What Causes Uterine Fibroids and What Are the Warning Signs? A Doctor’s Guide to Surgery and Dietary Precautions

Uterine fibroids are categorized into different types based on their location within the uterus. Over 50% are intramural fibroids, found in the uterine muscle layer; 30-40% are subserosal fibroids, located on the outer layer of the uterus; and 10-20% are submucosal fibroids, situated beneath the uterine lining.
Fibroids Symptoms vary depending on the fibroid’s location. Intramural and submucosal fibroids, in particular, may affect fertility. This article will help you understand more about the causes, fibroids symptoms, and fibroids treatment options for uterine fibroids.

Uterine Fibroids Overview 

• What Are Uterine Fibroids?
• What Causes Fibroids and Early Signs
• Uterine fibroids Symptoms and Indicators
• Characteristics of Fibroids Based on Location
• Are Uterine Fibroids Related to Infertility?
• Diagnosis and Evaluation of Uterine Fibroids
• Uterine Fibroids Treatment
• When Is Surgery Necessary for Uterine Fibroids?
• How Is Surgery Performed for Uterine Fibroids?
• Dietary Precautions and Daily Care for Uterine Fibroids
• Precautions and Frequently Asked Questions About Uterine Fibroids

What Are Uterine Fibroids?

Uterine fibroids are smooth muscle tumors that grow within the uterus and are the most common type of gynecological tumor, affecting over 30% of women.
They typically occur between the ages of 35 and 45 and are classified as benign tumors. Uterine fibroids are named based on their location: subserosal fibroids, intramural fibroids, and submucosal fibroids, each with its own set of symptoms.

What Causes Fibroids and Early Signs

The exact cause of uterine fibroids is still unknown. Possible causes may include abnormal female hormones, excessive absorption of estrogen by uterine muscle tissue, genetics, or environmental factors.
Additionally, research from the UK, USA, and Germany shows Black women to have a rate 3 to 4 times higher than other ethnic groups. A diet high in sugar and preserved foods is also associated with 3 times higher odds that women will develop fibroids.

Uterine fibroids Symptoms and Indicators

Possible symptoms of uterine fibroids include:

1. Menstrual cramps
2. Heavy menstrual bleeding
3. Anemia
4. Prolonged menstrual periods
5. Pain during intercourse
6. Frequent dizziness or fatigue

Severe fibroids symptoms include frequent urination, fibroid tissue necrosis, chronic pelvic pain, ureteral edema, kidney swelling, lower limb vascular thrombosis, and intestinal obstruction.

Signs and Effects of Uterine Fibroids

Menstrual abnormalities: Excessive menstrual bleeding, prolonged periods, severe menstrual cramps, pain during intercourse, etc., leading to menstrual irregularities.
Difficulty conceiving or infertility: Challenges with conception, miscarriage, preterm birth, etc., affecting fertility.
Pelvic discomfort: Pelvic pain, frequent urination, abdominal bloating, constipation, etc., impacting urinary and digestive functions.

Do Uterine Fibroids Cause Abdominal Pain？

If a fibroid larger than 5 cm is present during pregnancy, it may cause abdominal pain for the expectant mother. Hence, we recommend rest, bed rest, and adequate hydration to relieve fibroid-related abdominal pain. Along with that, if pain medication is needed, please consult your ob/gyn for evaluation first.

Can Uterine Fibroids Disappear?

Fibroids may shrink when a woman approaches menopause and the oestrogen levels will decrease. Nonetheless, uterine fibroids cannot fully vanish.

Characteristics of Fibroids Based on Location

Imagine the uterus as a room for a fetus. The muscle layer is comparable with the wall, the mucous membrane is like the interior decor or paint on the walls, while the serous layer represents the tiles on the outer wall, providing a slight separation from the outside.
Uterine fibroids are named based on their location, and we’ll explain these from the outermost layer to the innermost layer.

1. Subserosal Fibroids

Located on the outer layer of the uterus, like tiles on the outer wall. These fibroids grow on the outside of the uterus and they do not cause uterine bleeding, but may press into the urinary and digestive tracts, affecting urination and bowel movements.

2. Intramural Fibroids

Grows in the muscle layer, between the mucosa and serosa. This fibroid often leads to symptoms like heavy menstrual bleeding and prolonged periods.

3. Submucosal Fibroids

Located on the inner side of the uterine wall, where the mucous membrane is shed with a period. Fibroids in this area often cause abnormal menstrual bleeding.