Uterine Fibroids Treatment in Lebanon — Symptoms, Causes & Minimally Invasive Surgery
Uterine fibroids are one of the most common gynecological conditions affecting women of reproductive age — yet they are frequently diagnosed late, often only after years of heavy periods or pelvic discomfort have been dismissed as “normal.” In Lebanon, many women live with symptoms for a long time before seeking a specialist evaluation or uterine fibroids treatment in Lebanon. This article explains what uterine fibroids are, the symptoms and causes to be aware of, how they are diagnosed, and the full range of treatment options — including modern, minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Alain Daher, a gynecologist and minimally invasive surgery specialist in Beirut, Lebanon, helps women identify and treat uterine fibroids with modern, low-recovery techniques that preserve the uterus and fertility wherever possible. Medical disclaimer: This article is for general education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It does not establish a doctor–patient relationship. Always consult a qualified gynecologist before making any treatment decision. What Are Uterine Fibroids? Uterine fibroids — known medically as uterine leiomyomas or myomas — are noncancerous (benign) growths that develop in or around the muscular wall of the uterus. They vary widely in size, from microscopic nodules to large masses that can distort the shape of the uterus. Fibroids are classified by their location: Intramural — within the muscular uterine wall (the most common type) Submucosal — bulging into the uterine cavity; most likely to cause heavy bleeding and fertility problems Subserosal — projecting from the outer surface of the uterus Pedunculated — attached to the uterus by a stalk, either inside the cavity or on the outer surface Fibroids are extremely common: according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), up to 70–80% of women may develop fibroids by age 50. Importantly, the overwhelming majority are benign — the risk that a fibroid is or becomes a malignant uterine sarcoma is very low, estimated at less than 0.1%. If you are told you have a fibroid, it is not a diagnosis of cancer. A specialist can explain what it means for you. Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids Many women with fibroids have no symptoms at all, and the fibroids are discovered incidentally during a routine pelvic ultrasound. When symptoms do occur, they commonly include: Heavy or prolonged menstrual periods (menorrhagia) Pelvic pain or a feeling of pressure in the lower abdomen Frequent urination or difficulty emptying the bladder, from pressure on the bladder Lower back or leg pain Pain during intercourse (dyspareunia) Iron-deficiency anaemia and fatigue, resulting from heavy blood loss Reproductive difficulties, including trouble conceiving or recurrent miscarriage — most often associated with submucosal fibroids that distort the uterine cavity Symptoms depend heavily on the size, number, and location of the fibroids rather than on any single factor. Heavy bleeding that disrupts daily life, or pelvic pain and pressure, are among the most common reasons women seek evaluation. These symptoms can also be caused by other conditions. Experiencing them does not mean you have fibroids — only a qualified gynecologist can determine the cause. Causes and Risk Factors The exact cause of uterine fibroids is not fully understood, but research points to several contributing factors: Hormones: Oestrogen and progesterone — the hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle — appear to promote fibroid growth. This is why fibroids often grow during the reproductive years and tend to shrink after menopause, when hormone levels fall (ACOG, RCOG). Genetic predisposition: A family history of fibroids increases risk, and changes in certain genes have been linked to fibroid development. Other recognised risk factors: women of African descent, a family history of fibroids, obesity, early onset of menstruation (early menarche), and never having been pregnant. Because fibroids are hormonally driven, many shrink and become less symptomatic after menopause — a factor your specialist will weigh when discussing whether and how to treat them. How Uterine Fibroids Are Diagnosed Fibroids are often first suspected during a routine visit and confirmed with imaging. Common diagnostic steps include: Pelvic examination — a physician may feel an irregularity in the shape or size of the uterus Transvaginal or abdominal ultrasound — the first-line imaging test to confirm fibroids and assess their size and location MRI — used to map fibroids precisely, especially for surgical planning Hysteroscopy — a thin camera passed into the uterus to directly visualise submucosal fibroids inside the cavity Uterine Fibroids Treatment in Lebanon: Your Options There is no single “best” treatment for fibroids. The right approach depends on the size, number, and location of the fibroids, the severity of symptoms, and whether you wish to preserve fertility. Options range from simple monitoring to surgery. Uterine Fibroids Treatment in Lebanon: Watchful Waiting For small, asymptomatic fibroids, no immediate treatment may be needed. Your gynecologist may recommend periodic monitoring to track any changes over time. Uterine Fibroids Treatment in Lebanon: Medical Management Medication does not remove fibroids but can control symptoms. Options include hormonal therapies such as GnRH agonists (which temporarily shrink fibroids) and a progesterone-releasing intrauterine device (IUD) to reduce heavy bleeding, as well as NSAIDs for pain relief. Uterine Fibroids Treatment in Lebanon: Minimally Invasive Surgery Modern techniques allow many fibroids to be removed with small incisions and a faster recovery than traditional open surgery: Myomectomy — surgical removal of fibroids while preserving the uterus. This is the preferred option for women who wish to maintain fertility. Depending on fibroid location, it may be performed laparoscopically or hysteroscopically. Laparoscopic myomectomy — fibroids are removed through several small incisions using a camera and specialised instruments. It typically offers less pain and a faster recovery than open surgery, and is Dr. Daher’s preferred approach for eligible patients. Hysteroscopic myomectomy — submucosal fibroids inside the uterine cavity are removed through the cervix, with no abdominal incisions. Uterine fibroid embolisation (UFE) — a non-surgical option in which the blood supply to the fibroids is blocked, causing them to shrink. It is usually performed by an interventional radiologist and may be considered for women