Beware! You May Have Uterine Fibroids but Have No Symptoms
Uterine fibroids are common but may not cause any symptoms. Here’s everything you need to know about asymptomatic uterine fibroids.
Uterine fibroids are tumors that affect the uterus of women. They affect you the most when you can’t get pregnant or give birth. Uterine fibroids are not cancerous and will not turn into cancer. Although some women will experience symptoms of this condition, others will not. These are called asymptomatic uterine fibroids. These are benign growths in the uterus and often go unnoticed until problems such as severe pain and bleeding occur. The condition of uterine fibroids is often asymptomatic and can be dangerous, especially for childbearing, if not detected in time.
A study published in the journal Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology found that at least 50 percent of uterine fibroids are asymptomatic. This number is questionable because it is based on women whose fibroids were discovered during a pelvic exam, ultrasound, or cervical exam. Patients with uterine fibroids are sometimes asymptomatic and can pose a particular danger to fertility if not diagnosed early.
Routine tests allow doctors to diagnose the size, number and location of uterine fibroids. This can help prevent complications such as heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, or fertility problems. Regular checkups, such as pelvic exams and ultrasounds, are important for women from adolescence through adulthood. These tests can help detect and resolve gynecological problems early and potentially eliminate the need for major surgery such as hysterectomy (removal of the uterus).
Complications of asymptomatic uterine myomas
Asymptomatic or non-asymptomatic uterine fibroids can cause many problems:
- Fibroids can cause heavy, prolonged and frequent bleeding, which can lead to anaemia and fatigue. Heavy bleeding may also disrupt daily activities, requiring pad/tampon changes.
- Fibroids can affect the bladder or rectum, causing frequent urination, lack of bladder function, or constipation.
- Large fibroids can affect the shape of the uterus, which can interfere with the implantation of fertilized eggs, causing infertility or increasing the risk of miscarriage.
- Pain and discomfort during sexual intercourse are a common problem, as fibroids can damage the body and tissues. This can have a negative impact on the relationship.
- In rare cases, fibroids can become serious and require immediate treatment, changing rapidly, such as twisting, degenerating, or bleeding.
Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids
Although asymptomatic uterine fibroids are a disease that does not cause symptoms, it is important for women to know their symptoms so that they can recognize myomas. These include:
- Heavy bleeding
- Abdominal pain
- Fertility problems
If you experience any of these symptoms, please see a doctor and discuss appropriate treatment. Ignoring or underestimating the problems of fibroids can lead to unpleasant symptoms.
Do not ignore the symptoms of uterine fibroids.
Treatment of asymptomatic uterine myomas
Fibroid removal surgery, or myomectomy, can help treat uterine fibroids while preserving the uterus. This surgery can relieve symptoms such as severe colds, abdominal pain, and fertility problems. As a preoperative surgical procedure, minimally invasive procedures such as laparoscopic or robot-assisted myomectomy are beneficial due to shorter recovery times and less scarring than open surgery. However, your doctor will decide whether you need surgery based on the location and size of the fibroids. Therefore, it is best to consult your doctor, as it can only be diagnosed through regular check-ups.
Bottom Line
By exercising properly and getting regular gynecological examinations, women can take control of their health and choose the right treatment for silent fibroids before serious problems progress. Women should be responsible for their own health and follow the advice of experts.