Uterine fibroids

Uterine fibroids: causes, symptoms and treatment

Uterine fibroids are a benign tumor that develops from the muscle tissue of the uterus. This is the most common tumor disease of the female genital organs. Fibroids have a round shape and can grow, pushing apart the muscle fibers of the uterus. In this article we will look at the causes of fibroids, their symptoms and treatment methods.

Causes of uterine fibroids

The causes of uterine fibroids can be different. Some of them are associated with dysfunction of the female genital organs, such as the ovaries, thyroid gland, adrenal glands, and endocrine function of the brain. Concomitant diseases may include head injuries, neuroinfections, thyroid diseases and ovarian inflammation. The tumor most often occurs in women aged 30-35 years.

Symptoms of uterine fibroids

One of the main symptoms of uterine fibroids is menstrual irregularity: long and heavy menstruation, algomenorrhea and cycle instability. Long and heavy menstruation appears first, followed by acyclic bleeding. There is a decrease or absence of libido, a decrease in reproductive function (primary and secondary infertility).

In the later stages of uterine fibroids, pain appears in the lower abdomen, associated with stretching of the peritoneum by enlarged fibroid nodes. If the node is located in the lower third of the uterus, difficulties with urination are observed. Very often necrosis of the node develops due to a violation of its nutrition. In this case, a sharp and severe pain occurs in the lower abdomen, and the temperature rises. On palpation, the uterus is enlarged, dense, painful, with a nodular surface. X-ray and ultrasound examinations allow visualization of nodes.

Diagnosis of uterine fibroids

The only reliable way to identify uterine fibroids is to go for a preventive examination to a gynecologist once a year. A good specialist can detect a tumor node by touch, but to clarify the diagnosis, he will definitely refer the patient for an ultrasound. In doubtful cases, laparoscopy (endoscopic examination of the uterus through small punctures in the abdominal wall) and hysteroscopy (an optical instrument inserted through the vagina and cervix) may be required. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) may be used to determine the size of fibroids and their location.

Treatment of uterine fibroids

Treatment of uterine fibroids depends on its size, the number of nodes, the patient’s age, the desire to preserve reproductive function and the presence of concomitant diseases. In some cases, if the fibroid does not cause significant symptoms, treatment is not required, but only dynamic observation by a doctor is sufficient.

If fibroids cause severe symptoms, conservative therapy may be prescribed, including the use of hormonal medications, such as contraceptives or gonadotropin-releasing hormones. Some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may also be used.

In some cases, surgical treatment may be prescribed, such as a myomectomy, which removes only the tumor, or a hysterectomy, which removes the uterus itself. However, surgical treatment may be associated with the risk of complications, so its need should be discussed with your doctor.

In general, regular preventive examinations with a gynecologist and timely seeking medical help can help identify uterine fibroids in the early stages and prevent its development and complications.