What should I do about uterine fibroids?

Written by Sun Shan Shan
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 15, 2024
00:00
00:00

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.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Lin
Obstetrics and Gynecology
49sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Wang Jing Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
57sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Sun Shan Shan
Obstetrics and Gynecology
1min 11sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Hou Jie
Obstetrics and Gynecology
1min 2sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Wang Jing Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
40sec home-news-image

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.