How to check for uterine fibroids?

Written by Jia Rui

Obstetrics and Gynecology

Updated on September 24, 2024

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Uterine fibroids are a type of benign tumor of the female reproductive organs. Uterine fibroids are a common gynecological disease and are frequently occurring; they can be clearly seen via abdominal ultrasound. Uterine fibroids mainly form due to the proliferation of uterine smooth muscle cells, with a small amount of fibrous connective tissue existing as a supportive tissue. If the fibroids do not exceed five centimeters and do not affect menstruation or present any clinical symptoms, conservative treatment can be considered, with attention to regular follow-up examinations.

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Written by Liu Jian Wei

Obstetrics and Gynecology

54sec

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Reasons for the sudden enlargement of uterine fibroids

Uterine fibroids generally grow slowly. In clinical practice, if there is a sudden increase in the size of uterine fibroids in a short period, it is recommended that the patient immediately seek medical attention at a local hospital to ascertain the cause. Commonly observed reasons for an increase in the size of uterine fibroids include: firstly, if the uterine fibroids are tending towards malignancy, they can increase in size rapidly. Additionally, during pregnancy, under the influence of high levels of hormones in the body, pregnant women may also experience a sudden increase in the size of uterine fibroids, accompanied by red degeneration.

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Written by Zhao Xiao Dong

Obstetrics and Gynecology

49sec

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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.

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Written by Sun Shan Shan

Obstetrics and Gynecology

1min 11sec

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Uterine fibroids are classified into several types.

Uterine fibroids are classified by location into two types: myometrial fibroids and cervical fibroids. Based on the relationship between the uterine fibroids and the muscular wall, there are three kinds of uterine fibroids: intramural fibroids, subserosal fibroids, and submucosal fibroids. Intramural fibroids, primarily located within the uterine wall and enclosed by a muscular layer, are recommended for surgical treatment once the fibroid's diameter exceeds four centimeters, as they tend to grow rapidly. Similarly, subserosal fibroids grow towards the peritoneal surface of the uterus and are on the exterior of the uterus. If subserosal fibroids also exceed four centimeters in diameter and are accompanied by menstrual changes, surgical treatment is advised. Furthermore, submucosal fibroids, regardless of their size, require timely surgical intervention due to their association with heavy bleeding and a high risk of anemia.

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Written by Li Shun Hua

Obstetrics and Gynecology

40sec

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How to check for uterine fibroids?

Uterine fibroids can primarily be diagnosed through ultrasound and gynecological examinations. Uterine fibroids are relatively easy to diagnose; an ultrasound can reveal irregular masses on the uterus or solid echoes, with a fairly intact capsule, which could be either solitary or multiple, confirming the presence of uterine fibroids. During a gynecological examination, an irregular uterine shape with localized protrusions can be felt, which are fairly mobile and typically not associated with significant pain, further confirming the presence of uterine fibroids.

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Written by Shen Li Wen

Obstetrics and Gynecology

1min 7sec

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Early symptoms of uterine fibroid malignancy

Uterine fibroids are a type of benign lesion and generally grow slowly. Sometimes, even after several years of continuous re-examinations, the size of the uterine fibroids may not show significant changes. However, when uterine fibroids become malignant, their growth rate can accelerate, causing women to experience hidden pain in the lower abdomen. After the malignancy of uterine fibroids and an increase in size, they can also compress the pelvic floor nerves, leading to an intensification of abdominal pain; they can press forward against the bladder, causing frequent urination and urgency; and press backward against the rectum, resulting in changes in the characteristics of stools. Additionally, when some women's uterine fibroids turn malignant, they can also affect the surface area of the endometrium, impacting the menstrual cycle, such as causing irregular vaginal bleeding.