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Uterine fibroids are formed by the proliferation of smooth muscle cells in the uterine myometrium. The vast majority of them are benign tumors and rarely undergo malignant transformation.

According to statistics, 20% of women over 30 years old have uterine fibroids, and the actual prevalence rate may be far more than 20%.

What are uterine fibroids?

Uterine fibroids, also known as uterine leiomyomas, are solid benign tumors.

It usually forms in the intramuscular, submucosal or subserosal areas of the uterus, with one tumor or multiple tumors and varying sizes. Generally, they are asymptomatic, but in a few cases, it has the symptoms of vaginal bleeding, the palpable mass can be felt in the abdomen and compression, etc. Multiple uterine fibroids are common.

Must uterine fibroids be surgically removed?

Usually, asymptomatic fibroids do not require treatment. Doctors will recommend having a B-ultrasound every 3 to 6 months to observe changes in the size of the fibroids. After menopause, most fibroids will naturally shrink.

If it is found that the uterine fibroids are constantly increasing in size or have symptoms that affect certain aspects of life during the follow-up examination, treatment is needed.

What are the main treatment methods for fibroids?

The main treatment methods for uterine fibroids are as follows:

1. Drug therapy: Hormone drugs are used through oral administration, injection, etc. Or place an intrauterine instrument to reduce menstrual bleeding and improve symptoms related to abnormal menstruation.

2. Surgical treatment: It is divided into two types: myomectomy and hysterectomy.

① Myomectomy is suitable for women with fertility requirements. Surgical methods include open abdominal surgery, laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, transvaginal surgery, etc.

 Among them, plasma surgery under hysteroscopy has become the preferred treatment method for many hospitals.

② Hysterectomy is suitable for patients who don’t wish to have children or are suspected of having malignant fibroids. Fibroids will not recur after the operation.

3. Other treatments:

① Uterine artery embolization: Uterine vessels are occluded using vascular clamps via a laparoscopic or vaginal approach, thereby retarding the growth of fibroids and relieve symptoms. However, it is generally not used for patients with fertility requirements.

② Magnetic resonance guided focused ultrasound: The energy generated by ultrasound causes the necrosis of fibroids, thereby reducing the size of fibroids. For patients with fibroids who have no fertility requirements and develop symptoms.

Are there any ways to prevent fibroids

At present, there is no particularly effective preventive method for uterine fibroids in clinical practice. It is recommended that women have a B-ultrasound examination once a year to check if they have vaginal inflammation or cervical inflammation. At the same time, it is suggested that they undergo cervical cancer screening. In addition, B-ultrasound examination is also particularly important to understand whether there are tumors in the uterus and the pelvic cavity. If there are uterine fibroids, the intake of the following foods should be controlled: soy milk, royal jelly, honey, black beans, peanut butter, onions, red wine, etc. The frequent consumption of these foods may cause the growth rate of uterine fibroids to accelerate.