Fibroids

When uterine growths affect your health or fertility

Fibroids — also called uterine leiomyomas — are non-cancerous growths in the muscle of the uterus.

They are very common, but for some women they can cause heavy bleeding, pain, pressure symptoms, or difficulties with fertility and pregnancy.

Many fibroids cause no symptoms at all. Others can significantly affect quality of life.

How fibroids can affect you

Depending on their size and location, fibroids may cause:

  • Heavy or prolonged periods

  • Bleeding between periods

  • Pelvic pain or pressure

  • Pain during sex

  • Bloating or urinary symptoms

  • Difficulty falling pregnant

  • Recurrent miscarriage

How fibroids are assessed

Fibroids are usually diagnosed with pelvic ultrasound, which allows detailed assessment of:

  • Size

  • Number

  • Location

  • Relationship to the uterine cavity

This information is essential for choosing the right treatment.

In some cases, a hysteroscopy may be recommended if a fibroid is affecting the uterine lining — particularly when bleeding or fertility is a concern.

My training in advanced pelvic ultrasound (ASUM DDU) ensures fibroids are mapped accurately so treatment can be planned precisely.

Treatment options

Treatment depends on your symptoms, the type of fibroid, and your plans for pregnancy. Options may include:

  • Monitoring if fibroids are small and not causing symptoms

  • Medication or hormonal treatment

  • Hysteroscopy to remove fibroids inside the uterine cavity

  • Laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery to remove fibroids in the uterine wall

  • Open surgery for very large or complex fibroids where this offers the safest or most effective outcome

  • Fertility-focused planning when pregnancy is a goal

We will discuss the benefits and risks of each option so you can decide what feels right for you.

How I can help

I combine advanced pelvic ultrasound with fellowship-trained minimally invasive and open surgery to assess fibroids carefully and tailor treatment — whether your goal is symptom relief, preserving fertility, or both.

Advanced surgical care for fibroids

I am trained to manage large and complex fibroids using laparoscopic techniques, including advanced tissue removal (morcellation), through my AGES Level 6 Advanced Laparoscopic accreditation.

This allows many women who might otherwise be told they need open surgery to be treated using keyhole techniques instead, meaning:

  • Smaller incisions

  • Less pain

  • Faster recovery

  • Preservation of the uterus when appropriate

However, when fibroids are very large or complex, open surgery may be the safest and most appropriate option, and this will always be discussed openly with you.
The goal is not just minimally invasive surgery — it is the best surgery for you.

Dr Guy Fisher – Specialist Gynaecologist and Fertility Specialist

Book an appointment for fibroids in Auckland

If you have fibroids or symptoms such as heavy bleeding, pain, or pressure, you can book a consultation online.

Book an Appointment