Internal exams are not embarrassing… because “uterine fibroids” can always occur!!
Because the “uterus” is the source of estrogen hormones… the main cause of uterine fibroids! Taking care and visiting a doctor for an internal exam is therefore very important. It’s time… for every woman to stop feeling embarrassed! Before unknowingly harming their own uterus..
Uterine fibroids… often occur in working-age women
Because the occurrence of uterine fibroids is related to estrogen hormone levels, which are high in women of reproductive age or between 20-50 years old. The increased estrogen levels during this period stimulate the uterine muscle to grow abnormally.
Types of fibroid tumors
- Intramural fibroid occurs when uterine muscle cells grow abnormally, causing the fibroid to embed within the uterine muscle.
- Subserosal fibroid the fibroid grows and pushes out to the outer surface of the uterus.
- Submucosal fibroid the fibroid grows and pushes into the uterine cavity.
- Intracavitary fibroid the fibroid may protrude out to the outer surface of the uterus or push back into the uterine cavity, attached to the uterus by a small stalk.
Know early… with 6 warning signs!!
- Heavy and prolonged menstrual bleeding, including blood clots or increased menstrual pain.
- Frequent urination. Large fibroids may press on the bladder, causing difficulty urinating or frequent urination.
- Pain and discomfort during sexual intercourse, possibly caused by fibroids growing and protruding into the vagina or cervix area.
- Constipation. Fibroids may press on the rectum and grow larger, compressing or pressing on the organs in the abdominal cavity.
- Bloating and fullness. Large fibroids cause discomfort, abdominal tightness, swelling, or enlargement in the lower abdomen or pelvic area.
- Infertility and frequent miscarriage. Fibroids growing into the uterine cavity may block the fallopian tubes and interfere with embryo implantation.
Uterine fibroids can be treated by…
- Taking pain relief medication if the fibroid is small, about the size of a lime or orange, or in older patients at risk from other treatments. Doctors will prescribe medication accordingly.
- Surgery, which is divided into 3 types…
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- Open abdominal surgery involves making a 6-8 inch incision on the abdomen. The fibroid may be removed alone or the uterus may be removed, depending on the condition and severity.
- Laparoscopic surgery surgery performed by making small incisions of 0.5 – 1 cm in the abdomen, usually 3-4 incisions, to insert surgical instruments and a laparoscope connected to a monitor, allowing the doctor to see inside the abdomen and pelvis and control the surgery externally.
- Vaginal surgery this method leaves no abdominal scars, causes less pain, and allows faster recovery. However, if the fibroid is large, there are pelvic adhesions, or the vaginal canal is narrow, surgery may be more difficult.
Captain (Navy) Dr. Sosakul Boonyawiroj
Gynecologic Oncology Specialist
Women’s Health Center, Phyathai 1 Hospital
