What is uterine fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths of muscle and fibrous tissue that develop in or around the womb. They vary from pea-sized to large masses that change the shape of the uterus. Fibroids are very common — most women will develop at least one during their reproductive years — and they are more common and often more severe in Black women. Many fibroids cause no symptoms at all; others cause heavy bleeding, pain and pressure symptoms.
Fibroids are usually diagnosed with a pelvic examination followed by an ultrasound scan; an MRI may be used to map larger or multiple fibroids before treatment. Because they are oestrogen-sensitive, fibroids tend to grow during the reproductive years and shrink after the menopause.
Common symptoms
- Heavy or prolonged periods
- Pelvic pain or a feeling of pressure
- Abdominal bloating or a visibly swollen tummy
- Needing to urinate frequently
- Lower back pain
- Pain or discomfort during sex
- Anaemia and tiredness from blood loss
How long will you wait?
Fibroid treatment sits within gynaecology, one of the NHS's most pressured specialties, so routine referral-to-treatment waits frequently exceed the 18-week standard and can run to many months for surgery such as myomectomy or hysterectomy.
Privately, you can typically see a consultant within 3–7 days, have an ultrasound or MRI within 1–2 weeks, and undergo treatment within 2–6 weeks.
NHS England median referral-to-treatment wait: 12.4 weeks, with 2.5 million people waiting over 18 weeks (May 2026). Individual waits vary by trust and urgency.
Treatment options
- Medication. Tranexamic acid, anti-inflammatories or hormonal treatments including the levonorgestrel coil can reduce heavy bleeding from smaller fibroids.
- Uterine artery embolisation. A radiologist blocks the blood supply to the fibroids through a small groin puncture, causing them to shrink without open surgery.
- Myomectomy. Surgical removal of fibroids while preserving the womb, performed by keyhole or open surgery, usually chosen by women who want to retain fertility.
- Hysterectomy. Removal of the womb, a definitive option for severe symptoms when childbearing is complete.
What does private treatment cost?
As a guide, private myomectomy typically costs £6,000–£10,000, uterine artery embolisation £6,000–£8,500 and hysterectomy £7,000–£12,000, with an initial consultation and scan usually £400–£700.
Does health insurance cover uterine fibroids?
Fibroids are generally well covered by UK private medical insurance if they develop after your policy starts, including diagnostics, embolisation and surgery. If you had symptoms or a diagnosis before taking out cover, fibroids will usually be excluded as a pre-existing condition, at least initially under moratorium underwriting. Check whether your policy covers newer treatments such as embolisation, as recognised-procedure lists vary.
Frequently asked questions
Do fibroids need to be treated if they are not causing symptoms?
Usually not. Fibroids are benign and, if they are not causing bleeding, pain or pressure symptoms, most specialists simply monitor them. Treatment is offered when symptoms affect your quality of life, when fibroids are growing quickly, or occasionally when they may interfere with fertility. After the menopause fibroids typically shrink on their own as oestrogen levels fall.
Can fibroids turn into cancer?
Fibroids themselves are benign and the risk of a cancerous change is very small. Rapid growth, particularly after the menopause, is a reason for further investigation, which is why specialists sometimes arrange an MRI before treatment. For the vast majority of women, fibroids are a quality-of-life issue rather than a cancer risk, and treatment decisions can be made without urgency.
Which fibroid treatment is best if I still want children?
Myomectomy — surgical removal of the fibroids while keeping the womb — is generally the preferred option for women planning a pregnancy, as it has the best evidence for preserving fertility. Uterine artery embolisation avoids surgery but its effect on future fertility is less certain, so discuss your plans openly with your gynaecologist before choosing a treatment.
Related guides
- Endometriosis
- Fertility Problems
- Heavy Periods (Menorrhagia)
- Ovarian Cysts
- Pelvic Organ Prolapse
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)