Mayo Clinic Experts Call for Shift Away From Hysterectomy in Fibroid Treatment

Uterine fibroids, noncancerous growths that develop in the wall of the uterus, affect up to 80 percent of women at some point in their lives and can lead to severe pain and fertility issues for nearly half of those affected.
Although hysterectomy has traditionally been the most common treatment for this condition, researchers at the Mayo Clinic are advocating for minimally invasive alternatives, warning that the widespread practice of removing the uterus may cause unnecessary long-term health risks for millions of women.
Experts from the Mayo Clinic caution that hysterectomy may not be the best option for women’s immediate and long-term health.
The researchers highlighted several risks associated with hysterectomy, noting that the procedure may increase the likelihood of cardiovascular disease, depression, and anxiety and result in higher mortality rates, especially for women who undergo the procedure during their child-bearing years.
Early detection of fibroids is crucial, as smaller fibroids are typically less complicated to treat. The incidence of fibroids rises with age and is notably higher in black women, who also tend to experience more severe symptoms, according to the study.
“Earlier diagnosis and treatment of uterine fibroids can help reduce this health disparity among Black women,” Dr. Ebbie Stewart, co-lead author and gynecologist at Mayo Clinic, said in the press release.
“Hysterectomy makes decision-making easier for medical providers and patients,” she said. “For providers, they don’t have to determine which fibroids to treat or remove. Hysterectomy is also universally available in OB-GYN practices.”
Concerns about missing rare uterine cancers, such as leiomyosarcoma, have also contributed to women choosing hysterectomies over less-invasive treatments.
Complicating the issue is that fibroids can recur in approximately 50 percent to 60 percent of cases within five to 10 years of removal. However, not all recurrences become symptomatic, especially as women approach menopause.