If Your Body Shows These Symptoms, It's Likely Uterine Fibroids at the Door
In today's fast-paced lifestyle, the risk of developing uterine fibroids is on the rise among women. Although they are benign tumors, if left untreated, they can potentially lead to malignancy. When symptoms of uterine fibroids are detected, it's crucial to seek medical treatment promptly.
If Your Body Shows These Symptoms, It's Likely Uterine Fibroids at the Door
Uterine Bleeding
Around 90% of uterine fibroid patients experience uterine bleeding, often characterized by increased menstrual flow, prolonged menstruation, or a shortened menstrual cycle. Some patients may also experience irregular vaginal bleeding. The most common causes are submucosal and intramural fibroids within the uterine wall, leading to uterine bleeding.
Pain
While uterine fibroids typically do not cause severe pain, about 10% of patients may experience lower back pain and a feeling of pelvic fullness in the lower abdomen. Acute abdominal pain can occur when uterine fibroids undergo red degeneration or when subserosal fibroids experience torsion, leading to symptoms of acute abdominal pain and dysmenorrhea.
Increased Vaginal Discharge
Uterine fibroid patients often have an enlarged uterine cavity and an increased number of endometrial glands, which can lead to an increase in vaginal discharge. In cases where submucosal or subserosal fibroids become infected, ulcerated, or necrotic, this can cause purulent or bloody discharge.
Anemia
Uterine fibroids can result in irregular vaginal bleeding or heavy menstrual flow, which can lead to iron-deficiency anemia. Submucosal fibroid patients may experience severe anemia as well.
Infertility and Miscarriages
Around 40% of uterine fibroid patients experience infertility, and some may have recurrent miscarriages. The location, size, and number of fibroids determine fertility and pregnancy outcomes. Larger fibroids can lead to deformation of the uterine cavity, hindering embryo implantation and development. If fibroids compress the fallopian tubes, it can lead to tubal obstruction. Submucosal fibroids can directly block embryo implantation, impeding sperm from entering the uterine cavity.
Common Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids
According to Professor Chen Chunlin from Southern Medical University and Southern Hospital, common symptoms of uterine fibroids include:
Menstrual irregularities, characterized by irregular menstrual cycles, increased menstrual flow, or prolonged menstruation.
Mass and compression symptoms: As uterine fibroids grow to a certain size, they can compress the bladder, leading to symptoms such as frequent urination and urgency, as well as increased nighttime urination. If they compress the rectum, it can lead to constipation.
Increased secretions: There may be an increase in vaginal discharge, especially after the end of menstruation, although this is not significant in cases of smaller uterine fibroids.
Abdominal pain: Fibroids that undergo degeneration can cause abdominal pain.
Anemia: Increased menstrual flow can result in anemia, which is typically moderate, although some cases may lead to severe anemia.
Infertility: Uterine fibroids may cause infertility in 40% of cases.
How to Prevent Uterine Fibroids?
Most uterine fibroids are believed to develop due to exposure to cold, so it is essential to keep warm, especially during periods of significant temperature variation in the early spring and late evenings. During menstruation, consume foods that promote the expulsion of menstrual blood, such as red dates and longan. Avoid excessive emotional stress during menstruation to prevent dysmenorrhea and promote fibroid growth.
Women should learn to take care of their bodies by seeking professional help from traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and maintaining a positive and optimistic attitude. Avoid consuming cold foods and refrain from sexual activity and hot baths during menstruation. Once uterine fibroids are diagnosed, regular medical check-ups are crucial to monitor their size and number. If any abnormalities occur, consult a doctor and consider surgical removal under their guidance.
