Myoma is a common problem in the female population. According to statistics, this disease affects mainly women aged 35 to 45 years, and the percentage of patients in this age category is quite high (about 40%). That is why questions are interesting about why a fibroid occurs, what it is and what signs are characteristic of it. After all, the sooner therapy is started, the faster recovery will come.
Myoma - what is it?
Myoma is a benign tumor. It is formed in the muscle layer of the uterus, and most often from atypical connective tissue cells. Doctors distinguish three main types of such neoplasms depending on their location:
- interstitial fibroids - it is located in the thickness of the muscular wall of the uterus;
- submucous tumor - is displaced inward and as it grows it bulges out into the uterine cavity, deforming it;
- subserous neoplasm - grows under the peritoneum.
The main causes of fibroids
In fact, there are several risk factors under the influence of which a myoma can form. The causes are most often associated with hormonal disorders (women usually get sick during menopause, which is characterized by hormonal instability). And, of course, heredity is of great importance.
Mechanical effects on uterine tissue, including curettage and abortion, increase the risk of tumor formation. On the other hand, one should not ignore the general condition of the patient’s body, as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, various diseases of the endocrine system can also lead to the development of fibroids.
Recent studies have also shown that in women over 25 years of age who have an irregular sex life, fibroids are diagnosed much more often.
What symptoms accompany the growth of fibroids?
Having learned why myoma develops, what it is and what its features are, it is worth familiarizing yourself with its main features. Most often, the initial stages are asymptomatic - the tumor is detected during planned visits to the gynecologist.
But as the neoplasm grows, menstrual irregularities appear. Often, menstruation is accompanied by too profuse discharge. Metrorrhagia is also observed - bleeding that is not associated with menstruation. Permanent blood loss leads to the development of iron deficiency anemia, which, in turn, is accompanied by weakness, pallor of the skin, chronic fatigue, dizziness.
In the future, pains appear in the lower abdomen. If the tumor grows under the peritoneum, disturbances in the functioning of neighboring organs, in particular the excretory and digestive systems, are possible. Women with large fibroids often complain of persistent constipation and bladder problems.
It should be noted that fibroids often become the cause of infertility and spontaneous abortion. That is why with such complaints it is better to immediately contact a gynecologist.
Myoma: treatment and diagnosis
As already mentioned, a tumor can be detected during a gynecological examination. Further studies are carried out, including ultrasound, and sometimes a biopsy. Only a doctor can correctly explain why a fibroid occurs, what it is and how to choose a truly effective treatment regimen. In the initial stages, hormonal treatment is sufficient - women are prescribed androgen preparations and some
hormonal contraceptives. Conservative therapy helps slow tumor growth. But if the myoma rapidly increases in size and causes frequent and heavy bleeding, surgical intervention is necessary.