Dr. E. Prashanthi Reddy
MBBS · DGO · Diploma in ART — Kiel University, Germany
Founder & Medical Director — Mother Hospitals & IVF Center, Boduppal
TGMC Registration: 50624 · 19+ Years of Clinical Experience · 5000+ IVF Cycles
Non-cancerous fibroids treated with minimal invasion — laparoscopic myomectomy, hysteroscopic resection, uterus preservation. Dr. E. Prashanthi Reddy, MBBS DGO, 19+ years, Boduppal.
Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous (benign) growths that develop in or on the uterus. They are composed of smooth muscle and fibrous tissue, and are medically known as uterine leiomyomas or myomas. Fibroids are one of the most common gynaecological conditions, affecting an estimated 20–40% of women of reproductive age.
The important reassurance is this: fibroids are almost never cancerous. The risk of a fibroid harbouring malignancy is less than 1 in 1000. Many women with fibroids have no symptoms at all and do not require treatment. When symptoms do occur — heavy periods, pelvic pressure, pain, or difficulty conceiving — effective treatment is available.
Fibroids are more common in women of reproductive age, typically between 30 and 50 years. Risk factors include family history of fibroids, being of African or South Asian origin, early onset of periods, obesity, and low vitamin D levels. Fibroids tend to shrink after menopause when oestrogen levels fall.
Many fibroids are silent — but when symptoms occur, they can significantly affect quality of life
Soaking a pad or tampon every hour or two for several hours, passing large clots, or having periods that last longer than 7 days. The most common symptom of fibroids.
A feeling of heaviness, fullness, or pressure in the lower abdomen. Larger fibroids can press against the bladder (causing frequent urination) or the bowel (causing constipation).
Periods lasting more than 7–10 days, or irregular bleeding between periods. Submucosal fibroids are the most common cause of abnormal uterine bleeding in women aged 30–50.
Submucosal fibroids can prevent implantation and increase miscarriage risk. Intramural fibroids that distort the cavity can also reduce IVF success rates.
Large subserosal or intramural fibroids can press on nerves in the back or legs, causing radiating pain, discomfort, or heaviness.
Chronic heavy bleeding can lead to iron-deficiency anaemia, causing extreme fatigue, breathlessness on exertion, and reduced daily functioning.
Accurate diagnosis guides the right treatment — Dr. Prashanthi assesses size, type, and location
Transvaginal ultrasound (TVS) is the first-line investigation for fibroids. It accurately maps fibroid location, size, and number. At Mother Hospitals, a detailed pelvic ultrasound is performed at the initial consultation to characterise each fibroid.
MRI provides a more detailed picture when multiple fibroids are present, when fibroids are very large, or when pre-operative planning requires precise mapping. It helps distinguish fibroids from adenomyosis, which can present similarly.
A thin telescope is passed through the cervix into the uterine cavity to directly visualise submucosal fibroids and assess the degree of cavity distortion. Diagnostic hysteroscopy can be performed in the outpatient setting.
Full blood count to assess anaemia, thyroid function (to rule out other causes of heavy bleeding), hormonal profile, and pregnancy test. Pre-operative blood tests are performed before any surgical intervention.
The right treatment depends on fibroid type, size, symptoms, and whether you wish to preserve fertility
The gold-standard surgery for removing intramural and subserosal fibroids while preserving the uterus. Through 3–4 small incisions in the abdomen, a laparoscope and fine instruments remove the fibroid(s) and repair the uterine wall. Recovery is 1–2 weeks — far faster than open surgery. Ideal for women who wish to conceive after treatment.
For submucosal fibroids that protrude into the uterine cavity, hysteroscopic resection is performed through the cervix with no external incisions. A resectoscope shaves the fibroid from the uterine lining. Same-day procedure with virtually no recovery time. Highly effective for heavy bleeding and improving fertility outcomes.
A non-surgical, radiologically guided procedure that cuts off the blood supply to fibroids, causing them to shrink. Suitable for women who do not wish surgery and who have completed their family. Not recommended for women planning pregnancy as evidence on fertility outcomes is limited.
GnRH agonists (leuprolide) can temporarily shrink fibroids by reducing oestrogen — often used for 3 months before surgery to reduce fibroid size and blood loss. Tranexamic acid and NSAIDs reduce heavy bleeding during periods. The Mirena hormonal IUS is highly effective for controlling heavy bleeding from intramural fibroids. Medical treatment alone does not permanently remove fibroids.
