What is uterine fibroids?

Written by Jia Rui
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 28, 2024
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In clinical practice, uterine fibroids are common benign tumors found in female reproductive organs. Clinically, they present with symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding, anemia, and pressure on the rectum, causing difficulty in defecation, as well as pressure on the bladder, leading to urgency in urination. Uterine fibroids, also known as fibromyomas or uterine leiomyomas, are the most common tumors in the human body. They mainly consist of proliferating smooth muscle cells of the uterus, with a small amount of fibrous connective tissue acting as support. Uterine fibroids can affect the function of the reproductive cycle. It is advisable to visit a gynecologist for examination and actively seek treatment.

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Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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How can uterine fibroids be reduced?

Uterine fibroids in women are closely related to the levels of estrogen in the body. Some women have relatively small uterine fibroids with no clinical symptoms and can be observed dynamically. Generally, after menopause, when the levels of estrogen decrease, the size of uterine fibroids in these women can naturally shrink. Additionally, certain medications can be used for treatment, such as drugs from the GnRH-a class, which act by causing ovarian ablation. This leads to a decrease in estrogen levels in the body and can also reduce the size of the uterine fibroids. Interventional treatments can also be employed to block the blood supply to the uterine fibroids, reducing their blood supply and consequently decreasing their size.

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Written by Liu Jian Wei
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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.

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Written by Sun Shan Shan
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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How to treat uterine fibroids?

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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Obstetrics and Gynecology
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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.

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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.