Do uterine fibroids require surgery?

Whether uterine fibroids require surgery needs to be comprehensively judged based on the size of the fibroids, symptoms and patient needs. Most asymptomatic small fibroids do not require surgery. Surgery is usually recommended if severe anemia, compression symptoms, or affecting fertility occur.

Uterine fibroids are common benign tumors of the female reproductive system, formed by the proliferation of smooth muscle and connective tissue. When the diameter of the fibroids is less than 5 cm and does not cause symptoms such as abnormal menstruation, frequent urination, and constipation, regular ultrasound monitoring can be used for follow-up. Some patients may experience a mild increase in menstrual flow. At this time, iron supplements can be tried to prevent anemia, and hot compresses can be used to relieve the feeling of bloating in the lower abdomen. In postmenopausal women, as estrogen levels drop, fibroids tend to shrink naturally.

When fibroids cause heavy menstruation and cause severe anemia, or when fibroids compress the bladder and rectum and cause difficulty urinating or tenesmus, surgical treatment needs to be considered. Surgery is also indicated when submucosal fibroids affect embryo implantation and cause infertility, or when the fibroids grow rapidly in a short period of time and are suspected of malignant transformation. Common surgical procedures include laparoscopic myomectomy, hysteroscopic electroresection and other uterine-preserving options. Hysterectomy can be chosen for patients with no need for reproduction and multiple fibroids.

It is recommended that patients review pelvic ultrasound every 6-12 months and avoid taking estrogen-containing health products. You can increase your daily intake of dark green vegetables to supplement folic acid and iron, and perform moderate yoga and other soothing exercises to improve pelvic blood circulation. If you have symptoms such as using more than one sanitary napkin per hour during menstruation or severe lower abdominal pain during non-menstrual periods, you should seek medical attention promptly.