What are fibroids?
Fibroids are non-cancerous growths of muscle in or around the womb. They are very common, affecting around two in three women at some point, and many cause no symptoms. They vary from a few millimetres to several centimetres and can be single or multiple.
What are the symptoms of fibroids?
Many fibroids cause no symptoms. When they do, the most common are:
- Heavy or prolonged periods, sometimes with anaemia
- Pelvic pain or pressure, and a swollen tummy
- Needing to wee often, or constipation
- Pain during sex
- Difficulty getting pregnant, in some cases
Can an ultrasound detect fibroids?
Yes: ultrasound is the standard first test for fibroids. It shows how many there are, their size and exactly where they sit in the womb. A transvaginal scan picks up small fibroids that a tummy scan can miss; MRI is used when a detailed map is needed before surgery.
What do the different types of fibroids mean?
Fibroids are described by position:
- Intramural: within the muscle wall, the most common type
- Submucosal: pushing into the womb cavity, often causing heavy bleeding and fertility problems
- Subserosal: on the outside of the womb, sometimes causing pressure symptoms
Your report names each fibroid’s type, because it guides treatment.
Can fibroids be missed on ultrasound?
Very small fibroids, or those hidden behind larger ones, can be hard to see, especially on a tummy scan alone. A transvaginal scan makes small and submucosal fibroids much easier to see, and MRI gives a complete map when it is needed, for example before surgery.
Can fibroids cause bloating, back pain or weight gain?
Yes. Larger fibroids can press on nearby organs, causing bloating, a swollen tummy, lower back or leg pain, constipation and needing to wee often. Very large fibroids can add size and some weight to the tummy. A scan shows whether your fibroids are big enough to explain these symptoms.
Are fibroids dangerous?
Almost never. Fibroids are benign, and the chance of a fibroid being cancerous (a sarcoma) is very small. They matter because of symptoms such as heavy bleeding and anaemia. A fibroid that grows quickly, especially after the menopause, should be reviewed by a specialist.
Can fibroids affect fertility or pregnancy?
Most fibroids do not affect fertility. Fibroids that bulge into the womb cavity (submucosal) can make it harder to get pregnant or increase the chance of miscarriage, and may be removed before trying. Your specialist will explain whether your fibroids are likely to matter.
Do fibroids shrink after menopause?
Usually, yes. Fibroids depend on oestrogen, so they tend to shrink after the menopause and symptoms often ease. HRT can sometimes keep them active. A fibroid that grows after the menopause should be checked.
What are the treatment options for fibroids?
Options range from monitoring and medicines to control heavy bleeding, to procedures that shrink or remove fibroids, such as uterine artery embolisation, hysteroscopic removal or myomectomy, and hysterectomy. The right choice depends on your symptoms, the fibroids’ size and position, and your plans for pregnancy.
Will I need an internal scan?
Yes, as standard: a transvaginal scan shows small and submucosal fibroids much more clearly. It is only done with your consent, a chaperone is always offered, and you can decline at any time. If you would prefer the scan through the tummy, tell us when you book and arrive with a full bladder.
How long does a fibroid scan take?
Around twenty to thirty minutes, including a short conversation, the scan and time to explain the findings.
How much does a private fibroid ultrasound cost in London?
At Harley Street Ultrasound a private fibroid ultrasound costs £260, all fees inclusive: the scan, the specialist’s time, your written report and images. Same-day or next-day appointments are usually available.
What if you find something?
Your specialist tells you in the room, in plain English, and explains exactly what it means. You will never be sent home to wait for a letter. Most findings are benign and need nothing more than a sensible review date.
Anything that does need attention gets a clear, objective recommendation in your report: monitor, test further, or refer. Follow-up tests can usually be arranged at 99 Harley Street, often the same week, and those results are also explained to you personally.
Do I need a referral?
No. Harley Street Ultrasound is a private clinic, so you can book a fibroid ultrasound in London directly online or by phone. No GP letter, no waiting list, and same-day or next-day appointments are usually available. If you are searching for a fibroid ultrasound near me from anywhere in central London, we are at 99 Harley Street, a short walk from Regent’s Park and Oxford Circus stations.
If you are wondering how much a private fibroid ultrasound costs, the answer is published before you book: £260, all fees inclusive: the examination, the specialist’s time, your written report and your images. Insured patients should bring a referral or authorisation number if their policy requires one.
How soon will I have the written report?
Usually the same day: a Harley Street fibroid ultrasound comes with same-day results as standard, and you will already know the findings, because they are explained to you on screen during the appointment.
The written report is prepared by the specialist team and published to your secure patient portal together with your images, with measurements and a clear recommendation, ready to share with your GP or specialist.
What happens after the scan?
Nothing special: there is no aftercare needed. You can eat, drive and go back to work straight away. Diagnostic ultrasound at these intensities has no confirmed adverse effects, which is why it can be repeated safely for monitoring. If your results suggest a next step, your specialist explains it before you leave.
Can I still use the NHS afterwards?
Yes: completely. Coming to us privately never affects your NHS care. Our job is to get you answers quickly; if anything needs urgent attention, your specialist writes to your NHS GP recommending an urgent appointment, so you re-enter the NHS pathway with a diagnosis already in hand rather than joining the queue from the start.
