Global Experts Meeting on Frontiers in Gynecology & Obstetrics

Uterine fibroids

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths of the uterus that often appear during childbearing years. Also called leiomyomas (lie-o-my-O-muhs) or myomas, uterine fibroids aren't associated with an increased risk of uterine cancer and almost never develop into cancer.

Fibroids range in size from seedlings, undetectable by the human eye, to bulky masses that can distort and enlarge the uterus. You can have a single fibroid or multiple ones. In extreme cases, multiple fibroids can expand the uterus so much that it reaches the rib cage and can add weight.

Many women have uterine fibroids sometime during their lives. But you might not know you have uterine fibroids because they often cause no symptoms. Your doctor may discover fibroids incidentally during a pelvic exam or prenatal ultrasound.

Symptoms

Many women who have fibroids don't have any symptoms. In those that do, symptoms can be influenced by the location, size and number of fibroids.

In women who have symptoms, the most common signs and symptoms of uterine fibroids include:

· Heavy menstrual bleeding

· Menstrual periods lasting more than a week

· Pelvic pressure or pain

· Frequent urination

· Difficulty emptying the bladder

· Constipation

· Backache or leg pains

Causes

Doctors don't know the cause of uterine fibroids, but research and clinical experience point to these factors:

· Genetic changes. Many fibroids contain changes in genes that differ from those in normal uterine muscle cells.

· Hormones. Estrogen and progesterone, two hormones that stimulate development of the uterine lining during each menstrual cycle in preparation for pregnancy, appear to promote the growth of fibroids.

Fibroids contain more estrogen and progesterone receptors than normal uterine muscle cells do. Fibroids tend to shrink after menopause due to a decrease in hormone production.

· Other growth factors. Substances that help the body maintain tissues, such as insulin-like growth factor, may affect fibroid growth.

· Extracellular matrix (ECM). ECM is the material that makes cells stick together, like mortar between bricks. ECM is increased in fibroids and makes them fibrous. ECM also stores growth factors and causes biologic changes in the cells themselves.

For more information regarding the session in Gynecology Congress 2020 At San Francisco, USA during April 27-29, 2020.