The uterus is often referred to as a woman’s second heart. Without it, many aspects of a woman’s health can be affected — most significantly, the loss of fertility. The most common gynecological diseases affecting the uterus include uterine fibroids, endometriosis, cervical cancer, and ovarian tumors.
This time, let’s talk about uterine fibroids. There are many possible causes of fibroids, but they are currently believed to be related to genetics and female hormones. Uterine fibroids are muscular tumors that grow in the uterine wall. Most are benign and, unlike cancer, do not spread throughout the body. However, they may still affect nearby urinary and digestive systems. Common symptoms include menstrual abnormalities, such as dysmenorrhea, heavy bleeding, or prolonged periods, as well as frequent urination, constipation, or lower abdominal pain — all of which trouble many women.
The uterus is where the embryo implants and grows, so the location and size of fibroids greatly affect implantation. Fibroids growing outside the uterine wall have less impact on conception, but those growing beneath the endometrium can significantly interfere with embryo implantation. Fortunately, with current IVF technology, it is possible to choose the most favorable uterine environment to promote implantation and minimize the effect of fibroids.
As women age, the likelihood of developing fibroids increases significantly. About 20% of women of reproductive age will develop fibroids, and the incidence rises sharply during the perimenopausal stage. Female friends — please don’t take this lightly!
These fibroids, like wildfires that refuse to die down, won’t necessarily stop growing just because they’re removed once. Surgical wounds may lead to adhesions, so treatment plans should be tailored based on individual health conditions. Surgery is not the only solution. After menopause, fibroids may naturally shrink due to a decline in hormone levels, which can help restore uterine function or relieve discomfort. If a fibroid is larger than 4 cm, removal can be considered; if it’s smaller than 4 cm, surgery may not be necessary. Whether surgery is needed depends primarily on clinical symptoms.
Some fibroids are asymptomatic, and their symptoms may overlap with other conditions, making them hard to detect. But if you experience severe menstrual pain, excessive bleeding, anemia, or poor circulation, that’s your uterus sounding the alarm. Don’t wait until the pain is unbearable to seek help — doing so could delay effective treatment. With the right awareness and education, your uterus can stay healthy and happy.
