Clinical features of uterine fibroids

Uterine fibroids, also known as uterine leiomyoma, are the most common benign tumors of the female reproductive system. They can occur alone or in multiple locations at the same time. Most people are asymptomatic, but some patients also have the following clinical manifestations:

1. Menstrual changes

Menstrual changes are the most common manifestation of uterine fibroids. Patients may experience shortened menstrual cycles, increased menstrual flow, prolonged menstrual periods, and some patients may also experience irregular vaginal bleeding.

2. Compression symptoms

Some patients may experience compression symptoms. For example, if the fibroid grows forward or backward, it may compress the bladder, urethra or rectum, causing frequent urination, dysuria, urinary retention or constipation. If the fibroid grows to both sides, it will form a broad ligament fibroid, which may cause ureteral or renal hydrops when compressing the ureter. If the fibroid compresses the pelvic blood vessels and lymphatic vessels, it may cause lower limb edema.

3. Abdominal pain

Patients usually present with symptoms such as lower abdominal distension, back pain, etc., but usually without abdominal pain. However, when the pedicle of the fibroid is twisted, the patient may experience acute abdominal pain; when the fibroid becomes red, the patient may experience severe abdominal pain accompanied by fever.

4. Infertility

Submucosal fibroids can affect the implantation of the fertilized egg or cause early miscarriage; larger intramural fibroids can cause mechanical obstruction or uterine cavity deformation, which can also affect the implantation of the fertilized egg or cause early miscarriage.

In addition to the above conditions, patients may also experience increased leucorrhea, secondary anemia, hypoglycemia, etc.