New treatment options for nonsurgical management of uterine fibroids

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Uterine fibroids is a common problem in reproductive-age individuals, frequently causing abnormal uterine bleeding, bulk symptoms, and adverse reproductive outcomes. Traditionally, almost half of the women with symptomatic fibroids received surgery for definitive treatment. There are a growing number of nonsurgical options for treatment that have become available for patients who desire conservative treatment or those with contraindications to surgery. RECENT FINDINGS: The introduction of oral gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonists in combination with low-dose physiologic hormonal therapy demonstrated improvement in heavy menstrual bleeding, pain, and quality of life with preservation of bone density and a modest reduction in uterine volume with few hypogonadal side effects. Magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound surgery and uterine artery embolization continue to be minimally invasive procedural alternatives to hysterectomy that are safe and effective. SUMMARY: As more options for conservative management of uterine fibroids became available, it is important to counsel patients on possible options based on the size, location, and number of the fibroids as well as severity of the symptoms, plans for pregnancy, how close they are to menopause and their treatment goals.