Uterine Myoma

A uterine myoma is a benign growth in the uterus that occurs in women of reproductive age. It is often called a leiomyoma or fibroid. Uterine myomas are not associated with an increased risk of developing uterine cancer and almost never develop into cancer.

Uterine myoma is the most common benign uterine tumor and occurs in 20-30% of women, most commonly between the ages of 40-50 years, so women of this age should pay special attention to their health.

A uterine myoma often has no symptoms, so you may not suspect its presence. During a consultation with a gynecologist, the doctor may discover it by chance during a pelvic examination or prenatal ultrasound.

Symptoms

As mentioned above, myomas are often asymptomatic, although the location, size and number of fibroids may influence the appearance of symptoms.

The Most Common Symptoms (If Any) Of Uterine Myoma Include:

Prolonged and heavy bleeding during menstruation
The menstrual period lasts more than one week
A feeling of pressure or pain in the pelvis
Frequent urination
Inability to completely empty the bladder
Constipation
Lower back or leg pain
In rare cases, it can cause severe pain

Myomas Are Usually Classified According To Their Location

Intramural nodes grow inside the muscular wall of the uterus
Submucosal nodes extending into the uterine cavity
Subserous nodes on the outside of the uterus

Speak To Your Doctor If You Have:

Pelvic pain that won't go away
Excessive, prolonged or painful menstruation
Small bleeding or bleeding between periods
Inability to completely empty the bladder
Unexplained low red blood cell count (anemia)

Seek Medical Help Immediately If You Have Heavy Vaginal Bleeding Or Severe Pelvic Pain.

Causes Of Myoma

The precise mechanism causing uterine myoma is unknown but studies and clinical experience suggest the following factors:

Genetic alterations - myoma nodules contain changes in genes that differ from normal uterine muscle cells.
Hormones - estrogen and progesterone, two hormones that stimulate the uterine mucosa during each menstrual cycle to prepare for pregnancy, probably contribute to fibroid growth. Fibroids contain more estrogen and progesterone receptors than normal uterine muscle cells. The risk of fibroids decreases after menopause because of reduced hormone production.
Uterine fibroids have different growth patterns; they may grow slowly or quickly, or remain the same size. Some may shrink on their own.
Many myoma nodules that exist during pregnancy shrink or disappear after pregnancy when the uterus returns to its normal size.

Risk Factors

In addition to women's reproductive age, other risk factors for uterine myoma are known. Factors that can affect the development of fibroids include:

Heredity - if your mother or sister had a myoma, you are at risk of developing them.
Start of menstruation at an early age.
Obesity.
Vitamin D deficiency.
A diet with meat and less green vegetables, fruit and milk.
Alcohol consumption (including beer) increases the risk of developing fibroma.

Complications

Although uterine fibroma in its mild form is usually not dangerous, it may cause discomfort and complications such as reduced red blood cell count (anemia).

Treatment

There are several treatment options: dynamic observation, medication and surgery. If the patient does not need an operation, she will be followed up with dynamic observation which will include an ultrasound screening of the fibroids once every 6 months. Drug treatment is used for mild myoma, which is annually the subject of scientific debate. As for surgical methods, they are used in cases where the disease cannot be treated with medication and myoma causes bleeding, pain, violation of the function of neighboring organs and is of large size.

Surgical Treatment Is Carried Out By The Following Methods:

Myomectomy - removal of the nodules
Uterine artery embolization - during this procedure, the blood vessel feeding the myoma nodes is occluded
Myolysis - the destruction of myoma nodules by freezing, laser
Hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) - recommended for women who are no longer going to have children and for whom medical therapy is ineffective

Prevention

Although researchers continue to study the causes of fibroids, there is little scientific evidence on how they can be prevented. The occurrence of uterine myomas can be prevented by a healthy lifestyle, exercise, a proper diet and weight control. In addition, according to some studies, the use of hormonal contraceptives may be associated with a lower risk of developing fibromas.

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