Myoma of the uterus: how to treat

The factors that initiate the growth of fibroids are not known. The overwhelming majority of myomas are found in women of reproductive age. They rarely appear in young women who have not yet begun menstruation.

Uterine fibroids are nodules of smooth muscle cells and fibrous connective tissue that develops on the uterine wall. In the medical language, they are called uterine leiomyomas. Myoma can vary from 1 mm to more than 20 cm in diameter. They can grow on the walls of the uterus, they can protrude into the cavity or toward the outer surface of the uterus.

Myoma is a benign tumor. It is not associated with cancer and almost never turns into cancer. This does not increase a woman's risk of getting uterine cancer.

Myoma can appear at any time. Between 20% and 30% of women of reproductive age have fibroids, although not all have been diagnosed. But the prevalence can be much higher.

Who is at risk of ?

No risk factors. Only uterine fibroids were found in the reproductive age. In women who did not give birth to children, the risk of getting uterine myoma is higher than that of those giving birth. Smoking girls and consumers of oral contraceptives - a low risk of fibroids. Nevertheless, it is important to note that smoking poses a greater danger to health than a uterine myoma. Women who play sports are of lower prevalence than women who do not engage in any sporting activity.

Symptoms of uterine fibroids.

How do you know if you have a uterine myoma? Probably, you do not suspect. Most of the myomas do not cause any symptoms and do not require treatment, except for regular medical supervision. Myoma can be detected during gynecological examination or during prenatal care. Some women who have uterine fibroids may experience symptoms such as excessive or painful bleeding during menstruation, bleeding between menstruation, a feeling of fullness in the lower abdomen, frequent urination, pain during intercourse, or pain in the lower back. In rare cases, fibroids can prevent the fertilization and migration of the egg. After surgical removal of fibroids, fertility is usually restored.

Hysteromyoma: how to treat.

Until recently, a woman with a growing uterine myoma was considered a candidate for hysterectomy( removal of the uterus).However, treatment of the uterus in women of reproductive age means that she can no longer bear children.

Hysterectomy has historically been based on the size of the uterus. Once the uterus reached a large size, it was time for a hysterectomy. The decision was based on the fact that fibroids of this size could lead to uterine cancer. Without effective diagnostic procedures in medicine, it was considered safer to remove the uterus than to allow the further growth of malignant tumors. Now, improvements in imaging procedures, such as ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging, can effectively determine if a rapidly growing tumor is present. Therapy for uterine fibroids should be based on symptoms, and not on the fact that the uterine fibroids will continue to grow until it reaches the size at which a hysterectomy will be needed.

If the fibroid gives the woman trouble, the surgeon can remove only the tumor, leaving the intact uterus. This can lead to weakening of the uterine walls. In this case, for any childbirth after this, most likely, the cesarean section will be applied. Many women with myoma have a successful pregnancy outcome without any excessive frequency of miscarriage or other adverse outcomes.

More and more doctors are beginning to understand that uterine fibroids may not require any intervention or, at the very least, apply limited treatment. Some women never show any symptoms, in which case no treatment is required. For women who experience occasional pelvic pain or discomfort, mild, anti-inflammatory or pain medications will be effective. In more annoying cases, you may need strong drugs prescribed by a doctor's prescription.