[건강톡톡] What are the symptoms and treatment of ‘uterine fibroids’ in 1 out of 3 women of childbearing age?

The uterus is responsible for the beginning and end of pregnancy and childbirth and is called the ‘second heart’ that symbolizes women. Uterine myoma, the most common tumor in women, is a benign lump that develops in the lining of the uterus. It is a common condition that affects 1 in 3 women of childbearing age. It is mainly found in women over the age of 35, but recently it is also increasing in women in their 20s. If uterine fibroids are left untreated, they can cause infertility, so if you are planning a pregnancy, you should look into the symptoms and treatment methods in advance. We asked Haidak experts about the causes, symptoms, and treatment of uterine fibroids.

Uterine fibroids are found in 1 in 3 women of childbearing ageㅣSource: Getty Image Bank

Q. I am curious about the cause of uterine fibroids.

Uterine fibroids appear in the muscular layer of the uterus and can occur in women of any age. It can arise from a single or multiple nodules, and the size is also very variable, ranging from microscopic myomas less than 1 cm in diameter to giant tumors with a diameter of more than 12 cm.
The cause of uterine leiomyoma has not been precisely identified, but it is known that it is influenced by female hormones or has a genetic tendency. Individuals have different views and differences, but personally, I think it is caused by genetic causes and environmental hormones.

-Haidak Obstetrics and Gynecology Counseling Doctor Lee Kyung-sook (Lea Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic)

Q. What are the symptoms of uterine fibroids?

Uterine fibroids present with a variety of symptoms depending on their location and size. Giant fibroids larger than 10 cm in diameter may cause few or no symptoms. Therefore, if you are a woman who has started menstruating, it is recommended to observe the uterus and ovaries through ultrasound at least once a year.
Suspected symptoms of uterine fibroids include excessive menstruation, frequent menstruation, abdominal bloating, abdominal pain, menstrual pain, and pelvic pain. In addition, irregular bleeding and menstrual delay are among the symptoms of uterine fibroids. However, irregular bleeding may also occur in ovulation disorders and endometrial diseases. However, if the lower abdomen swells with irregular bleeding and something hard is felt, uterine fibroids can be strongly suspected.

-Haidak Obstetrics and Gynecology Counseling Doctor Hwang Seon-ah (Leehae and Gynecology Clinic)

Q. I have frequent urination and pain in the lower abdomen. Are these also symptoms of uterine fibroids?

If the uterine fibroid itself is large or if the uterine fibroid stimulates the bladder, it is rare, but symptoms such as frequent urination may occur. However, the cause of frequent urination may be elsewhere, so if you have uncomfortable symptoms, it would be better to visit a nearby urology department for treatment and examination.

-Director Yoo Seok-seon, counseling doctor, Department of Urology, Haidak (Truman Men’s Clinic)

Q. I am curious about the treatment for uterine fibroids.

There are several treatment methods for uterine fibroids, which can be largely divided into surgical and non-surgical treatment. It can be divided into surgical treatment such as extraction and incision and non-surgical treatment such as drug therapy and HIFU procedure.
About 40% of women of childbearing age, usually in their mid-30s, experience uterine fibroids, a uterine disease, and the symptoms caused by uterine fibroids vary from person to person. Accordingly, treatment should be approached differently for each individual.
Drug treatment works to control the development of uterine fibroids while regulating hormones, but it is not a fundamental removal method. The HIFU procedure is a treatment using high-intensity focused ultrasound energy. By focusing the thermal energy of ultrasound, it is simply a way to burn the tumor. It is preferred by women of childbearing age because it does not require special incision or anesthesia.
There are various treatment methods for uterine fibroids, but it is difficult to conclude which treatment is better in particular. It is important to proceed with appropriate treatment according to the degree of development of uterine fibroids and the patient’s own health condition.

-Haidak Obstetrics and Gynecology Counseling Doctor Kim Tae-hee (Seoul Hi-Care Clinic)

Q. What foods are good to eat after uterine leiomyoma surgery?

Foods high in protein are good for recovery after uterine fibroid surgery. This is because protein helps in the recovery of the uterine muscle layer. Eating vegetables, fresh fruits, and seaweeds such as seaweed, seaweed, and kelp, which are high in vitamins, is also helpful for recovery. Seaweed acts as a hematopoietic agent that contracts the uterus, helps hemostasis, and helps metabolism.
Vitamin D is a good nutrient to consume. Vitamin D deficiency is known to be highly associated with uterine diseases such as uterine fibroids, and it is very important not only for uterine health but also for bone health and other metabolic activities of the body. In addition, omega 3 and lactic acid bacteria are also helpful.
However, phytoestrogens or endocrine disruptors can enter the body and act similarly to estrogen, increasing the symptoms of uterine fibroids. Representative foods include pomegranate, red ginseng, and kudzu juice, and it is recommended to be careful of instant foods that can consume endocrine disruptors.

-Haidak Obstetrics and Gynecology Counseling Doctor Kim Min-woo (Cheongdam Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic)

* This article has been reconstructed from a Haidak expert’s answer.

Help = Haidak Counseling Doctor Lee Gyeong-sook (Leah Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialist), Haidak Counseling Doctor Hwang Seon-a (Ihae and Sympathy Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialist), Haidak Counseling Doctor Yu Seok-seon (Truman Male Clinic Urology Specialist), Haidak Counseling Doctor Counseling doctor Kim Tae-hee (obstetrician and gynecologist, Seoul Hi-Care Clinic), Haidak counseling doctor Kim Min-woo (obstetrician and gynecologist, Cheongdam Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic)

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