Emerging treatment options for uterine fibroids.

Uterine fibroids (also known as leiomyomas or myomas) are the most common form of benign uterine tumors. Current management strategies involve mainly surgical interventions, but the choice of treatment is guided by patient age and desire to preserve fertility or avoid 'radical' surgery such as hysterectomy. Areas covered: There is growing evidence of the crucial role of progesterone pathways in the pathophysiology of uterine fibroids, leading to increasing use of selective progesterone receptor modulators (SPRMs) such as ulipristal acetate. We searched all published studies on medical management of fibroids with SPRMs. Expert opinion: The need for alternatives to surgical intervention is very real, especially for women seeking to preserve their fertility. These options now exist, with SPRMs proven to treat fibroid symptoms effectively. Gynecologists now have new tools in their armamentarium, opening up novel strategies for the management of uterine fibroids.