Dr. E. Prashanthi Reddy prioritises uterus preservation and fertility outcomes in every fibroid case
At Mother Hospitals, we follow a fertility-first philosophy for women with fibroids who wish to conceive. The uterus is always preserved wherever clinically appropriate. We assess each woman's fibroid profile — number, size, type, and location — against her reproductive goals before recommending any intervention.
Submucosal fibroids causing cavity distortion are prioritised for removal before IVF, as evidence clearly shows improved implantation rates after resection. Intramural fibroids are evaluated on a case-by-case basis — not all require removal before conception.
Women who have had myomectomy typically require a caesarean section for delivery if the uterine wall (myometrium) was significantly entered during surgery, to reduce the risk of uterine rupture in labour. This will be discussed as part of your birth planning.
Yes — in many cases. Women with intramural fibroids that do not distort the uterine cavity can often proceed directly to IVF without surgery. Those with submucosal fibroids are generally advised to have hysteroscopic resection first, as the fibroid directly impairs embryo implantation. Dr. Prashanthi will review your scans and advise accordingly.
MBBS · DGO · Diploma in ART — Kiel University, Germany
Founder & Medical Director — Mother Hospitals & IVF Center, Boduppal
TGMC Registration: 50624 · 19+ Years of Clinical Experience · 5000+ IVF Cycles
Answered by Dr. E. Prashanthi Reddy, Fibroid Specialist, Hyderabad
No. Uterine fibroids are almost always benign (non-cancerous). They are the most common benign tumours in women of reproductive age. The chance of a fibroid being malignant (leiomyosarcoma) is extremely rare — less than 1 in 1000. A diagnosis of fibroids should not cause panic, but symptoms should be properly evaluated and treated.
Yes, certain types of fibroids can reduce fertility. Submucosal fibroids — those that protrude into the uterine cavity — have the greatest impact on conception and implantation. Intramural fibroids that distort the cavity can also affect IVF success rates. Subserosal fibroids rarely affect fertility. Dr. E. Prashanthi Reddy assesses each case individually to determine whether fibroid removal before conception or IVF is advisable.
A myomectomy removes only the fibroids while preserving the uterus — the preferred approach for women who wish to have children or who prefer to retain their uterus. A hysterectomy removes the entire uterus and is a permanent solution that eliminates fibroids permanently, but ends the ability to carry pregnancies. At Mother Hospitals, we always explore uterus-preserving options first.
Recovery after laparoscopic myomectomy is typically 1 to 2 weeks — far shorter than the 4 to 6 weeks needed after open surgery. Most patients are discharged within 24 hours. You can return to light activities within a week and normal daily activities within 2 weeks. Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for 4 to 6 weeks.
Fibroids can recur after myomectomy, especially if multiple fibroids were present or if the woman is young. Studies suggest a recurrence rate of 10–30% over 5–10 years. However, many women who conceive after myomectomy do so before significant recurrence. If fibroids do recur, options include repeat myomectomy, UAE, or medical management depending on symptoms.
Yes. Medical management can reduce fibroid size and control symptoms, particularly heavy bleeding. GnRH agonists can shrink fibroids temporarily. Tranexamic acid and NSAIDs reduce bleeding. The Mirena IUS is very effective for heavy bleeding from fibroids. However, medical treatment does not permanently eliminate fibroids — symptoms usually return once medication is stopped.
There is no single size threshold that automatically requires surgery. The decision depends on symptoms, location, and fertility goals. A small submucosal fibroid (2–3 cm) affecting the uterine cavity may require hysteroscopic removal because of its impact on implantation. A larger intramural fibroid (5–6 cm) may be managed conservatively if it causes no significant symptoms. Dr. Prashanthi evaluates each case holistically.
After laparoscopic myomectomy, Dr. Prashanthi generally advises waiting 3 to 6 months before attempting conception to allow full healing of the uterine wall. After hysteroscopic resection for smaller submucosal fibroids, the waiting period may be shorter — typically 1 to 3 months. The exact timeline depends on the size, number, and depth of fibroids removed.
Dr. E. Prashanthi Reddy — expert laparoscopic surgeon with 19+ years experience. Fibroids treated with minimal invasion, fertility preserved. Same-day appointments often available.
Mother Hospitals, Boduppal, Hyderabad · OPD: Mon–Sun 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Dr. E. Prashanthi Reddy · TGMC Reg: 50624