How big is the uterine fibroid that requires surgical removal?

Uterine fibroids are common benign tumors in women and usually do not require immediate surgical removal. The indication for surgical removal depends mainly on the size of the fibroids and the severity of the symptoms.

Generally speaking, if the fibroids cause noticeable symptoms, such as heavy or prolonged periods, abdominal pain, bladder compression leading to frequent and urgent urination, or if the size of the fibroids exceeds 5 cm, then surgical removal may be considered. Surgery may also be necessary if the fibroids cause infertility or recurrent miscarriages.

The method of surgical removal can be determined based on the size and location of the fibroids. For smaller fibroids, myomectomy may be an option to preserve the uterus, while for larger or more numerous fibroids, a hysterectomy may be required.

Surgical resection is not the only treatment option. There are other conservative treatment options, such as drug therapy, interventional therapy, etc. Before deciding whether to undergo surgical resection, you should have a detailed discussion and evaluation with your doctor and make an appropriate decision based on your personal situation.