How to treat uterine fibroids?

Written by Sun Shan Shan
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on January 21, 2025
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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.

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Written by Wang Jing Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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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.

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Written by Sun Shan Shan
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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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.

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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 Liu Jian Wei
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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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 Li Shun Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What are the symptoms of uterine fibroids?

If the uterine fibroids are relatively small, they generally do not show symptoms. However, submucosal uterine fibroids, regardless of their size, can cause heavy menstrual bleeding and prolonged periods. Intramural uterine fibroids, if protruding into the uterine cavity, can also lead to heavy menstrual bleeding and prolonged periods. If the uterine fibroids are large and press against the bladder in front, symptoms such as frequent urination and urinary urgency can occur. If they press against the rectum in the back, it can lead to difficulty in defecation or a feeling of downward pain. Therefore, if symptoms are present with uterine fibroids, surgical treatment is necessary.