overview
Different types of uterine fibroids and their locations
Fibroid Locations Open the popup dialog
Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths in the uterus that often occur in childbearing age. Uterine fibroids, also known as leiomyomas (Lie-o-my-O-muhs) or fibroids, are not associated with an increased risk of uterine cancer and almost never turn into cancer.
The size of the fibroids varies from seedlings that cannot be seen by the human eye to large masses that can deform and enlarge the uterus. You can have a single fibroid or multiple. In extreme cases, multiple fibroids can enlarge the uterus enough to reach the rib cage and add weight.
symptom
Many women with fibroids have no symptoms. For those who do, symptoms can be affected by the location, size, and number of the fibroids.
In women with symptoms, the most common signs and symptoms of uterine fibroids are:
Heavy menstrual bleeding
Periods longer than a week
Pelvic pressure or pain
Frequent urination
Difficulty emptying the bladder
constipation
Back or leg pain
The reasons
Doctors don’t know the cause of uterine fibroids, but research and clinical experience have shown these factors:
Genetic changes. Many fibroids contain changes in genes that are different from those found in normal uterine muscle cells.
Hormones. Estrogen and progesterone, two hormones that stimulate the development of the lining of the uterus during each menstrual cycle in preparation for pregnancy, appear to promote fibroid growth.
Fibroids contain more estrogen and progesterone receptors than normal uterine muscle cells. Fibroids tend to shrink after menopause due to decreased hormone production.
Risk factors
Few known risk factors for uterine fibroids other than being a woman of childbearing age. Factors that can affect fibroid development include:
Run. Although any woman of childbearing age can develop fibroids, black women are more likely to have fibroids than women of other racial groups. In addition, black women have fibroids at a younger age and are likely to have larger or larger fibroids and more severe symptoms.
Inheritance. If your mother or sister has had fibroids you are at increased risk of developing them.
Other factors. Onset of menstruation at an early age; Obesity; Lack of vitamin D; follow a diet high in red meat and less in green vegetables, fruits, and dairy products; and drinking alcohol, including beer, appears to increase the risk of developing fibroids.
Complications
Although uterine fibroids are generally not dangerous, they can cause discomfort and complications such as low red blood cells (anemia), which can lead to fatigue due to excessive blood loss. In rare cases, a transfusion is required due to blood loss.
prevention
Although researchers continue to study the causes of fibroid tumors, there is little scientific evidence on how to prevent them. Prevention of uterine fibroids may not be possible, but only a small percentage of these tumors require treatment.
However, if you choose to live a healthy lifestyle, e.g. For example, maintaining a normal weight and eating fruits and vegetables may lower your risk of fibroids.