What should you know about uterine fibroids?
What is a uterine fibroid and how does it develop?
A uterine fibroid is a benign tumor that develops from the muscular layer of the uterus and is frequently encountered in women of reproductive age. According to statistical data, 20–40 percent of women encounter this condition at some stage of their lives, although many may not notice any symptoms at all.
What does "fibroid" mean?
In simple terms, a fibroid is a tumor-like node formed from the muscle and connective tissue of the uterine wall. It is not cancer, meaning it is not considered a malignant tumor, and it very rarely develops into cancer. The size of the nodes can range from a few millimeters to 10–15 centimeters, or even larger, and they can be located singly or in multiples.
What are the types of uterine fibroids?
Depending on their location, fibroids are divided into several types:
🔹 Subserosal fibroid — located on the outer side of the uterus, under the serous membrane, and may not show any signs for a long time.
🔹 Intramural fibroid — forms in the middle of the uterine muscle layer; it is considered the most common type.
🔹 Submucosal fibroid — grows toward the uterine cavity and, even if small in size, can cause heavy bleeding and infertility.
In addition, cervical fibroids that develop in the area of the cervix also occur.
Main symptoms and causes of fibroids
Main symptoms of fibroids
🔹 Heavy and prolonged menstruation
🔹 Pain or a feeling of pressure in the lower abdomen
🔹 Frequent urination
🔹 Sometimes difficulties in conceiving
🔹 A bloated appearance of the abdomen
🔹 Symptoms of anemia resulting from prolonged blood loss — dizziness, rapid fatigue
What causes fibroids to appear?
The exact cause is unknown, but hormonal changes, genetic predisposition, and excess weight can increase the risk of their development. In particular, high levels of the hormone estrogen in the body accelerate the growth of fibroid nodes. Pregnancy, abortion, menstrual cycle irregularities, as well as conditions like adenomyosis are also among the factors that influence the appearance of nodes.
Pregnancy with fibroids: what should you pay attention to?
This depends on the size and location of the fibroid. While some fibroids have no effect at all, others can make it difficult to conceive or affect the course of pregnancy. Specifically, submucosal nodes that deform the uterine cavity can make it difficult for a fertilized egg to implant in the uterus, potentially leading to infertility or early miscarriage. For this reason, it is recommended to consult with a gynecologist regarding the issue of pregnancy with fibroids before planning a pregnancy. In most cases, if the nodes are small and located far from the uterine cavity, the pregnancy can proceed without any complications.
Treatment methods for fibroid disease
Of course, fibroids are treatable. The treatment method for each patient is selected individually. The treatment of uterine fibroids is determined based on the size and location of the node, the patient's age, and the desire to plan a pregnancy.
Main directions of treatment
🔹 Observation tactics — for small and asymptomatic nodes, regular check-ups are recommended.
🔹 Medicinal therapy — with the help of hormonal preparations, it is possible to slow down the growth of the node and alleviate symptoms.
🔹 Uterine artery embolization — a modern non-surgical method based on shrinking the node by cutting off its blood supply.
🔹 Myomectomy — a surgical procedure aimed at removing only the node while preserving the uterus; this is especially preferred for women planning a pregnancy.
🔹 Hysterectomy — complete removal of the uterus, usually used in cases where the nodes are very large or other methods have not yielded results.
What does delayed treatment lead to?
It is worth noting that if uterine fibroids are not treated in a timely manner, in approximately 40–65 percent of cases, the nodes gradually enlarge over the years, which can lead to complications such as anemia, heavy bleeding, and impairment of reproductive function. Therefore, it is very important to undergo timely check-ups and follow a specialist's recommendations.
Recommendations for prevention
🔹 Annual gynecological check-ups
🔹 Monitoring hormonal balance
🔹 Avoiding excess weight
🔹 Staying away from stress and an unhealthy lifestyle
Early diagnosis and the right approach are the most important steps for effective treatment. If you observe any of the symptoms listed above, consult a specialist in a timely manner — this will significantly facilitate the process of treating uterine fibroids and help preserve reproductive health.
📨 Source: Telegram: @eko_iksi_clinic