How to treat uterine fibroids?

Written by Sun Shan Shan
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on January 21, 2025
00:00
00:00

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.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Wang Kun
Surgical Oncology
36sec home-news-image

Can uterine fibroids be inherited?

Uterine fibroids are common benign tumors clinically, with a prevalence rate of 20%-40% among women, approximately 20% of which are hereditary. Most tumors do not show clear clinical symptoms, so patients need not worry too much even after the tumors develop. However, some patients may experience increased menstrual flow, prolonged menstrual cycles, or even symptoms such as anemia, abdominal pain, and bloating. In such cases, surgical removal may be considered, which is a routine procedure in clinical settings, so patients should not be overly concerned.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Sun Shan Shan
Obstetrics and Gynecology
1min 6sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Jia Rui
Obstetrics and Gynecology
41sec home-news-image

How to check for uterine fibroids?

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.

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 Sun Shan Shan
Obstetrics and Gynecology
1min 10sec home-news-image

What department should I visit for uterine fibroids?

Uterine fibroids are a common gynecological condition. Once uterine fibroids occur, it is necessary to register for a gynecological examination. Further gynecological ultrasound examinations are required to determine the location of the uterine fibroids. There are several types of uterine fibroids, including subserosal, intramural, and submucosal fibroids. In particular, if submucosal fibroids are present, regardless of their size, timely surgery is needed due to the high risk of severe bleeding and anemia they pose. If the submucosal fibroid is small, hysteroscopic submucosal fibroid electrosurgery can be performed. If the fibroid is large, an open surgery may be necessary. Additionally, in the case of intramural and subserosal uterine fibroids, if the fibroid continues to grow larger than five centimeters, there is also a potential risk of malignancy, thus timely surgical treatment is recommended.