Care about your uterine health—you need to know more!
The biggest difference between women and men is that women carry the great responsibility of pregnancy. They possess the reproductive organ that nurtures new life—the uterus. Often called a woman’s “second heart,” losing it can lead to various health impacts, the most significant being the loss of fertility. As a result, women face many gynecological conditions that men don’t, such as uterine fibroids, endometriosis, cervical cancer, and ovarian tumors.
This time, let’s talk about uterine fibroids.
The cause is still unclear, though it is suspected to be related to hormones. Uterine fibroids are muscle tumors growing on the uterine wall and are among the most common benign tumors in women. Though they don’t spread like typical cancers, they may still indirectly affect nearby systems like the urinary and digestive tracts.
Common symptoms include menstrual irregularities such as dysmenorrhea (painful periods), heavy menstrual bleeding, or prolonged periods. Some may also experience frequent urination, constipation, or lower abdominal pain. The uterus is where the embryo implants, and fibroids can affect implantation depending on their size and location. Fibroids growing outside the uterine muscle typically do not affect conception, but those near the endometrial lining can hinder embryo implantation. Therefore, fibroids must be evaluated before undergoing IVF treatment.
Women over age 25 have a higher risk, and the chances increase with age. About 20% of women of reproductive age are affected. This trend is especially evident in women approaching menopause. After menopause, fibroids may shrink due to decreased hormones.
Treatment for fibroids depends on the individual’s condition. Clinically, there are two main approaches:
For those who don’t plan to get pregnant, removing fibroids completely to prevent recurrence is preferred. For those who do want to conceive, the treatment focuses on preserving uterine function and relieving symptoms.
Surgery isn’t necessary for everyone. Fibroids larger than 4 cm may be removed to increase pregnancy rates, but those smaller than 4 cm may not need surgery. Some fibroids cause no symptoms, while others overlap with signs of other illnesses, making diagnosis tricky. If you experience severe menstrual pain, longer or shorter cycles, anemia, or poor circulation, it may be due to uterine abnormalities.
Women should raise awareness about health and not wait until pain becomes unbearable before seeking treatment—early care makes a difference.
