2024-03-10 09:34:22
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Uterine fibroids are common benign tumors that affect 20 to 30% of women aged 30 to 50, with a higher prevalence in some of them such as women who have not yet had children, overweight women or those with a family history.
Although they are generally not life-threatening, they can cause symptoms such as heavy or irregular menstrual bleeding, which signal the need for medical attention to prevent infertility or anemia.
You should also know that during pregnancy, the presence of uterine fibroids increases the risk of complications such as premature delivery or miscarriage.
It is crucial to detect fibroids at the earliest for effective management. And this article, taken from the monthly newsletter of the Samitivej Hospitals group, aims precisely to provide you with the necessary information to best understand the issue.
Types of uterine fibroids
• Intramural or interstitial fibroma: This is the most common type of fibroids. Intramural fibroids grow within the thickness of the uterine muscle tissue and can cause symptoms such as pelvic pain and heavy menstrual bleeding.
• Subserosal fibroma: It is found on the outer surface of the uterus on the side of the abdominal wall. Subserosal fibroids can in some cases cause severe pain and a feeling of pressure in the pelvic area, depending on their size, shape and location.
• Submucosal fibroid: It protrudes inside the uterine lining. Submucosal fibroids can lead to menstrual problems and fertility problems.
In Thailand, uterine fibroids can be treated with medication
Causes and risk factors
The exact reason for the appearance of uterine fibroids is not yet known, but factors such as heredity and hormonal influence seem to play a significant role. Women with a family history of uterine fibroids are at increased risk. And it is also believed that hormonal imbalances, particularly in estrogen and progesterone levels, have the effect of stimulating the growth of fibroids.
Symptoms of uterine fibroids
In case of symptoms such as those mentioned below, it is recommended to consult a doctor for a thorough examination and to make an early diagnosis:
• Pain or feeling of pressure/heaviness in the pelvic area
• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Back ache
• Frequent urination
• Difficulty emptying the bladder
• Constipation
In order to avoid any possible complications related to uterine fibroids, it is essential to carry out early diagnosis using technologies such as ultrasound. Rapid intervention allows for more effective symptom management, thereby improving overall quality of life.
Ultrasound screening and diagnosis
• Abdominal ultrasound is recommended for women over 30 or those suffering from chronic menstrual pain.
• Transvaginal ultrasound (TVS) assesses endometrial thickness and provides clearer images than abdominal ultrasound.
Other diagnostic methods such as MRI and endoscopy provide additional insight into treatment decisions.
It is important for the well-being of women to have the best information regarding the presence of uterine fibroids, their type, and the factors causing their appearance.
If you suspect the presence of fibroids or have associated symptoms, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional to carry out a thorough examination and determine the appropriate forms of diagnosis. Early detection is key to effective management and can contribute to better outcomes.
This article is brought to you by Samitivej Hospitals and was translated by the agency Voilà !.
References:
Li, B., Wang, F., Chen, L., & Tong, H. (2023). Global epidemiological characteristics of uterine fibroids. Archives of Medical Science, 19(6), 1802–1810. https://doi.org/10.5114/aoms/171786
Wutthiphan, B. (2019, September 25). Uterine Fibroids—They Can Be Treated with Medication. Samitivej Hospitals. https://www.samitivejhospitals.com/article/detail/uterine-fibroids. Find the article in French here
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