Fibroids

When uterine growths affect your health or fertility

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

Dr Guy Fisher is a specialist gynaecologist in Auckland with expertise in the assessment and management of fibroids. He uses advanced pelvic ultrasound and minimally invasive surgery to provide accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment.

Fibroids are very common. Many cause no symptoms, but for some women they can lead to heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, pressure symptoms, or difficulties with fertility and pregnancy.

How fibroids can affect you

Depending on their size and location, fibroids may cause:

The impact of fibroids varies, and symptoms do not always correlate with size alone.

Fibroids and fertility

Fibroids can affect fertility depending on their size and position.

Fibroids that distort the uterine cavity are more likely to affect implantation and increase the risk of miscarriage. Others may have little or no impact.

Careful assessment helps determine whether fibroids are likely to be contributing to fertility difficulties and whether treatment is likely to improve outcomes.

How fibroids are assessed

Fibroids are usually diagnosed with pelvic ultrasound.

This allows detailed assessment of:

  • Size

  • Number

  • Location

  • Relationship to the uterine cavity

This information is essential for choosing the most appropriate treatment.

In some cases, a hysteroscopy may be recommended, particularly when a fibroid is affecting the uterine lining and contributing to bleeding or fertility issues.

I use advanced pelvic ultrasound to map fibroids accurately so that treatment can be planned carefully and effectively.

Fibroids and endometriosis

Fibroids can coexist with other gynaecological conditions, including endometriosis and adenomyosis.

When symptoms overlap — such as pain, heavy bleeding, or fertility concerns — identifying all contributing factors is important in planning effective treatment.

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

The aim is to develop a plan that fits your symptoms, priorities, and stage of life.

How I can help

I combine advanced pelvic ultrasound with fellowship-trained surgical expertise to assess fibroids carefully and tailor treatment to your needs.

Whether your goal is symptom relief, preserving fertility, or both, the focus is on achieving the best long-term outcome.

Advanced surgical care for fibroids

I am trained to manage large and complex fibroids using both minimally invasive and open surgical techniques.

I completed the AGES Advanced Endoscopic Surgery Training Program (AATP) and am accredited to perform Level 6 laparoscopic procedures.

This includes advanced laparoscopic removal of fibroids, including tissue extraction (morcellation) where appropriate.

For many patients, this allows:

  • Smaller incisions

  • Less pain

  • Faster recovery

  • Preservation of the uterus when possible

When fibroids are very large or complex, open surgery may be the safest option. This will always be discussed clearly so that the approach is tailored to your situation.

The goal is not simply minimally invasive surgery — it is the most appropriate and effective treatment for you.

Related services

Dr Guy Fisher – Specialist Gynaecologist and Fertility Specialist

Frequently Asked Questions

  • No.

    Many fibroids do not cause symptoms and do not require treatment. Management depends on whether fibroids are affecting your bleeding, causing pain or pressure, or impacting fertility.

  • Sometimes.

    Fibroids that distort the uterine cavity are more likely to affect implantation or increase the risk of miscarriage. Others may have little or no impact.

    Assessment helps determine whether fibroids are likely to be contributing to fertility difficulties.

  • This depends on:

    • Your symptoms

    • The size and location of the fibroid

    • Whether the uterine cavity is affected

    • Your plans for pregnancy

    Not all fibroids need surgery, and the decision is individualised.

  • Yes.

    Options may include medication or hormonal treatment, particularly for managing bleeding symptoms. In some cases, monitoring without active treatment is appropriate.

  • Pelvic ultrasound is usually the first step.

    It allows detailed assessment of the size, number, and position of fibroids, and how they relate to the uterine cavity. This is essential for planning treatment.

  • Often, yes.

    Many fibroids can be removed using laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery or hysteroscopy, depending on their size and location. This can mean smaller incisions, less pain, and faster recovery.

    However, very large or complex fibroids may still require open surgery for the safest outcome.

  • Fibroids can recur over time.

    The likelihood depends on factors such as age and how many fibroids are present. Surgery can provide long-term relief, but ongoing monitoring may be needed.

  • Fibroids are discrete growths in the uterus, while adenomyosis involves changes within the uterine muscle itself.

    The two conditions can cause similar symptoms, but are managed differently, so distinguishing between them is important.

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 for specialist assessment.

Book an Appointment