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Condition guide · Gynaecology

Fibroids

Heavy periods, pressure or pelvic pain — what fibroids are, why they happen, and how we can help.

Fibroids assessment at Bridge House Clinic
What is fibroids?

Fibroids are benign (non-cancerous) growths of muscle and fibrous tissue that develop in or around the womb.

They're very common, and many women have them without any symptoms at all. When they do cause problems — like heavy periods or pelvic pressure — there's a lot we can do to help, often starting with the least invasive option.

01Symptoms

Symptoms of fibroids.

Many fibroids cause no symptoms — but when they do, these are the most common.

01Heavy or prolonged periodsOften the first sign — periods that are heavier than usual, last longer, or pass clots. Over time this can lead to tiredness from low iron.
02Pelvic pressure or fullnessA feeling of heaviness or bloating low in the tummy, sometimes with a noticeable swelling.
03Pelvic pain or discomfortAn ache low in the pelvis, or pain during periods — and sometimes discomfort during sex.
04Needing to pass urine more oftenA larger fibroid can press on the bladder or bowel, causing you to go more often or feel you can't fully empty.
Sound familiar?Book an assessment with a consultant and get a clear picture — usually the same or next week.
02Causes & risk factors

Why it happens.

The exact cause isn't fully understood, but several things make fibroids more likely. They're benign and often grow slowly.

Hormones (oestrogen & progesterone)
Family history
Age — most common in your 30s–40s
Starting periods early
Being of African-Caribbean heritage
Weight and lifestyle factors
03When to get it checked

Don't wait for it to settle.

Early assessment helps you get the right treatment sooner. See a specialist if:

I.Your periods are heavy enough to disrupt daily lifeFlooding, frequent pad or tampon changes, or passing clots are worth getting checked — especially if you feel tired or run-down.
II.You feel persistent pressure, swelling or pelvic painOngoing fullness, bloating or an ache that doesn't settle should be assessed rather than lived with.
III.You're struggling to conceive, or planning a pregnancySome fibroids can affect fertility or pregnancy, so it's sensible to have them reviewed if you're trying or planning.
Book an assessment
Fibroids examination by a consultant
Diagnosing fibroids at Bridge House Clinic
04How it's diagnosed

Confirmed with an examination and ultrasound.

Your consultant will usually start with a pelvic examination, then arrange an ultrasound scan to confirm the diagnosis. This shows the size, number and position of any fibroids — which guides the right treatment for you.

05Treatment

How fibroids is treated.

We start with the least invasive option that's right for you — not every fibroid needs surgery.

01Watchful waiting

If fibroids are small and not causing problems, the right step is often simply to monitor them over time.

02Medical treatment

Medicines can help manage heavy bleeding or shrink fibroids, and are often tried before considering surgery.

03Minimal-access (keyhole) surgery

Where it's suitable, fibroids can be removed through keyhole surgery — smaller incisions and a quicker recovery.

04Open surgery

For larger or more complex fibroids, a more traditional procedure may be the better option. Your consultant will explain what suits you.

See your fibroid treatment optionsMr Mohamed Mehasseb will talk you through the options that suit you. Fees are confirmed individually after your assessment.
Why Bridge House
I.
Same or next-week appointments

Seen in days — not months on a list.

II.
Consultant-led care

A named specialist, not a junior — all the way through.

III.
Transparent, fixed pricing

Every price published and confirmed in writing.

IV.
No NHS waiting list

Seen privately, without the wait.

V.
Private insurance accepted

We bill major UK insurers directly.

07FAQ

Common questions.

Can't find your answer? Call us — a real person picks up.

01244 982032
Are fibroids dangerous or cancerous? +

Fibroids are benign (non-cancerous) growths and only very rarely turn out to be cancerous. They're common and, for many women, harmless — but it's worth having symptoms assessed so you know where you stand.

Do fibroids always need to be removed? +

No. Many fibroids cause no problems and simply need monitoring. We only consider treatment when they're causing symptoms, and we start with the least invasive option that's right for you.

Can fibroids affect fertility or pregnancy? +

Some fibroids can affect fertility or pregnancy, depending on their size and position. If you're trying to conceive or planning a pregnancy, it's sensible to have them reviewed.

How much does fibroid treatment cost? +

The gynaecology consultation is £200 (follow-up £150). Treatment fees depend on what is right for you and are confirmed individually after your assessment rather than quoted upfront — your consultant will explain the options and costs clearly before anything goes ahead.

Take the first step

Don't put up with it.

Book an assessment with a consultant and get a clear picture — and a plan.