Jun 05,2023

Nam Can Tho University Medical Center
What You Need to Know About Multiple Uterine Fibroids

Duc T. Nguyen

 (Photo: Pexels Donated Website)

Uterine fibroids are a common type of benign tumor in women. They are usually harmless and do not develop into cancer. However, if they are not detected and treated early, they can grow larger and multiply, leading to multiple uterine fibroids.

Multiple uterine fibroids are benign tumors that grow in the uterine wall, smaller than 3 centimeter and exist independently. When multiple fibroid masses appear in the uterus, they can cause various symptoms and complications that affect the health and quality of life of women.

In this blog, we will share with you the causes, symptoms, complications and treatment options for multiple uterine fibroids. We will also tell you a success story of a patient who underwent surgery for multiple uterine fibroids at Nam Can Tho University Medical Center.

Causes of Multiple Uterine Fibroids

Currently, the exact cause of multiple uterine fibroids has not been found. However, according to doctors, the possible cause of the disease is due to female endocrine disorders, specifically hyperestrogenism.

Hyperestrogenism is a condition where the body produces too much estrogen, a female hormone that stimulates the growth of the uterine lining. When there is an imbalance between estrogen and progesterone, another female hormone that regulates the menstrual cycle, the uterine lining can become thicker and form fibroid masses.

Uterine Fibroids (Photo: Internet)

Some factors that may increase the risk of hyperestrogenism and multiple uterine fibroids are:

• Age: Women between 30 and 50 years old are more likely to develop multiple uterine fibroids.
• Family history: Women who have relatives with multiple uterine fibroids are more prone to inherit the condition.
• Obesity: Women who are overweight or obese have higher levels of estrogen in their body.
• Diet: Women who consume a lot of red meat, dairy products or alcohol may have higher levels of estrogen in their body.
• Stress: Women who experience chronic stress may have lower levels of progesterone in their body.

Symptoms of Multiple Uterine Fibroids

Some common symptoms of multiple uterine fibroids are:

• Dull or cramping pain in the abdomen.
• Menstrual disorders, such as heavy bleeding, prolonged periods or irregular cycles.
• Frequent urination or difficulty urinating.
• Constipation or difficulty passing stool.
• Pain and pressure in the pelvic area.
• Excessive vaginal discharge or bleeding between periods.
• Infertility or miscarriage.

The severity and frequency of these symptoms may vary depending on the size, number and location of the fibroid masses. Some women may not have any symptoms at all and only discover their condition during a routine check-up or ultrasound scan.

Complications of Multiple Uterine Fibroids

If not detected early, multiple uterine fibroids can compress the pelvic reproductive organs causing serious complications such as:

• Prolonged menstrual bleeding causing anemia, fatigue and weakness.
• Compression of the urinary system causing water retention, kidney damage or urinary tract infection.
• Compression of the bowel system causing bowel obstruction, diverticulitis, or hemorrhoids.
• Compression of the nerves causing back pain, leg pain or numbness
• Infection or inflammation of the uterus causing pelvic inflammatory disease or endometritis.
• Degeneration or rupture of the fibroid masses causing severe pain, bleeding or shock.
• Malignant transformation of the fibroid masses into cancerous tumors (very rare).

What are the complications of multiple uterine fibroids on reproductive function?
(Photo: DNC Studio)

In addition, multiple uterine fibroids also seriously affect the reproductive function of women:

• Women with multiple uterine fibroids may have difficulty getting pregnant, even infertility, because the fibroid masses can interfere with the ovulation, fertilization or implantation of the eggs.
• Women who are pregnant with multiple uterine fibroids may have a higher risk of miscarriage, preterm labor, placental abruption, fetal growth restriction or fetal malposition.
• Women who have multiple uterine fibroids during delivery may have a higher risk of postpartum hemorrhage, cesarean section or hysterectomy.

Treatment Options for Multiple Uterine Fibroids

The treatment options for multiple uterine fibroids depend on the age, health condition, fertility status and preference of the patient. The main goals of the treatment are to relieve the symptoms, prevent the complications and preserve the reproductive function of the patient.

Some of the treatment options for multiple uterine fibroids are:

• Medication: Some drugs can help reduce the size and number of the fibroid masses or control the bleeding and pain. These drugs include hormonal contraceptives, gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists, selective estrogen receptor modulators or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
• Surgery: Some surgical procedures can help remove the fibroid masses or the entire uterus. These procedures include myomectomy, hysterectomy, endometrial ablation or uterine artery embolization.
• Alternative therapies: Some alternative therapies can help improve the symptoms and quality of life of the patient. These therapies include acupuncture, herbal medicine, yoga or meditation.

The choice of treatment should be discussed with a doctor who can provide professional advice and guidance. The patient should also follow up regularly with the doctor to monitor the progress and outcome of the treatment.

A Success Story of a Patient with Multiple Uterine Fibroids

A team of doctors at Nam Can Tho University Medical Center performed surgery
to remove multiple uterine fibroids from a patient. (Photo: DNC Studio)

Recently, Nam Can Tho University Medical Center received patient N.T.T.N (46 years old) who came for examination with symptoms of irregular menstruation, heavy menstruation, lumps and lower abdomen pain. After examination, the patient was diagnosed by doctors with large multiple uterine fibroids and local cardiac anemia.

The patient was then performed surgery as indicated by Dr. Nguyen Thi Hue and stayed at the Medical Center for postoperative observation. The surgery involved removing the fibroid masses using laparoscopic techniques, which are minimally invasive and have less blood loss and faster recovery.

The surgery was successful and the patient’s health condition has stabilized. She was discharged from the Medical Center after a few days and advised to rest and take care of her wound. She was also prescribed some medication to prevent infection and recurrence of the fibroid masses.

The patient expressed her gratitude to the doctors and staff of Nam Can Tho University Medical Center for saving her life and restoring her health. She said that she felt much lighter and happier after the surgery and that she hoped to have a normal life again.

The fibroid tumors were removed from patient N.T.T.N. (Photo: DNC Studio).

Contact Us for More Information or Appointment

Nam Can Tho University Medical Center is one of the reputable healthcare providers in the Mekong Delta region that provides comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for various diseases. We have a team of experienced doctors and specialists as well as modern equipment and facilities that meet international standards.

We are committed to providing high-quality care and service to our patients with respect and compassion. We are always ready to listen to your concerns and answer your questions. We also offer affordable prices and convenient payment methods.

If you have any questions or concerns about your gynecological health, please do not hesitate to contact us directly at 0907-365-115 or leave a comment below our Facebook Page.

Thank you for choosing Nam Can Tho University Medical Center as your trusted partner in health care.

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