For women, the uterus is undoubtedly a highly valued part, and taking good care of and maintaining its health is a matter of great concern. As an easily injured part, the uterus is prone to pathological changes. At the same time, there are many diseases that occur in the uterus, and once you ignore them, uterine diseases will gradually come to you, such as uterine fibroids. So what is uterine fibroid?
1、 What is uterine fibroid? Uterine fibroids (also known as fibroids or uterine fibroids) are the most common benign tumors in the female reproductive organs and one of the most common tumors in the human body. Due to the fact that uterine fibroids are mainly formed by the proliferation of uterine smooth muscle cells, with a small amount of fibrous connective tissue existing as a supporting tissue, they are more accurately called uterine leiomyomas. Commonly seen in women aged 30-50, rare in those under 20 years old. Most patients have no conscious symptoms and are often discovered through physical examination. Some patients may experience menstrual abnormalities, abdominal lumps, increased vaginal discharge, lower abdominal bloating, and other symptoms.
2、 Symptoms of uterine fibroids
1. Increased menstrual flow is the main symptom of uterine fibroids, manifested as an increase in total menstrual flow, prolonged duration of each menstrual cycle, reduced interval between two menstrual periods, irregular vaginal bleeding, and other symptoms, which usually lead to anemia.
2. A lump in the lower abdomen is one of the symptoms of uterine fibroids. When the fibroid grows to a certain extent, a hard lump can be felt by touching the abdomen. If the fibroid grows too large, it may protrude from the vaginal opening and form a mass in the external genitalia.
3. Increased vaginal discharge is a common symptom of uterine fibroids, mostly manifested as increased vaginal secretions. Sometimes a large amount of purulent or even bloody vaginal discharge can be produced, accompanied by a foul odor.
4. Uterine fibroids will cause compression symptoms. The forward compression of the bladder by fibroids will cause frequent urination, urgency, difficulty in urination, retention of urine, etc. The backward compression of the rectum will cause the feeling of tumescence in the lower abdomen, pain in defecation, constipation, and other symptoms.
5. Some uterine fibroids can cause pain, but usually uterine fibroids do not cause pain. When the fibroid is too large, it may cause lower abdominal bloating and lower back pain. When the fibroid twists its pedicle, it may also cause pain.
3、 There are two treatment methods for uterine fibroids, namely drug therapy and surgical treatment. In general, this disease is treated with medication. Medications can effectively control the enlargement of fibroids and also alleviate symptoms caused by fibroids. Surgery is only suitable for very severe patients. Proper postoperative care is necessary.
4、 Precautions for uterine fibroids
1. Preventing excessive fatigue. People with this disease must prevent excessive fatigue, especially during menstruation, and pay attention to rest. Uterine fibroids are generally caused by hormonal abnormalities in the body due to excessive fatigue. When there is an excessive amount of male hormones in the body, uterine fibroids will grow bigger and bigger. The enlargement of uterine fibroids can easily compress the ovaries, further affecting hormones and forming a vicious cycle.
2. Keep the external genitalia clean. Patients must pay attention to keeping the external genitalia clean and change into clean underwear every day, which can effectively prevent gynecological inflammation. Gynecological inflammation can worsen uterine fibroids.
3. Regularly going to the hospital for uterine fibroids may not require special treatment, but once diagnosed with the disease, it is necessary to go to the hospital for regular check ups. This can monitor whether the fibroids have increased in size, and also detect whether the fibroids have become cancerous in a timely manner.
Although uterine fibroids are benign fibroids, they can cause symptoms such as uterine bleeding, female infertility, menstrual disorders, lower abdominal masses, and increased vaginal discharge in women. Therefore, if uterine fibroids are found, they should be taken seriously and seek medical attention as soon as possible.