Uterine fibroids are common noncancerous growths in the uterus. Many fibroids cause no problems, but in some cases women experience problems such as pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, bladder problems, and infertility.
Each year in Ontario, thousands of women seek medical attention for symptoms related to fibroids. Medication often helps. Other options include surgery (to remove the fibroids or the entire uterus) or a procedure called uterine artery embolization, which destroys fibroids by blocking their blood supply.
Health Quality Ontario Reviews Magnetic Resonance-Guided High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound for the Treatment of Uterine Fibroids
Many women with uterine fibroids want to avoid surgery, especially if they want to have children in the future. A non-invasive alternative is magnetic resonance-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound. This treatment uses ultrasound waves to heat and destroy the fibroids.
The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care is currently reviewing this recommendation.