What are the symptoms of uterine fibroids?

Symptoms of uterine fibroids vary greatly depending on their location, size, and number. Common symptoms include abnormal menstruation, pressure or pain, abdominal lumps, etc. If you find relevant symptoms, you should seek medical attention in time to clarify the condition. The following will specifically introduce several typical symptoms that uterine fibroids may show and how to deal with them.

1. Abnormal menstruation

The most common manifestation of uterine fibroids is menstrual disorders, such as significantly increased menstrual flow, prolonged menstrual periods, or irregular menstrual periods. This is because fibroids affect the normal shedding of the endometrium, especially submucosal fibroids, which are more likely to cause this symptom. For menstrual abnormalities, treatment can be carried out by regulating hormone drugs such as progesterone and oral contraceptives. Severe cases may require surgical treatment, such as hysteroscopic myomectomy or hysterectomy.

2Pelvic pressure or pain

As uterine fibroids grow, they can compress surrounding organs such as the bladder and rectum, and even cause frequent urination, urgency, difficulty defecating, or a feeling of heaviness in the lower abdomen. Sometimes insufficient blood supply or pathological changes in the fibroids can cause severe pain. To relieve the symptoms of compression, small fibroids can be treated with Chinese medicine, while larger fibroids can be treated with minimally invasive surgery such as laparoscopic myomectomy or non-invasive treatment with high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU).

3. Abdominal mass

Some patients may find a painless mass in the abdomen. This is usually because a large uterine fibroid protrudes into the abdominal cavity, forming a noticeable mass. In this case, you need to see a doctor for ultrasound or MRI to confirm the diagnosis. For patients with larger tumors, laparotomy can be performed for resection, or combined with interventional treatment such as uterine artery embolization (UAE).

4. Affects reproductive function

Certain types of uterine fibroids, such as those located in the uterine cavity, may affect conception or cause miscarriage. If a patient planning family planning has uterine fibroids, they should receive a gynecological evaluation in advance and develop a treatment plan. For patients with fertility needs, surgical methods that preserve the uterus, such as myomectomy, can be preferred.

5Other symptoms

A small number of patients may experience general fatigue, anemia or other complications. This is usually caused by excessive menstrual flow leading to chronic hemorrhagic anemia. Supplementation of iron and vitamin C can relieve anemia symptoms; at the same time, the primary lesion should be actively treated.

The above symptoms do not necessarily mean that you have uterine fibroids. Professional examinations are required to confirm the diagnosis. If you experience symptoms such as abnormal menstruation and abdominal pain, it is recommended to seek medical treatment as soon as possible. This disease develops slowly, and early intervention can better control the disease and reduce the impact on life and health. Regular gynecological examinations, early detection and early treatment are important steps to ensure women's health.