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Uterine fibroids
Uterine fibroid examination items
When suspecting that a woman has uterine fibroids, the first step is to perform a routine gynecological examination by opening the vagina with a speculum. This is necessary because some women's uterine fibroids are located on the cervix; at this point, it is possible to see an increased size of the cervix and the fibroid may be visible protruding from the cervix. Moreover, during the bimanual gynecological examination, one may find that the uterus is enlarged and irregularly shaped with localized protrusions. Generally, the mobility is quite good. Additionally, some auxiliary examinations can be combined, such as the most common transvaginal ultrasound or pelvic abdominal ultrasound. For suspected submucosal uterine fibroids, a hysteroscopic examination can also be performed for diagnosis.
Do uterine fibroids have a genetic component?
Uterine fibroids indeed have a certain hereditary quality, similar to some other tumors or diseases, with a definite familial genetic component. However, the condition of uterine fibroids varies from person to person and is also related to acquired factors such as estrogen levels. The majority of uterine fibroids are simply carried, with the incidence in the population reaching over 20%. Many people with uterine fibroids do not need to worry about them, and no surgery is required, as regular check-ups are sufficient. After menopause, some fibroids may shrink and gradually disappear on their own. Some uterine fibroids during the reproductive years will ultimately require surgery, and there is also a small chance of needing surgery after menopause.
Are uterine fibroids contagious?
The exact causes of uterine fibroids are not yet clear, but since fibroids commonly occur during reproductive years, are rarely seen before puberty, and tend to shrink or regress after menopause, it suggests that the occurrence of fibroids may be related to female hormones. Studies have shown that uterine fibroid tissues are highly sensitive to estrogen, which is one of the important factors in the development of fibroids. Additionally, research indicates that progesterone promotes mitotic activity in fibroids, stimulating the growth of uterine fibroids. Cytogenetic studies show that some uterine fibroids have chromosomal abnormalities. Based on these studies, it is evident that uterine fibroids are not contagious.
What department should I visit for uterine fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are a common gynecological condition. Once uterine fibroids occur, it is necessary to register for a gynecological examination. Further gynecological ultrasound examinations are required to determine the location of the uterine fibroids. There are several types of uterine fibroids, including subserosal, intramural, and submucosal fibroids. In particular, if submucosal fibroids are present, regardless of their size, timely surgery is needed due to the high risk of severe bleeding and anemia they pose. If the submucosal fibroid is small, hysteroscopic submucosal fibroid electrosurgery can be performed. If the fibroid is large, an open surgery may be necessary. Additionally, in the case of intramural and subserosal uterine fibroids, if the fibroid continues to grow larger than five centimeters, there is also a potential risk of malignancy, thus timely surgical treatment is recommended.
Are uterine fibroids likely to recur?
Firstly, uterine fibroids are prone to recurrence in women of childbearing age. The main cause of uterine fibroids is usually an excessively high level of estrogen in the body, along with an uneven distribution of estrogen levels, which leads to the development of fibroids. Once a woman is of childbearing age and has regular menstrual cycles, uterine fibroids tend to recur. If uterine fibroids occur, it is necessary to go to the hospital for a color ultrasound examination to check the location of the fibroids. Uterine fibroids can be categorized into cervical fibroids and corpus fibroids. If cervical fibroids are found, timely surgical treatment is required because they become more difficult to treat and more prone to bleeding as they grow larger. Additionally, for corpus fibroids, it depends on whether they are intramural or submucosal. If submucosal uterine fibroids are present, they also require timely surgical intervention due to the risk of prolonged bleeding and potential anemia.
What should I do about uterine fibroids?
Uterine fibroids first require examining the location and size of the fibroids. Uterine fibroids can be classified into subserosal fibroids, submucosal fibroids, and intramural fibroids. If it is a submucosal fibroid, no matter the size of the fibroid, it is necessary to promptly perform a hysteroscopic submucosal fibroid surgery. If the submucosal fibroid is large, it may be necessary to perform a hysterectomy through abdominal surgery. For intramural and subserosal fibroids, if the fibroid's diameter exceeds five centimeters or if the fibroid is growing rapidly, surgical treatment is recommended at that time, because there is a chance of malignant transformation in uterine fibroids, which ranges from 0.2% to 0.3%. Therefore, once such a situation occurs, surgical treatment is required.
How to recuperate from uterine fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are the most common benign tumors of the female reproductive organs, composed of smooth muscle and connective tissue. Treatment varies depending on the patient's age, childbearing requirements, presence of symptoms, location and size of the fibroids, and their number. For asymptomatic fibroids, treatment is generally not necessary, especially for women nearing menopause. After menopause, fibroids often shrink or gradually disappear. In such cases, it is recommended to follow up every three to six months, or consider pharmaceutical treatment. Medication is suitable for those with mild symptoms, near menopausal age, or those who are not suitable for surgery. If there are complications such as heavy menstrual bleeding, resulting anemia, ineffective drug treatment, severe abdominal pain, or conditions like fibroid torsion or acute abdomen, surgical treatment is recommended.
Can uterine fibroids eat donkey-hide gelatin?
Patients with uterine fibroids can consume donkey-hide gelatin. This is because uterine fibroids often cause increased menstrual flow and prolonged menstrual periods. Due to the long-term increase in menstrual volume and duration, there is an increase in blood loss, leading to anemia. The main functions of donkey-hide gelatin are to nourish the blood, moisten dryness, and stop bleeding, making it suitable for patients with uterine fibroids. Consuming donkey-hide gelatin can alleviate the anemia and excessive menstrual bleeding caused by uterine fibroids. However, donkey-hide gelatin is relatively heaty, so it should not be consumed in excess.
Does uterine fibroids require the removal of the uterus?
Whether a hysterectomy is needed for uterine fibroids depends on the specific circumstances of the patient. If the fibroids are large and numerous, making the preservation of the uterus unnecessary, then a hysterectomy can be considered. Additionally, the decision should take into account the patient's age, reproductive desires, and personal preference. If the patient is older, has no desire for children, and wishes to have a hysterectomy, then it is feasible to remove the uterus under these circumstances. However, if the patient's condition does not mandate the removal of the uterus, the decision should be made in conjunction with the patient's wishes.
Do fibroids cause stomach pain?
Uterine fibroids, if merely present and not too large, generally do not cause abdominal pain. If there are symptoms of abdominal pain, it is necessary to check whether there is pelvic inflammatory disease by examining if there is tenderness in the uterus and adnexal areas. Uterine fibroids, if accompanied by adenomyosis, can also cause abdominal pain, particularly progressive dysmenorrhea symptoms. Therefore, if there is abdominal pain, it is essential to first perform an ultrasound to understand the specifics of the uterine fibroids, whether there are other masses in the pelvic area that might be twisted, and also to check for inflammation, the presence of an intrauterine device, etc.