Uterine fibroids: Uterine fibroids are benign tumors of the uterus (the womb) and the single most common indication for hysterectomy.

Uterine fibroids can be present, but be inapparent. However, they are clinically apparent in up to 25% of all women and cause significant morbidity (disease), including prolonged or heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pressure or pain, and, in rare cases, reproductive dysfunction. Both the economic cost and the effect of fibroids on the quality of life are substantial.

Since most fibroids stop growing or may even shrink as a woman approaches menopause, the physician may simply suggest "watchful waiting." With this approach, the physician monitors the woman's symptoms carefully to ensure that there are no significant changes or developments and that the fibroids are not growing.

In women whose fibroids are large or are causing significant symptoms, treatment may be necessary. Treatment will be determined by your physician(s) based on:

Watchful waiting

If you're like most women with uterine fibroids, you have no signs or symptoms. In your case, watchful waiting (expectant management) could be the best course. Fibroids aren't cancerous. They rarely interfere with pregnancy. They usually grow slowly and tend to shrink after menopause when levels of reproductive hormones dropUterine artery embolization is a new procedure aimed at preventing the need for major surgery. The method stops the blood supply that makes fibroids grow. The long-term effects of this procedure are still unknown, and the safety of pregnancy after this procedure is questionable.

A laparotomic myomectomy (also known as an open or abdominal myomectomy) is the most invasive surgical procedure to remove fibroids. The physician makes an incision in the abdominal wall and removes the fibroid from the uterus. A particularly extensive laparotomic procedure may necessitate that any future births be conducted by Caesarean section.

Watchful waiting. If your fibroids don't cause symptoms, treatment isn't needed. Your doctor may want to check the fibroids at each of your annual gynecological exams to make sure they aren't growing.

Taking birth control pills, which can help control excessive menstrual bleeding caused by fibroids. However, there are possible side effects, including high blood pressure, blood clots and higher risks of heart or liver disease. Studies suggest that fibroids will come back after treatment ends.

Increase consumption of fruits, vegetables and also green leafy vegetables in your diet. Vegetables and fruits are packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber, antioxidants, and many other substances, which together are very beneficial for your health.

Increase your consumption of cold-water fish like wild salmon to 3 times a week, fish such as salmon, tuna, mackerel and cod. Farmed salmon is often artificially colored with added synthetic pigments to mask its naturally-occurring, unappetizing pale gray color.

Myolysis involves using electrical current passed through a needle to destroy blood vessels that supply the uterine fibroids and allow them to grow. This procedure, which usually is performed through a small incision in the abdomen, may affect fertility.