergoing fertility treatment, with fewer postoperative complications and rapid recovery
- Open myomectomy — removal of fibroids through a conventional operation with a transverse incision on the anterior abdominal wall below the bikini line
- Hysterectomy — removal of the uterus with or without the cervix; performed laparoscopically or via open surgery
Why choose Palmotićeva Clinic?
At Palmotićeva Gynecology Clinic, you can schedule an examination, consultation, and if necessary — fibroid surgery. Given the wide range of fibroid types, sizes, and locations, as well as each patient's unique circumstances, we take pride in our individualized approach to every case.
- Complete diagnostics and treatment planning in one location
- Experienced specialists in laparoscopic and hysteroscopic procedures
- Individualized approach tailored to age and pregnancy plans
Performed by
Dr Slobodanka Petković
Specialist in Gynaecology & Obstetrics · 35+ years of experience
Patients often ask
A fibroid is a benign (non-cancerous) tumour of the uterine muscle wall. Most fibroids do not require treatment and are not dangerous. However, fibroids can cause heavy periods, pain, bladder pressure and fertility problems — in those situations, treatment is needed.
The primary diagnostic tool is transvaginal ultrasound with colour Doppler, which precisely shows the location, size and blood supply of the fibroid. Pelvic MRI can be performed for precise preoperative assessment.
The most common symptoms are: heavy and prolonged periods, painful periods (dysmenorrhoea), pelvic pressure, frequent urination, back pain, and in some cases difficulty conceiving.
It depends on location and size. Submucosal fibroids (growing towards the uterine cavity) can impede embryo implantation. In such cases, hysteroscopic myomectomy before planning pregnancy is often recommended.
Options depend on symptoms, size and location: monitoring without treatment for asymptomatic fibroids, hormonal therapy to control bleeding, laparoscopic myomectomy (removing the fibroid while preserving the uterus), or hysterectomy as a last resort for women not planning pregnancy.