Fibroid Awareness Month: Why It Matters | Medical Negligence and Personal Injury Blog | Kingsley Napley

As we recognise July as Fibroids Awareness Month, it is important to highlight the significance of this condition, which affects approximately two-thirds of women during their lifetimes. Despite its prevalence, awareness remains surprisingly low, with only 39% of women aware of fibroids and their potential impact.

Fibroids, also known as uterine myomas or leiomyomas, are non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus. The exact cause of fibroids is unknown, but they are linked to the presence of oestrogen in the body.   

Typically, fibroids affect women during their reproductive years, from around age 16 to 50, when oestrogen levels are at their highest. Many women may be asymptomatic and fibroids are often discovered incidentally during routine gynaecological exams or imaging. However, for those who do experience symptoms, they may include:

• Heavy or painful periods
• Abdominal pain
• Lower back pain
• Frequent urination
• Constipation
• Pain or discomfort during sex

Historically, gender biases in medicine have led to the normalisation and dismissal of women’s pelvic pain as just an inevitable part of having periods. This has contributed to women tolerating symptoms that could indicate fibroids or other conditions. Consequently, many women do not seek medical advice, and when they do, their concerns may be minimised. 

If you experience any of the aforementioned symptoms, it is advisable to consult a GP. Should the GP suspect fibroids, they may require you undergo an ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis. 

If diagnosed, treatment options for fibroids are available and effective. Prescribed medications can alleviate symptoms and shrink fibroids. When medications are ineffective, surgical options may be explored, including myomectomy and hysteroscopic resection, the latter being a day surgery option. In more severe cases, a hysterectomy might be considered. A hysterectomy may not be suitable for all women, particularly those wanting to have children.

Undiagnosed or untreated fibroids can lead to severe complications, including chronic pain and infertility. If fibroids are present during pregnancy, it can lead to problems with the development of the foetus or it might create a risk of premature labour. It is also imperative to ensure that fibroids are correctly identified as non-cancerous, as conditions such as uterine sarcoma and endometrial cancer can mimic fibroid symptoms including abnormal bleeding, frequent urination, and abdominal pain.

If you suspect misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis, or have suffered unnecessary complications from fibroid surgery, you may have a legal claim for compensation. Such claims can address the injuries and consequences arising from medical negligence, potentially including sums for specialist fertility treatments or other treatment costs such as psychological treatments.  

If you have any concerns around fibroid diagnosis or treatment, please do not hesitate to contact our sensitive and specialist medical negligence team for a no obligation discussion.

Further information

If you have any questions regarding this blog, please contact Zoe Beels in our Medical Negligence and Personal Injury team.

About the author

Zoe Beels is a trainee solicitor at Kingsley Napley. She is currently in her second seat, with the Clinical Negligence team. Her first seat was in the Immigration team.