Uterine fibroids are one of the most common benign tumors in the female reproductive system, affecting approximately 1 in 5 adult women. If the uterus is a room, "fibroids" are like small stones growing on the uterine wall. They can cause the originally smooth uterine wall to lose its elasticity and contraction function, thereby affecting menstruation and even causing the functioning of the entire body system. Therefore, uterine fibroids are definitely not a small problem and need to be taken seriously!
So, why do these "fibroids" appear in our uterus? The main pathogenic factors include the following:
1. Genetic hormone levels and cell mutations: If one's relatives have uterine fibroids, the risk of offspring developing uterine fibroids is several times higher than that of normal individuals.
2. Excessive estrogen levels in the body: The occurrence of uterine fibroids often relies heavily on one's own hormones. If one suffers from uterine fibroids before pregnancy, the estrogen levels secreted during pregnancy are high, promoting the growth of fibroids. After delivery, one's own hormones will return to normal levels.
3. Menopausal women: When a woman enters menopause, her hormone levels gradually decrease, and her uterine fibroid volume also gradually decreases and eventually disappears, without affecting her physical health. Women aged between 30 and 50 are at a high risk of developing uterine fibroids, as they often experience long-term stress. Prolonged sitting and staying up late can also exacerbate estrogen secretion, leading to abnormalities and triggering uterine fibroids.
The appearance of uterine fibroids can cause significant harm to women's bodies. If uterine fibroids appear in the body, the following symptoms usually occur: 1. Increased menstrual flow and prolonged menstrual period. The main symptoms of uterine fibroids occur in more than half of patients, with periodic bleeding as the main manifestation, mainly manifested as increased menstrual flow, prolonged menstrual period, or shortened menstrual cycle. Some patients even present with irregular vaginal bleeding, mainly characterized by an increasing number of submucosal uterine fibroids and intramural fibroids. However, fibroids beneath the serosa rarely cause vaginal bleeding. Uterine submucosal fibroids present as irregular vaginal bleeding or frequent long-term increase in bloody purulent discharge, which can lead to anemia, weakness, and myocardial problems.
2. Lower abdominal lump. As the fibroids continue to grow, they will become larger and larger until a certain degree of submucosal fibroids occur. We will feel a lump in the abdomen that can move freely without tenderness.
3. Increased vaginal discharge. The enlargement of the uterine cavity, the increase of endometrial glands, and the congestion of the pelvic cavity can gradually increase one's own vaginal discharge. The submucosal muscle layer of the cervix can develop ulcers, infections, necrosis, bloody or purulent discharge accompanied by odor.
4. Symptoms of compression. After uterine fibroids continue to grow, they will compress the surrounding nerves, causing many discomfort symptoms in the human body. If there is a myoma on the front wall of the uterus, it can compress the bladder and cause frequent urination and urgency. The huge cervical myoma may even compress the bladder and cause dysuria and retention of urine. If the posterior wall fibroids of the body increase in size, it can cause poor bowel movements, significant discomfort after defecation, broad ligament fibroids and attacks, and fibroids can compress the ureter, causing hydronephrosis.
So we must take preventive measures in our daily lives to avoid the occurrence of uterine fibroids:
1. Reduce the intake of estrogen: fried foods, grilled foods, pickled foods, and other foods contain a large amount of hormones. If consumed in large quantities frequently, it will affect the level of estrogen in the body, affecting the uterus and gradually leading to the development of uterine fibroids. Some emergency contraceptive drugs also contain a large amount of estrogen, so women who already have the risk of uterine fibroids should not take them.
2. Avoid multiple induced abortions: The more induced abortions, the greater the damage to the uterus and the higher the risk of inducing uterine fibroids. To avoid this problem, everyone must take protective measures to reduce damage to the uterus.
3. Pay attention to regulating emotions: The uterus is an important organ in the human body that can also sense the body's emotions. If the mood is too low, it can cause uterine fibroids to occur. Therefore, to avoid this situation, it is recommended that everyone maintain an optimistic attitude.