Gynecology › Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids: diagnosis and treatment in Busan

Fibroids (myomas) are non-cancerous growths of the uterine muscle. They are very common, and many cause no problems at all. When they do cause heavy periods, pain or pressure, there are several treatment options. Busan OB/GYN clinics can diagnose fibroids on ultrasound, and women's and university hospitals offer procedures and surgery.

Symptoms

• Heavy or long periods, sometimes with clots
• Pelvic pressure, bloating or a visibly swollen abdomen
• Frequent urination or constipation from pressure
• Pelvic or back pain, or pain during sex
• Fertility or pregnancy problems, depending on size and location

Symptoms depend on where fibroids are: inside the cavity (submucosal), in the wall (intramural), or on the outside (subserosal).

How fibroids are diagnosed

A transvaginal or transabdominal ultrasound shows the number, size and position of fibroids. Saline sonography or hysteroscopy can show fibroids inside the cavity, and MRI helps plan procedures or distinguish fibroids from adenomyosis. Blood tests check for anemia.

Treatment options

• Watchful waiting: for fibroids without symptoms, with periodic ultrasound. Fibroids usually shrink after menopause.
• Medicine: tranexamic acid and NSAIDs for bleeding and pain; hormonal options including the hormonal IUD ; GnRH-based medicines to shrink fibroids short-term, often before surgery.
• Hysteroscopic removal: for submucosal fibroids, through the cervix.
• Myomectomy: surgical removal of fibroids while keeping the uterus, by laparoscopy, robotic surgery or open surgery.
• Uterine artery embolization (UAE): done by an interventional radiologist to cut off blood supply to fibroids.
• High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU): a non-invasive option for selected fibroids. We have not confirmed which Busan facilities offer it.
• Hysterectomy: the definitive treatment when you do not plan future pregnancy.

Cost and insurance

For people enrolled in Korea's National Health Insurance (NHI), consultations, ultrasound, medicines and medically needed surgery are partly covered. Some procedures, such as HIFU or MRI, may be covered only under certain criteria or be self-pay; ask how the hospital bills. Private indemnity insurance may cover part of the rest. Without NHI you pay the full fee. See our HIFU cost guide and other cost guides .

Tips for foreigners

Bring your ARC or passport and any previous scan reports. Ask about all options, recovery time and a written estimate before agreeing to a procedure, and consider a second opinion. See our international patients guide .

Related

• Adenomyosis
• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Uterine polyps
• Pelvic ultrasound
• HIFU in Busan
• HIFU cost guide

Elsewhere in Korea

• Uterine fibroid treatment in Gangnam, Seoul
• Fibroid treatment in Daegu
• Myomectomy in Daegu

When to get help sooner

Go to an ER for very heavy bleeding (soaking a pad an hour for two hours), dizziness or fainting, or sudden severe pelvic pain with fever. See a doctor promptly if a fibroid grows quickly, especially after menopause.

Hospitals in Busan for fibroid care

University and women's hospitals handle more complex fibroid, adenomyosis and endometriosis care. We have not confirmed which facilities offer HIFU; ask when you call. Tap a name for the full listing; features are shown only where a public listing confirms them.

Uterine fibroid questions