Uterine Fibroids (Myoma Uteri or Uterine Fibroid) occur due to abnormal changes in the muscle cells of the uterus, most of which are benign tumors. Malignant transformation is very rare (less than 1 percent). However, the concern is that uterine fibroids are commonly found in women of reproductive age, approximately 30 – 50 years old, and most often show no symptoms.
Symptoms that may suggest uterine fibroids
Small uterine fibroids usually have no symptoms. About 50 percent of those with uterine fibroids experience abnormal symptoms. This means that most people with uterine fibroids are unaware but are often detected during annual health check-ups through pelvic exams or ultrasound.
Common abnormal symptoms include:
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding, gradually increased menstrual bleeding causing anemia without realizing it, feeling fatigued, easily tired, and frequent fainting
- Severe pain during menstruation
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Bloating, feeling of abdominal enlargement, constipation, or sometimes a palpable mass in the abdomen
- Some cases experience frequent urination or incomplete urination
Are you having uterine fibroids? You can check with this method…
- Physical examination by palpation and pelvic exam
- High-frequency ultrasound examination (ultrasound) via the abdomen or vagina. This method can determine the location and size of the fibroid and whether it is a uterine fibroid or a mass from another condition
How many treatment methods are there for uterine fibroids?
- Injection to block the blood vessels supplying the fibroid (non-surgical) is a radiological technique where a catheter is inserted through the femoral artery to the fibroid, and a substance is injected to block the blood vessels. The fibroid shrinks due to lack of blood supply. However, this method is limited to fibroids that are not too large.
- Surgical removal of the fibroid only is performed for some patients who still wish to have children. However, some cases may not be successful. There are various methods such as vaginal endoscopic surgery, small incision abdominal surgery, etc.
- Hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) is considered when there are abnormal symptoms and the patient has completed childbearing. There are several surgical methods such as vaginal hysterectomy, laparoscopic hysterectomy, small incision abdominal hysterectomy, and open abdominal hysterectomy.
Don’t want to have uterine fibroids… You can prevent it!!
Since the exact cause of uterine fibroids is still unknown, it is only known that there is a relationship with genetics and female hormones. It is also known that being overweight, underweight, or overly stressed affects the pituitary gland’s hormone secretion, which controls ovarian function abnormally. Therefore, good uterine health care indirectly results from maintaining overall physical and mental health to help normalize hormone function in the body, which in turn allows the uterus and ovaries to function properly.
