How to check for uterine fibroids?

Written by Li Shun Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 27, 2024
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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 Li Lin
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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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.

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Written by Zhao Xiao Dong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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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 Li Lin
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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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.

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Written by Sun Shan Shan
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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How long does uterine fibroid surgery take?

Firstly, there are several types of surgeries for uterine fibroids, so the duration of the surgery depends on the size of the fibroids, the surgical method, and the type of anesthesia used. If the surgery is an open surgery for simply removing benign uterine fibroids, the operation, including the time for anesthesia, generally takes about two hours, which is not very long. If the surgery is done laparoscopically under general anesthesia, it may take a longer time, and it takes some time for the patient to recover from anesthesia post-surgery. If the uterine tumor is malignant, then the surgery might require rapid pathological examination and the removal of other areas, leading to a more extended surgery time which can vary significantly.

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Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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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.