Certain topics in women’s health still don’t get the attention they deserve—silent struggles that too often go unspoken. Among them are uterine fibroids: a common yet frequently misunderstood condition that many women live with for years before seeking help. The discomfort, the fatigue, the heavy bleeding—these symptoms are often brushed off, normalised, or hidden in silence. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
The truth is, open conversations about gynaecological health are long overdue. And when it comes to fibroids treatment, understanding your options—and knowing you’re not alone—can be the first step towards feeling well again.
Why We Don’t Talk About It
There’s a cultural silence that still hangs over many aspects of women’s reproductive health. From period pain to pelvic disorders, society has long conditioned women to tolerate discomfort or keep their experiences private. Fibroids often fall into this category. Because they’re non-cancerous and relatively common, many are told to simply “wait it out” or that it’s “just part of being a woman”.
But anyone who has experienced the heavy, prolonged bleeding, pelvic pressure, bloating, or fatigue that can come with fibroids knows that the impact on daily life can be profound. They affect work, relationships, fertility, and emotional well-being. Yet for many, the thought of discussing it—even with a healthcare provider—can be daunting.
What Are Fibroids, Really?
Fibroids are benign (non-cancerous) tumours that develop in or around the uterus. They vary significantly in size, from tiny growths that go unnoticed to large masses that can distort the shape of the womb. While some women with fibroids experience no symptoms at all, others suffer debilitating effects that interfere with everyday life.
They can cause heavy or prolonged periods, pelvic pain or pressure, frequent urination, constipation, back pain, and pain during sex. In some cases, fibroids may also affect fertility or complicate pregnancy. Despite how common they are—affecting an estimated one in three women by the age of 50—they remain under-discussed.
Why Timely Treatment Matters
It’s not uncommon for women to live with symptoms for years without a precise diagnosis or any form of effective treatment. This delay can stem from normalising the symptoms, dismissive medical advice, or a simple lack of awareness. But the longer fibroids go untreated, the more likely they are to grow, which can increase the severity of symptoms and complicate treatment later on.
Fortunately, fibroid treatment has evolved considerably in recent years. With earlier diagnosis and access to informed care, women can now choose from a wide range of options—some of which are non-invasive and preserve fertility. But to reach that point, we need to normalise the conversation. Because choosing not to talk about it doesn’t make the symptoms go away—it just leaves women suffering in silence.
Exploring Your Treatment Options
There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to fibroid treatment. The best approach depends on several factors: the size and location of the fibroids, the severity of the symptoms, your age, general health, and whether you’re planning to have children in the future.
For some, a “watch and wait” approach may be suitable if the fibroids are small and asymptomatic. For others, medical treatments such as hormone therapy may help manage symptoms, though these typically offer temporary relief rather than a cure.
More recently, non-surgical procedures like uterine fibroid embolisation (UFE) have become popular, particularly for women looking to avoid traditional surgery. This procedure works by cutting off the blood supply to the fibroids, causing them to shrink over time. It is usually performed under local anaesthesia and involves a much shorter recovery period compared to surgery.
Surgical options also exist, including myomectomy (removal of the fibroids while preserving the uterus) and hysterectomy (removal of the uterus entirely). While hysterectomy is a definitive treatment, it’s a significant decision, especially for younger women who wish to retain their fertility.
This is where personalised care becomes essential. Seeing a gynaecologist who takes the time to understand your lifestyle, reproductive goals, and level of discomfort can make all the difference. The most sustainable, effective treatment plans are the ones built around you.
Breaking the Silence
One of the most significant barriers to care is silence—internal and external. Too many women put up with disruptive symptoms because they don’t realise how abnormal they are. Others are embarrassed or afraid of what a diagnosis might mean. Some fear surgery or worry they won’t be taken seriously by a doctor.
This is why open dialogue matters so much. When we talk about fibroids—not just in clinical settings, but in friendship groups, online communities, and family conversations—we create space for women to feel seen and supported. We make it easier for someone else to say, “That sounds like what I’m going through,” and to take the first step towards getting help.
A Holistic Approach to Wellness
Treating fibroids isn’t just about addressing physical symptoms—it’s about reclaiming quality of life. For some women, treatment leads to better sleep, renewed energy, and the ability to exercise or socialise again without fear of pain or bleeding. For others, it may bring peace of mind around fertility or simply lift the mental burden of chronic discomfort.
The most sustainable approach often combines medical treatment with lifestyle support. Nutritional changes, stress management, pelvic physiotherapy and complementary therapies may all play a role in recovery and ongoing health. Your well-being is not just a set of symptoms to be managed—it’s a whole life to be lived well.
When it comes to women’s health, silence helps no one. Conditions like fibroids should not be taboo, brushed aside, or quietly endured. With the proper knowledge, the right care, and the courage to speak up, women can find relief, regain confidence, and reconnect with their bodies.
If you or someone you know is struggling with symptoms that could be linked to fibroids, know that support and treatment are available. It starts with a conversation—and it ends with choice, dignity, and empowerment.
Because your health matters. And every part of your story, including the parts that are hard to talk about, deserves to be heard.
