What are the most common symptoms of uterine fibroids?

What are the most common symptoms of uterine fibroids? Uterine fibroids are benign tumors formed by the proliferation of uterine smooth muscle tissue. They are more common in middle-aged women. According to a large number of autopsy examinations, about 20% of women over 30 years old have single or multiple fibroids of varying sizes in their uterus. However, because the symptoms are not obvious, they have not attracted the attention of women and have never sought medical treatment.

The exact cause of uterine fibroids is not clear, but it has been confirmed that uterine fibroids occur in women of childbearing age and stop growing and shrink after menopause, suggesting that the growth and development of uterine fibroids may be related to estrogen. Estrogen can cause the proliferation and hypertrophy of uterine muscle cells, thickening of the muscle layer, and enlargement of the uterus.

According to the location of the fibroids, they can be divided into cervical fibroids and uterine body fibroids. According to the relationship between the fibroids and the uterine myometrium, they can be divided into the following types:

1. Intramural fibroids: fibroids located in the myometrium account for about 60%-70% of the total;

2. Subserosal fibroids: uterine fibroids protrude from the surface of the uterus;

3. Submucosal fibroids: Uterine fibroids protrude into the uterine cavity, causing the cavity to expand and deform.

Most small uterine fibroids have no symptoms. Many patients seek medical attention due to irregular menstruation, which is manifested by increased menstrual blood volume, prolonged menstrual period, and irregular menstruation. It is only through gynecological examination that uterine fibroids are confirmed. The main causes of uterine fibroid bleeding are due to enlarged uterine cavity, increased endometrial area, poor uterine contraction, and excessive endometrial hyperplasia. This situation is more common when the intramural fibroids grow larger or have multiple nodules. Once submucosal fibroids become necrotic, ulcerated, or infected, there will be continuous vaginal bleeding accompanied by a foul odor.