UTERINE fibroids are among the most common gynaecological conditions affecting women, especially women of African and Caribbean descent. Weekly, I see many patients in my office suffering from this diagnosis. Yet, despite how widespread they are, fibroids remain clouded by misinformation. This confusion often delays treatment, fuels unnecessary fear, and prevents women from seeking the right care.

Let’s break down five of the biggest myths about uterine fibroids:

Myth 1: Fibroids always cause symptoms

Uterine fibroids usually cause painful, heavy and prolonged bleeding leading to anaemia, constipation, urinary symptoms, bloating and other symptoms. The truth? Some fibroids are completely silent and remain completely asymptomatic. Not every woman displays symptoms of uterine fibroids. In fact, some women may possess large fibroids, and one would think they would be symptomatic, but show absolutely no symptoms. These patients who have asymptomatic fibroids may be discovered incidentally – on a routine pelvic ultrasound or a physical well-woman check-up. Not every fibroid needs treatment, but every fibroid does deserve monitoring.

Myth 2: Having fibroids means you can’t get pregnant

Fibroids can affect fertility if they distort the uterine cavity or block the Fallopian tubes, but most women with fibroids can and do become pregnant. Many go on to have healthy pregnancies and deliveries. Proper evaluation helps determine if a fibroid is likely to interfere with fertility or not.

Myth 3: Surgery is the only option

Years ago hysterectomy (removal of the womb) was the standard treatment. Today, options are much broader. Depending on size, location, and symptoms, fibroids can be treated with medication, minimally invasive surgery, myomectomy (removing the fibroid but preserving the uterus), or even non-surgical procedures like embolisation.

Myth 4: Fibroids always come back

It’s true that fibroids can recur, especially in younger women with many years left before menopause, but not every woman experiences regrowth. Careful surgery, lifestyle modification, and ongoing monitoring can help reduce the likelihood of recurrence.

Myth 5: Fibroids can turn into cancer

This is one of the most frightening myths, and it’s false. Fibroids are benign (non-cancerous) growths. Very rarely a different type of tumour called a leiomyosarcoma can develop but it does not arise from fibroids. In other words, fibroids themselves do not “turn into cancer”.

Fibroids are common, manageable, and treatable. The key is awareness and early evaluation. If you’re experiencing heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, or infertility concerns, speak with your gynaecologist. Accurate information, and not myths, empowers women to make the best choices for their health.

Dr Daryl Daley is a cosmetic gynaecologist and obstetrician. He is located at 3D Gynaecology Limited, 23 Tangerine Place, Kingston 10. Feel free to contact Dr Daley at ddaley@3dgynae.com.

Dr Daryl Daley.