Uterine Fibroids Treatment in Korea: What Foreign Patients Should Know
Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options from medication to surgery
Quick answer: Uterine fibroids are common, non-cancerous growths of the uterine muscle. Many cause no symptoms and only need monitoring with ultrasound. If they cause heavy periods, pain or pressure, treatment options in Korea include medication, a hormonal IUD, non-surgical HIFU in suitable cases, and surgery such as myomectomy.
Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths of the uterus. They're very common — many women have them without knowing — but for some, fibroids cause heavy bleeding, pain or pressure. Here's an overview of diagnosis and treatment options in Korea.
Common Symptoms
- Heavy or prolonged periods
- Pelvic pressure or a feeling of fullness
- Frequent urination or constipation
- Pelvic or lower back pain
- Anemia due to blood loss
- Fertility or pregnancy complications in some cases
Types of Fibroids
- Submucosal: bulge into the uterine cavity; often cause heavy bleeding.
- Intramural: grow within the uterine wall.
- Subserosal: grow on the outer surface of the uterus and may cause pressure.
Diagnosis
Fibroids are usually diagnosed with a pelvic ultrasound, which shows their size, number and location. MRI may be recommended before some treatments. Blood tests can check for anemia.
Treatment Options
Not every fibroid needs treatment. Options depend on your symptoms, the fibroids' size and location, and whether you plan to become pregnant.
- Monitoring: for small fibroids without symptoms.
- Medications: to control bleeding and pain, or hormonal treatments to shrink fibroids temporarily.
- Hormonal IUD: can reduce heavy bleeding.
- HIFU (high-intensity focused ultrasound): a non-invasive option for selected fibroids.
- Uterine artery embolization: blocks the blood supply to fibroids.
- Myomectomy: surgical removal of fibroids while preserving the uterus.
- Hysterectomy: removal of the uterus, for women who don't plan future pregnancy.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
- How many fibroids do I have, and where are they?
- Do they need treatment now?
- Which options preserve fertility?
- What is the recovery time for each option?
Getting a Clear Plan
Treatment decisions are personal. An English-speaking OB-GYN can review your ultrasound with you and explain each option, including approximate costs and insurance coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are uterine fibroids cancer?
Fibroids are almost always benign; cancerous changes are very rare.
Do all fibroids need treatment?
No. Small fibroids without symptoms are usually monitored with regular ultrasound.
Can fibroids affect pregnancy?
Depending on size and location, some fibroids can affect fertility or pregnancy, so discuss them with your OB-GYN if you plan to conceive.
Related Guides
- Heavy Periods: Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment
- Pelvic Ultrasound in Seoul: A Guide for Foreign Women
- Endometriosis in Korea: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment
- Severe Period Cramps: When Is Menstrual Pain Not Normal?
- Complete Guide to Women's Healthcare in Korea for Foreigners
Book an English-Speaking OB-GYN Visit in Gangnam
Sinsoe Women's Clinic is a female-led OB-GYN clinic at 537 Nonhyeon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, a short walk from Eonju Station (Line 9, Exit 7) and Yeoksam Station (Line 2, Exit 6). All physicians are female, board-certified OB-GYNs, and consultations are available in English. Message us on WhatsApp (+82-10-9517-5719) to book.
Hours: Mon & Fri 10:00–20:00 · Tue–Thu 10:00–19:00 · Sat 10:00–16:00 · Closed Sundays
This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Prices and procedures can change — please confirm details directly with the clinic.
