What Are Uterine Fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths inside or outside the uterus.
This type of cancer, also called leiomyoma or myoma, is not associated with an increased risk of uterine cancer and almost never develops into cancer.
Uterine fibroids vary in size, from being so small as a seed that they cannot be detected by the eye, to large ones that can press on and enlarge the uterus.
A woman can have single or multiple fibroids. In extreme cases, multiple fibroids can develop inside the uterus, enlarging the organ to the point of reaching the ribs and adding weight to it.
Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids
Most women have no symptoms of uterine fibroids. Symptoms depend on the number, size, and location of the fibroids. Some common symptoms:
- Prolonged menstruation.
- Anemia, low red blood cell count.
- Bleeding between periods.
- Dyspareunia, or painful intercourse.
- Frequent urination, caused by tumor pressure on the bladder.
- Pain or pressure in the lower abdomen or lower back.
Causes of Uterine Fibroids
No one knows what triggers fibroids. Researchers think there are several factors that contribute to their occurrence. These factors include:
- Hormonal factors (triggered by fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels).
- Genetic factors (based on heredity).
Just as the trigger is unclear, until now the factors that cause the formation of uterine fibroids are also unclear.
It is known that fibroids are closely related to hormonal conditions, both estrogen and progesterone.
Fibroids are known to grow larger when a woman is pregnant, because at that time there is an increase in hormone levels.
However, fibroids are certain to shrink when a woman enters menopause because hormone levels tend to decrease.
Uterine Fibroids Risk Factors
Here are some factors that must be considered in relation to myoma growth, including:
- Age of the sufferer. Most women experience fibroids in their 40s.
- The hormone estrogen is said to play a role in the formation of myomas.
- Women who experience their first menstruation before the age of 10 are more susceptible to myoma.
- Women who are African-American are 2.9 times more likely to develop fibroids than Caucasian women.
- Weight. A study found that a woman’s risk of developing fibroids increased by 21 percent for every 10 kilograms of weight gain, followed by an increase in body mass index.
- Eating a lot of red meat is believed to increase the risk of fibroids. Conversely, consuming green vegetables can reduce the risk.
- Women who have had children are less likely to experience fibroids.
- Smoking habits can increase the risk of myoma.
- Family history. If a woman has a family history of fibroids, her risk of developing fibroids increases 2.5 times, compared to those who do not have a family history of fibroids.
Uterine Fibroids Diagnosis
In diagnosing myoma, the doctor will first conduct a medical interview.
This interview is to find out whether the sufferer often complains of a feeling of heaviness and lumps in the lower abdomen, and has menstrual disorders accompanied by pain.
After that, the doctor will perform a physical examination using the bimanual method which will show tumors in the uterus.
Generally, the tumor is located in the midline or slightly to the side, which when touched looks like a lump.
After that, the doctor can perform supporting examinations to support the final results.
Supporting examinations that are usually performed to diagnose uterine fibroids are ultrasound and MRI.
Uterine Fibroid Complications
Complications that can occur are uterine fibroids can develop into a malignant called leiomyosarcoma. However, this is very rare.
Another possible complication of uterine fibroids is torsion or twisting. The resulting torsion can cause acute circulatory disorders, leading to tissue death.
Uterine Fibroid Treatment
Most fibroids don’t require treatment. You just need to have regular checkups to make sure they don’t grow too large or cause other problems.
Medications can be used as hormone inhibitors. If symptoms persist, the doctor may recommend surgery to remove the uterus or fibroids if the sufferer still wants to have children.
However, it should be noted that uterine fibroids can recur, requiring the sufferer to undergo surgery again. Medications can indeed inhibit the growth of fibroids, but only temporarily.
Uterine Fibroid Prevention
Prevention of uterine fibroids can be done with the following:
- Exercise or Physical Activity. The body will burn fewer calories when you are lazy to move.
- Healthy Eating Patterns. A diet high in calories, low in vegetables and fruits, often skipping breakfast, and drinking high-sugar drinks can lead to obesity.
- Avoid Smoking. This habit can increase the risk of myoma.
When to See a Doctor?
Although uterine fibroids are benign tumors, they can cause discomfort in daily activities.
In extreme cases, uterine fibroids can cause bleeding. See a doctor right away if you experience:
- Pelvic pain that doesn’t go away immediately.
- Menorrhagia or dysmenorrhea.
- External bleeding or menstrual bleeding.
- Pain during intercourse.
- Growth in the uterus and stomach.
- Difficulty urinating.
