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5 Uterine Fibroid Treatments That Can Help Relieve Symptoms

April 11, 2026

Heavy periods. Pelvic pressure. Bloating that doesn’t seem to go away.

Sound familiar? For some women, symptoms like these can be caused by uterine fibroids, noncancerous growths that form in or on the uterus.

“Uterine fibroids are very common during the reproductive years, and often don’t cause symptoms at all,” says Daniel Scott Gottschall, MD, an obstetrics and gynecology specialist and vice president of medical affairs at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Bridgeport. “But there are treatment options when they affect your quality of life.”

Here’s a few common approaches.

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1. Wait-and-see approach

Not every uterine fibroid needs treatment.

“If they’re not causing symptoms, we can often just keep an eye on them over time,” explains Dr. Gottschall.

This approach may make sense if:

Symptoms are mild.
Fibroids were discovered incidentally.
You’re approaching menopause.

Many fibroids grow slowly, and some shrink naturally after menopause. Monitoring typically includes periodic pelvic exams and imaging, such as an ultrasound.

2. Medications to control symptoms

Medications can help manage fibroid symptoms, especially heavy menstrual bleeding.

Common options include:

Hormonal birth control.
Hormone-modulating medications.
Medications that reduce menstrual blood loss.

“Medication won’t remove uterine fibroids, but it can significantly reduce symptoms,” says Dr. Gottschall. “It’s often a good first step to help control bleeding and keep future treatment options open.”

3. Acessa® procedure

Acessa® is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that shrinks fibroids using targeted heat energy. It uses radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and is also called laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation (Lap-RFA).

During the procedure:

A small probe is placed directly into the fibroid.
Controlled heat shrinks the fibroid tissue.
The body gradually reabsorbs the treated fibroid.

“Acessa® allows us to treat fibroids very precisely while preserving the uterus,” says Dr. Gottschall. “And because it’s performed through small laparoscopic incisions, many women can return to normal activities fairly quickly.”

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4. Myomectomy

A myomectomy removes fibroids while leaving the uterus in place.

It’s often recommended when fibroids are large, numerous or causing significant symptoms. It can also be an important option for women who hope to become pregnant in the future.

“The approach depends on the number, size and location of the fibroids,” says Dr. Gottschall. “Based on the situation, surgery may be done hysteroscopically, laparoscopically, robotically or through an abdominal incision.”

5. Hysterectomy

A hysterectomy removes the uterus and permanently eliminates fibroids.

It may be recommended when fibroids are very large, symptoms are severe or other treatments haven’t worked.

“Hysterectomy is the only treatment that completely prevents fibroids from coming back,” says Dr. Gottschall. “But it’s a personal decision, and we take time to talk through all the options.”

When should you see your doctor?

Even if symptoms seem mild, it’s worth bringing them up during routine gynecologic visits – especially if you notice changes like:

Heavy bleeding soaking through pads or tampons.
Periods lasting longer than seven days.
Pelvic pain or pressure.
Frequent urination caused by pelvic pressure.
Trouble getting pregnant.
Symptoms of anemia.

“You don’t have to live with heavy bleeding or uncomfortable symptoms,” says Dr. Gottschall. “Fibroids are very treatable, and we have ways to help you feel better.”