Besides breast cancer, uterine fibroids are one of the silent threats to women. Statistics show that about 20-25% of all working-age women have a chance of developing uterine fibroids. Among every 1,000 women with uterine fibroids, 1 has a chance of developing cancer. For this reason, it is important to get to know uterine fibroids in order to regularly observe and protect yourself from this silent threat to women as much as possible.
What are uterine fibroids?
Uterine fibroids (Uterine Fibroids) are tumors that occur in the uterus. Fibroids can be found in any part of the uterus. Their size may vary, with some women having a single fibroid and others having multiple fibroids. The type and number depend on the factors causing fibroids in each individual. Women aged 30-45 are at higher risk of developing uterine fibroids than other age groups.
What warning signs indicate that you should see a doctor?
Symptoms of uterine fibroids vary from person to person. Some may start with small lumps, while others may not realize until the lumps become quite large. Symptoms you can observe yourself that may indicate a risk of uterine fibroids include:
- Chronic constipation due to fibroids pressing on the rectum
- Intermittent lower abdominal pain, sometimes severe, sometimes mild
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Large fibroids pressing on the bladder, causing frequent urination
- Abdominal enlargement, bloating, swelling resembling pregnancy
Uterine fibroids directly affect pregnancy. Internal examinations and consulting a doctor before planning pregnancy can help reduce risks.
What causes women to be at risk of uterine fibroids?
The cause of uterine fibroids is similar to that of other types of tumors; it is still unclear what exactly causes them. It is suspected that female hormones, both estrogen and progesterone, which stimulate the growth of the uterine lining during menstruation every month, may promote the growth of uterine fibroids.
Consuming certain foods that supplement female hormones, such as coconut water, prunes, flax seeds, sesame, various nuts, tofu, soy milk, and wheat, if eaten excessively, can affect hormone levels in the body.
How dangerous are uterine fibroids?
Most fibroids found are benign, not malignant, and have a very low chance of becoming cancerous. The danger of uterine fibroids lies in large fibroids affecting the function of other organs, which may cause heavy menstrual bleeding and severe abdominal pain in some patients. Although uterine fibroids are generally not very dangerous, regular internal examinations during annual health check-ups are recommended. Currently, medical technology provides tools that help accurately diagnose and monitor the size of fibroids, allowing for timely detection and treatment.
Treatment of uterine fibroids with minimally invasive surgery
Uterine fibroids vary in size and location, which affects diagnosis and treatment options. If the fibroid is very large and causes severe abdominal pain or complications, doctors will recommend surgery to remove the fibroid.
Currently, surgery uses a technology called Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS), which involves laparoscopic surgery. Small incisions are made in the skin at the treatment site, then a camera and surgical instruments are inserted to perform the surgery. This allows doctors to see the internal area clearly.
Small laparoscopic surgery through the vagina allows viewing inside the uterine cavity and inserting an electric wire to cut out the fibroid without any surgical wounds. After waking up from surgery, patients do not feel wound pain, only a slight sensation similar to menstrual cramps. This allows patients who have surgery in the morning to go home in the afternoon or evening.
Advantages of minimally invasive surgery
- Laparoscopic surgery allows precise detection of disease causes
- Reduces the risk of complications compared to traditional surgery
- Less blood loss, less pain, faster recovery, quicker discharge
- Reduces opportunity costs due to less work absence
- Faster recovery allows patients to return to normal life sooner
Note: Patients who have had fibroids removed may have a chance of fibroids growing back. Patients who have had uterine fibroid surgery can still have children but must consult closely with their doctor.
Postoperative care after uterine fibroid surgery
Minimally invasive surgery has the advantage of small wounds, less pain, and less blood loss, allowing patients to recover quickly and reducing the chance of complications from wound care. Patients can return to normal life quickly after treatment. The following are recommendations for postoperative care:
- Take medication as prescribed by the doctor
- Do not forget to attend follow-up appointments
- Avoid sexual intercourse until the wound has fully healed
- If abnormalities occur, such as fever or abdominal pain, see a doctor immediately
