Uterine fibroids are one of the most common tumors in the female reproductive system. It is a benign tumor formed by abnormal proliferation of smooth muscle cells in the uterine wall. Although the probability of malignant transformation of hysteromyoma is very low, its high incidence rate and high recurrence rate still bring great trouble to women, seriously affecting and endangering women's health. Here is detailed information about the hazards, symptoms, and treatment of uterine fibroids:
1. Hazards of uterine fibroids
1. Menstrual disorders and anemia: Patients with uterine fibroids may experience changes in their menstrual cycle, with increased menstrual flow, shortened menstrual cycles, and longer menstrual periods. If left untreated for a long time, it can lead to secondary anemia, resulting in general fatigue, pale complexion, and posing a serious threat to women's health.
2. Fertility issues: Large uterine fibroids can occupy space in the uterine cavity, making it difficult for embryos to implant and develop. They may also interfere with the normal growth of the fetus in the uterus.
3. Pregnancy complications: For pregnant women, uterine fibroids may increase the risk of complications such as premature birth, placental abruption, and fetal growth restriction.
4. Infertility: Uterine fibroids may hinder the binding of sperm and eggs, leading to infertility. At the same time, they may also affect embryo implantation and the stability of the uterine environment, further affecting conception.
5. Myoma degeneration: In rare cases, uterine fibroids may undergo malignant transformation and become malignant tumors. But this situation is rare.
2、 Symptoms of uterine fibroids
1. Menstrual abnormalities: Uterine fibroids may cause excessive menstruation, prolonged duration, and irregular menstrual cycles. Patients may experience longer menstrual periods or intermittent irregular bleeding. Some women may experience severe menstrual pain.
2. Pelvic pain: Generally, patients with uterine fibroids do not experience significant pain. As the fibroids gradually grow, they compress surrounding tissues and organs, which may cause periodic lower abdominal pain or persistent pelvic discomfort. In addition, red degeneration of uterine fibroids and torsion of subserosal uterine fibroids can cause acute abdominal pain.
3. Urinary frequency and urgency: Uterine fibroids may compress the bladder, leading to urinary frequency and urgency. Patients may need to urinate frequently and even feel that their bladder is not completely emptied.
4. Difficulty urinating: Larger uterine fibroids may compress the urethra, causing difficulty urinating. The patient may need to exert force to empty their urine.
5. Lumps or masses: In some cases, patients may consciously feel lumps or masses in the abdominal or pelvic area. This is usually caused by larger uterine fibroids.
6. Abdominal distension or constipation: Uterine fibroids may cause pressure on the intestines, leading to abdominal distension and constipation. The patient may feel bloated and tight in the stomach, and have difficulty defecating.
7. Increased vaginal discharge: Larger intramural fibroids or submucosal fibroids of the uterus can lead to increased secretion of endometrial glands, resulting in increased vaginal discharge.
3、 Treatment methods for uterine fibroids
1. Observation and monitoring: For small, asymptomatic fibroids, doctors can adopt a strategy of observation and monitoring, conduct regular examinations, and assess the development of fibroids at any time.
2. Medication therapy: Medication therapy can reduce the volume of fibroids and control related symptoms by adjusting hormone levels. Such as taking progesterone drugs orally or using hormone drugs to regulate estrogen levels.
3. Surgical treatment: For uterine fibroids that are large in size, severe in symptoms, or accompanied by complications, surgical resection may be necessary. Surgical methods include myomectomy (using laparoscopy or abdominal surgery to remove fibroids), uterine fibroid embolization, etc. In cases where women do not intend to conceive or have already given birth, hysterectomy may be the ultimate choice for treating uterine fibroids. Various surgical methods have their advantages and disadvantages, and doctors and patients can comprehensively evaluate the specific condition and choose the appropriate treatment plan.
4. Interventional therapy: Interventional therapy is a non-surgical treatment method that involves inserting a catheter into a blood vessel and injecting drugs or embolic agents into the artery supplying blood to the tumor to achieve the goal of shrinking the tumor.
It should be noted that the treatment plan should be determined based on the patient's specific condition and the doctor's advice. If you suspect that you have uterine fibroids, seek professional diagnosis and treatment advice from a doctor.