What is the treatment for Uterine Leiomyomatosis (Uterine Fibroids) and can it affect pregnancy?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: May 1, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

From the Guidelines

El tratamiento de la miomatosis uterina debe ser individualizado según el tamaño, ubicación, síntomas y deseos de embarazo de la paciente, y puede incluir opciones como la espera vigilante, medicamentos como agonistas de GnRH o ulipristal, y procedimientos quirúrgicos como miomectomía o histerectomía. La miomatosis uterina puede afectar la fertilidad y los resultados del embarazo, dependiendo de la ubicación y tamaño de los fibromas [ 1 ]. Los fibromas submucosos que distorsionan la cavidad uterina pueden interferir con la implantación del embrión o causar aborto espontáneo, mientras que los fibromas intramurales que distorsionan significativamente la cavidad también pueden impactar la fertilidad [ 1 ]. Si se planea un embarazo, es posible que se recomiende una miomectomía para fibromas problemáticos antes de la concepción. Durante el embarazo, la mayoría de los fibromas no requieren tratamiento a menos que causen síntomas graves. Los fibromas pueden crecer durante el embarazo debido a cambios hormonales, lo que puede causar complicaciones como dolor, parto prematuro o placentación anormal en algunos casos [ 1 ]. Es fundamental discutir su situación específica con su proveedor de atención médica para determinar el enfoque de tratamiento más adecuado que equilibre el manejo de los fibromas con la optimización de la fertilidad y los resultados del embarazo.

Algunas opciones de tratamiento para la miomatosis uterina incluyen:

  • Espera vigilante
  • Medicamentos como agonistas de GnRH (leuprolide acetato 3,75 mg inyecciones mensuales durante 3-6 meses) o ulipristal (5 mg diarios)
  • Procedimientos quirúrgicos como miomectomía (extracción de fibromas mientras se preserva el útero) o histerectomía (extracción completa del útero) Es importante considerar los beneficios y riesgos de cada opción de tratamiento y discutirlos con un proveedor de atención médica para determinar el enfoque más adecuado para cada paciente [ 1 ]. La miomatosis uterina es una condición común que puede tener un impacto significativo en la calidad de vida y la fertilidad de las mujeres, por lo que es fundamental abordarla de manera efectiva y personalizada [ 1 ].

En resumen, el tratamiento de la miomatosis uterina debe ser individualizado y puede incluir una variedad de opciones, desde la espera vigilante hasta procedimientos quirúrgicos, y es fundamental considerar los beneficios y riesgos de cada opción y discutirlos con un proveedor de atención médica [ 1 ].

From the Research

Miomatosis Uterina Treatment and Pregnancy

  • The treatment of miomatosis uterina, also known as uterine myomas or fibroids, can affect pregnancy, and various factors influence the choice of treatment modality 2.
  • Asymptomatic myomas may be managed by reassurance and careful follow-up, while medical therapy should be tried as a first line of treatment for symptomatic myomas 2.
  • Surgical treatment, such as myomectomy or hysterectomy, should be reserved for appropriate indications, and myomectomy is preferred when subsequent childbearing is a consideration 2, 3.
  • Uterine artery embolization is an effective alternative for women with large symptomatic myomas who are poor surgical risks or wish to avoid major surgery, but its effects on future fertility need further evaluation 2, 4.

Treatment Options and Pregnancy Outcomes

  • A systematic review and meta-analysis compared the efficacy of uterine artery embolization (UAE) and myomectomy (MYO) in managing symptomatic uterine fibroids, and found that both procedures had comparable improvement in pregnancy rates and abnormal uterine bleeding 4.
  • However, UAE had a higher reintervention rate, hysterectomy rate, and symptom-severity score compared to MYO at a four-year follow-up 4.
  • The decision on which procedure to choose should be made based on individual preferences and the physician's expertise, taking into account the potential impact on pregnancy outcomes 4, 5.

Pathobiology and Clinical Practice

  • The pathobiology of myomatosis uteri involves genetic, epigenetic, hormonal, environmental, proinflammatory, angiogenetic, and growing factors, which can influence the initiation, development, and regression of myomata 6.
  • A good understanding of these pathobiologic mechanisms can help physicians elect conservative or combined therapies and provide individualized management for affected women, according to age, reproduction desire, and clinical condition 6.

References

Related Questions

What is the best management approach for a 47-year-old patient with a large uterine myoma (10.8 x 8.9 cm) and elevated estradiol levels (hyperestrogenism)?
What is the most likely cause of heavy and prolonged vaginal bleeding in a woman with a lesion in the uterine cavity on ultrasound?
What is the recommended birth control regimen for managing uterine myomas (fibroids)?
What is the primary impression and differential diagnoses for a 47-year-old female patient with heavy menstrual bleeding, a history of uterine myoma, and a palpable abdominal mass?
When does a 60.9 x 43.9 x 66.4 mm submucosal (submucosa) leiomyoma (mioma) require removal?
What is the maximum frequency for using Afrin (oxymetazoline) at 2-3 day intervals to avoid nasal decongestant dependence?
What are the implications of uterine leiomyomatosis (uterine fibroids) with small elements, suggestive findings of endometrial polyp, partially open endometrial cavity with hypoechoic fluid and fine echoes, and a simple cyst on the left ovary?
What is the significance of a slightly decreased Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (APTT) of 25.0 seconds with normal B-type natriuretic peptide (B-type NTP) levels?
What is the significance of a C-Reactive Protein (CRP) level of 0.1?
What is the cause of right ankle pain, localized to the area of the anterior talofibular ligament, which developed two days after a traumatic incident involving significant weight-bearing on the right leg, and was initially managed with Aleve (Naproxen), with persistent pain and minimal swelling despite some improvement?
What are the effects of Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) treatment on chronic diarrhea?

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.