6733 8810 
Uterine Fibroids
Dr Christopher Ng
Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist
MBBS (Imperial College, UK), MMed (O&G) (S’pore), FRANZCOG (Aust-NZ), FAMS (O&G) (S’pore)
What are Uterine Fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths on the uterus. They are fairly common amongst women of childbearing age—about 30% of women above the age of 35 will have uterine fibroids.
Uterine fibroids, also called myomas or leiomyomas, are composed of muscle and fibrous tissue. They come in different sizes, ranging from the size of a seedling to a bulky mass. Large fibroids can cause the abdomen to distend. When this happens, the fibroids can press on organs, resulting in increased pelvic pressure, frequent urge to urinate and difficulty passing motion. They can also cause heavy prolong menstrual bleeding. Fibroids can also contribute to infertility along with pregnancy and childbirth complications.
However, the risk of the fibroid being cancerous remains low and for the majority of women, it does not cause any symptoms nor affect daily activities.
What are the Signs & Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids?
As uterine fibroids vary in size and numbers, women who display signs and symptoms often experience the following problems:
Heavy menstrual bleeding
The growth of uterine fibroids distorts the uterine cavity and endometrium (lining of the uterus) resulting in longer and heavier menstrual bleeding.
Abdominal cramps or discomfort
As fibroids enlarge, they increase the surface area of the uterine lining, which can result in cramps during periods or discomfort in their lower abdomen and pelvis.
Menstrual period lasting for more than a week
Fibroids may distort the uterine cavity resulting in prolong menstrual bleeding and even spotting between periods.
Frequent urination
As the fibroids grow, the uterus also expands. When this happens, the enlarged uterus presses onto the bladder resulting in frequent urination.
Backache and leg pain
Some fibroids may protrude out from the uterus compressing the lower back near the spinal column. When fibroids increase in size, they can press onto nerves located along the spine, causing pain. Similarly, fibroids can also constrict the nerves and blood vessels that extend down to the legs, which may also result in pain and discomfort.
Constipation and bloated stomach
When fibroids enlarge and protrude out posteriorly against the colon, faecal bowel movements can be obstructed resulting in bloating or constipation.
What Causes Uterine Fibroids?
Although the exact cause of uterine fibroids is not fully understood, the following have been found to be possible factors contributing to the development of fibroids:
Hormones
Oestrogen and progesterone, the hormones that thicken the lining of the uterus during menstruation, may promote the growth of fibroids.
Genetics
Fibroids may be hereditary. Women with a family history of uterine fibroids are more likely to develop them.
What are the Treatments for Uterine Fibroids?
If you experience any of the above symptoms, we advise you to seek treatment. Options at our gynaecology clinic include observation, medication or surgery.
Medication
Medication may be prescribed to relieve pain and reduce heavy menstrual flow. This will help alleviate the discomfort temporarily. There are also drugs available to reduce the size of fibroids and they may be useful for women who are not fit for surgery or decline surgery. Some medications to treat uterine fibroid symptoms include:
- Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists
- Progestin-releasing intrauterine system (IUS)
- Tranexamic acid
- Contraceptive pills
Myomectomy
This is a surgical procedure to remove the fibroids while leaving the uterus intact. With myomectomy, there is a chance of the fibroids recurring in the future.
Patients who undergo this type of fibroid surgery experience decreased heavy menstrual bleeding and relief of pelvic pressure. This treatment is suitable for women who have fibroid symptoms and desire to have children in the future (fertility preservation).
Hysterectomy
A hysterectomy is the permanent solution to resolving fibroid problems. It involves removing the entire uterus which means that the patient will not be able to conceive in the future. The uterus, or womb, is where the foetus grows and develops. The uterus sheds its lining monthly in the form of menstruation so after a hysterectomy, a woman will also no longer have her monthly periods.
A hysterectomy is a recommendation made only when other treatments have failed to resolve the symptoms of uterine fibroids. Additionally, during fibroid surgery surrounding tissues and organs like the ovaries and fallopian tubes may also be removed.
FAQs on Uterine Fibroids
Fibroids are common benign growths arising from the uterus and they affect approximately 30% of women aged 35 and above.
Small fibroids that are asymptomatic may not require treatment. However, they may grow in response to oestrogen stimulation. Some fibroids may also shrink in size after menopause, when oestrogen levels decrease.
Women who are 20–50 years old or premenopausal are usually at higher risk of developing fibroids. There are also other risk factors such as race, family history and obesity.
Fibroids can cause infertility because they can distort the shape of the cervical canal, which can impede the entry of sperm into the uterus. They can also alter the shape of the uterine cavity which impairs implantation of the embryo and lead to miscarriage or infertility.
Fibroids are usually not cancerous and only 1% will ever develop cancer. These tend to grow rapidly in size.
Gynaecological Services We Provide
From routine women’s health needs to complex medical issues, our clinic is here to support you.
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Dr Christopher Ng
Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist in Singapore
Qualifications & Credentials
- Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (Imperial College, UK)
- Master of Medicine in Obstetrics and Gynaecology (Singapore)
- Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
- Fellow of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore (Obstetrics & Gynaecology)
Dr Christopher Ng is a dedicated obstetrician and gynaecologist with over two decades of experience. Having been educated and trained in Singapore, the UK and the US, Dr Ng brings with him a wealth of experience and medical knowledge that puts his patient’s wellbeing to the fore.
Dr Ng also complements his practice with aesthetics and has obtained Certificates of Competence in all aesthetic procedures recognised by the Singapore Medical Council Aesthetic Practice Oversight Committee.
With over 30 years of dedicated service in the field of women’s health and rejuvenation, Dr Ng remains steadfast in his commitment to provide compassionate, personalised and effective care to all his patients.
Dr Christopher Ng is a dedicated obstetrician and gynaecologist with over two decades of experience. Having been educated and trained in Singapore, the UK and the US, Dr Ng brings with him a wealth of experience and medical knowledge that puts his patient’s wellbeing to the fore.
Dr Ng also complements his practice with aesthetics and has obtained Certificates of Competence in all aesthetic procedures recognised by the Singapore Medical Council Aesthetic Practice Oversight Committee.
With over 30 years of dedicated service in the field of women’s health and rejuvenation, Dr Ng remains steadfast in his commitment to provide compassionate, personalised and effective care to all his patients.
1 Orchard Boulevard, #04-03A Camden Medical Centre, Singapore 248649
Phone:+65 6733 8810
Fax:+65 6733 8850
After Office:+65 6535 8833
Email:gynaemd@singnet.com.sg
Mon - Friday:0900h to 1730h
Saturday:0900h to 1300h
Lunch Break:1300h to 1400h
Closed on Public Holiday and Sunday