Subscribe
Uterine fibroids
How to manage uterine fibroids
The occurrence and development of uterine fibroids are mainly related to congenital factors and have little to do with postnatal lifestyle conditions. Therefore, when uterine fibroids are detected, there is no need for any specific conditioning. Various traditional Chinese medicines, herbal treatments, or hormonal drugs do not have a definite curative effect on uterine fibroids, and so far, there is no specific medication for the treatment of uterine fibroids. When uterine fibroids are detected, the main considerations are whether they cause symptoms such as excessive bleeding, anemia, or whether they are increasing in size and causing compression symptoms on the surrounding tissues. Uterine fibroids without any symptoms generally only require regular physical examinations and may shrink and disappear after menopause.
Does uterine fibroids cause high CRP?
Normal uterine fibroids do not cause an increase in CRP. CRP is an indicator of systemic inflammatory response. Only when a patient experiences infection, rupture, or acute systemic inflammatory reactions will it cause a rise in tumor markers. Uterine fibroids often do not exhibit these symptoms; therefore, most cases will not show an increase in CRP. However, in some patients, infection or rupture, and even malignancy, can lead to an increase in these indicators. Patients should undergo relevant imaging studies to assess the size and location of the uterine fibroids, as well as the presence of uterine bleeding.
How big a uterine fibroid can be without requiring treatment?
The size of uterine fibroids is one of the indicators we consider for whether treatment and surgery are necessary. It is generally believed that surgery is indicated when the diameter of a fibroid exceeds 6cm, or when the entire uterus is larger than the size it would be at ten weeks of pregnancy. However, in reality, the size of a uterine fibroid is not an absolute indicator for surgery. This means that even if the fibroid exceeds 6cm, or the entire uterus reaches around ten weeks in size, it doesn’t necessarily require surgery. At this point, other factors are usually also considered, such as whether there are symptoms, whether the large fibroids cause heavy menstruation and anemia, whether there are compression symptoms, the radiological appearance of the fibroids, whether they resemble malignant conditions, whether the fibroids are rapidly growing, and whether the fibroids are located in special areas like the cervix, the hip ligament, or submucosal. Thus, the size of the uterine fibroids is just one aspect we consider for treatment or surgery; the presence of symptoms and whether the fibroids are malignant, among others, are actually more important.
How is uterine fibroid surgery performed?
When a woman has uterine fibroids, the surgical method should be decided based on the specific location, size, number of fibroids, age, and fertility requirements. If the uterine fibroid is relatively large, pretreatment can typically be carried out before the surgery. For example, using GNRHA-type drugs can reduce the size of uterine fibroids and lower the risk of surgery. Submucosal fibroids can be treated with hysteroscopic electroresection. Intramural or subserosal fibroids can be removed via laparoscopic surgery.
How to treat uterine fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are the most common benign tumors of the female reproductive organs, consisting of smooth muscle and connective tissue, mostly seen in women aged 30-50. Uterine fibroids can be classified into fibroids of the uterine body and cervical fibroids. Depending on their location, the treatments differ. Fibroids of the uterine body are further divided into intramural fibroids, subserosal fibroids, and submucosal fibroids. In cases of submucosal fibroids, prompt symptomatic treatment is necessary once detected, as these fibroids grow towards the uterine cavity and protrude into it, covered only by the endometrium on the surface. Hence, timely surgical intervention and regular physical examinations are crucial for submucosal fibroids.
How often should uterine fibroids be checked?
The follow-up timing after uterine fibroids depends on the current size of the fibroids and the symptoms. If the fibroids are particularly small and there are no symptoms, a follow-up after one year is generally acceptable. However, if during the follow-up the fibroids are found to have grown quickly, or if there are symptoms such as increased menstrual flow or a shortened cycle, a follow-up every six months may be warranted. Most uterine fibroids do not cause any symptoms and simply exist; they tend to grow gradually with age and generally shrink and disappear after menopause.
Can you eat sea cucumber with uterine fibroids?
People with uterine fibroids can eat sea cucumber. The cause of uterine fibroids is not very clear at present. Studies have shown that uterine fibroids may be caused by chromosomal genetic misplacement in the body. However, since most uterine fibroids shrink after menopause, it is considered that uterine fibroids are related to increased levels of sex hormones in the body. Sea cucumber is a food that can enhance the immune system and has no relation to the formation of uterine fibroids. Therefore, people with uterine fibroids can eat sea cucumber.
How many days after uterine fibroid surgery can I wash my hair?
Uterine fibroid surgery, including myomectomy and hysterectomy, does not require the postpartum practice of "sitting the month," and there are no prohibitions against washing hair or bathing, unlike after childbirth. Generally, the surgical wound will fully heal about a week after the operation, at which point it is possible to wash hair and even bathe. Of course, it is important to monitor the recovery process after uterine fibroid surgery. If there are signs of infection at the surgical site, such as redness, hardening, or discharge of pus, the wound generally needs to be opened, the stitches removed, and the dressing changed regularly. Antibiotic and anti-infection treatments are administered until the wound fully heals, after which washing hair and bathing are permissible.
Can uterine fibroids eat bird's nest?
People with uterine fibroids can eat bird's nest, but consuming bird's nest has no effect on uterine fibroids; it neither treats nor impacts the fibroids, whether benignly or malignantly. Uterine fibroids are mainly related to congenital factors and the level of estrogen; they are estrogen-dependent diseases. It is only necessary to avoid taking estrogen-like drugs on one's own. Most uterine fibroids can be managed with regular check-ups, and generally, if there are no symptoms, surgery is not required. Most fibroids will disappear after menopause naturally. (The use of medication should be under the guidance of a professional doctor.)
Can uterine fibroids be inherited?
Uterine fibroids are common benign tumors clinically, with a prevalence rate of 20%-40% among women, approximately 20% of which are hereditary. Most tumors do not show clear clinical symptoms, so patients need not worry too much even after the tumors develop. However, some patients may experience increased menstrual flow, prolonged menstrual cycles, or even symptoms such as anemia, abdominal pain, and bloating. In such cases, surgical removal may be considered, which is a routine procedure in clinical settings, so patients should not be overly concerned.