What is uterine fibroids? Tell me what causes uterine fibroids.

What is uterine fibroids? Tell me what causes uterine fibroids.

Uterine fibroids are a common benign gynecological tumor that grows mainly on the inner wall of the uterus. They are composed of smooth muscle cells, and usually multiple fibroids are distributed in the uterus in different sizes and shapes. The disease is not malignant, and most patients do not have obvious symptoms, but sometimes it can cause some discomfort to women.

What are uterine fibroids

Uterine fibroids are masses formed by the continuous growth of muscle cells in the myometrium of the uterus. These muscle cells can form a single or multiple fibroids and may grow in different locations in the uterus. The size and number of uterine fibroids vary from person to person. The nodules can be small enough to be observed only under a microscope or large enough to occupy the entire uterine cavity.

Main causes

At present, the cause of uterine fibroids is not fully understood. However, studies have shown that estrogen and genetic factors may be related to the occurrence of uterine fibroids.

1. Estrogen levels

Estrogen plays a vital role in women's bodies, but excess estrogen may also lead to the development of uterine fibroids. High estrogen levels may stimulate the growth of muscle cells in the myometrium, which can trigger the formation of fibroids.

2. Genetic factors

Family history is an important factor in the development of uterine fibroids. If someone else in the family has uterine fibroids, the individual's risk of the disease will also increase. There may be some association between genetic mutations and the occurrence of uterine fibroids, but the specific genetic mechanism has not yet been fully elucidated.

Symptoms and manifestations

In most cases, uterine fibroids do not cause obvious symptoms and discomfort, so many women do not know they have the disease. However, some patients may experience some of the following symptoms and manifestations:

1. Abnormal menstruation

Uterine fibroids may cause changes in the menstrual cycle, such as heavy, prolonged, or irregular periods. This is because the fibroids press on the uterine cavity, blocking the normal menstrual flow.

2. Abdominal pain and pelvic discomfort

Larger uterine fibroids may cause abdominal pain and pelvic discomfort. This discomfort may be caused by the enlargement of the uterus and the pressure on surrounding tissues.

3. Compression-related symptoms

The location and size of the fibroid may cause other compression-related symptoms. For example, when the fibroid is next to the bladder, it may cause frequent and urgent urination, and when the fibroid presses on the rectum, it may cause constipation and rectal pressure.

Treatment

Treatment is usually not needed for women before pregnancy, and for women in menopause and postmenopause, because fibroids shrink on their own during this period. However, treatment may be necessary for patients with severe symptoms or who have difficulty in fertility plans. Specific treatment methods include medication, surgery, and interventional therapy.

Uterine fibroids are a common gynecological disease, and the cause of the disease is not fully understood. Some factors such as high estrogen levels and family inheritance may be related to the onset of uterine fibroids. Although most patients have no obvious symptoms and discomfort, some patients may experience symptoms such as menstrual abnormalities, abdominal pain, and pelvic discomfort. For patients who need treatment, doctors can choose appropriate treatment methods based on their condition.