Observed each July, Fibroid Awareness Month was established to bring visibility to uterine fibroids — non-cancerous tumors that affect a large proportion of women, often with debilitating symptoms. First recognized by advocacy organizations to address widespread gaps in care and awareness, the month continues to raise the profile of this underdiagnosed condition.
Current treatment options for uterine fibroids range from watchful waiting and symptom management with hormonal therapies to minimally invasive procedures like uterine artery embolization, ablation and transcervical fibroid removal. For larger or symptomatic fibroids, surgery — including myomectomy or hysterectomy — remains a standard approach. However, access to newer uterus-preserving options is expanding through both pharmaceutical innovations and advanced surgical techniques.
In 2025, the conversation is evolving with new research on racial disparities, early diagnosis and the development of non-hormonal therapies. This blog covers where we stand today, what has changed in the past year and what future care may look like.
What Are Uterine Fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that form in or around the uterus, often during reproductive years. While many are asymptomatic, others cause heavy bleeding, pelvic pressure, anemia and pain.
Roughly 70% to 80% of women will develop fibroids by age 50, with a disproportionate impact on Black women, who are more likely to experience severe symptoms and earlier onset.
Despite their prevalence, fibroids often go underdiagnosed and untreated for years. A 2024 analysis of electronic health records from Kaiser Permanente Northern California, spanning over 14 million US patient records, found that Black and Hispanic women were significantly more likely to receive a fibroid diagnosis than White women — with odds 3.35 times higher for Black women and 1.64 times higher for Hispanic women. These disparities persisted across age, insurance status and region, highlighting systemic inequities in diagnosis and access to care.
Uterine Fibroids Treatment: Notable Updates and Equity Insights
Merigolix: Advances in Oral GnRH Antagonists
Merigolix, a once-daily oral GnRH receptor antagonist developed by TiumBio in collaboration with Daewon and Hansoh, recently completed a Phase II trial for the treatment of uterine fibroids. In a 12-week study involving 71 women, all dosing groups achieved statistically significant reductions in heavy menstrual bleeding versus placebo, alongside improvements in fibroid size, hemoglobin levels and pelvic pain — with no new safety signals observed. The therapy is being developed concurrently for fibroids, endometriosis and assisted reproductive technology.
Non-Hormonal Oral Therapy: Altin Biosciences
Altin Biosciences was granted a US patent for its first-in-class botanical drug candidate, a natural therapy that combines Crila, an herbal extract from the Crinum latifolium plant, with EGCG, a compound found in green tea known for its anti-inflammatory properties. The combination is being studied as a potential alternative for managing fibroid symptoms, with a recent Phase II trial showing reductions in fibroid volume and menstrual bleeding.
Care Gaps Highlighted by Mayo Clinic Study
Mayo Clinic researchers reported last year that fewer than half of patients with fibroids undergoing hysterectomy were offered less invasive therapies first. They emphasized that awareness of alternatives like hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs), ablation and uterine artery embolization is essential to informed decision-making.
Non-Invasive Option: Sonata System Expands Access
The Sonata System, developed by Gynesonics (now part of Hologic), was FDA-cleared in 2018 with additional approvals granted in subsequent years. It uses radiofrequency energy to ablate fibroids through a transcervical, incision-free approach. In June 2025, HCA Midwest Health’s Overland Park Regional Medical Center became the first hospital in the Kansas City area to offer Sonata, expanding access to outpatient fibroid care that preserves the uterus and shortens recovery time.
Minimally Invasive Surgical Advancements
Several innovations continue to refine fibroid removal procedures. These include Ark Surgical’s LapBox for abdominal access, Meditrina’s Aveta RF system for transcervical removal and the LAAM and DualPortGYN techniques for removing complex fibroids developed by the Center for Innovative GYN Care. Each provides more targeted treatment while minimizing tissue disruption and fertility impact.
From Policy Change to Community Care
Access and awareness remain key challenges in fibroid care. However, efforts are diversifying towards community care and creative solutions.
Advocacy groups like The White Dress Project have helped elevate public and legislative attention. Founded in 2014, the nonprofit has led national campaigns to reduce stigma, improve education and push for equitable care, including efforts that helped establish Fibroid Awareness Month.
In January 2025, the Illinois Department of Public Health added uterine fibroids to the list of conditions eligible for medical cannabis — a policy recognizing chronic pelvic pain as a qualifying factor, and opening up the care landscape to non-opioid strategies in gynecologic pain management.
Looking ahead, AI — which has touched nearly every part of healthcare — may also play a role in reshaping fibroid care, with emerging technologies like the Virtuoso Surgical robot. While it’s currently being studied for tumor removal in areas like the trachea and prostate, it may see future applications in uterine fibroids, among other conditions. The system is designed to learn directly from surgeons, with the long-term goal of assisting or autonomously performing precise, minimally invasive procedures.
If you want your company to be featured on Xtalks.com, please email [email protected].
Join or login to leave a comment
JOIN LOGIN