Uterine myomas are benign tumors that grow in the muscle or connective tissue of the uterus. Symptoms felt by sufferers of uterine fibroids can vary depending on the size and location of the myoma. Some of the common symptoms that may be felt by uterine myoma patients include:
- Menstrual bleeding that is heavy and lasts longer than usual
- Pelvic or back pain
- Pressure on the bladder or rectum, causing frequent urination or constipation
- An increase in the size of the stomach as well as a feeling of bloating
- Infertility
- Complications in pregnancy
The cause of myomas is still not known with certainty. However, there are several things that can trigger the appearance of fibroids, including hormones, pregnancy, and a family history of fibroids.
How to treat uterine fibroids can vary depending on the severity of the symptoms and the patient's health condition. Some possible ways of handling include:
- Outpatient
If the myoma has not caused severe symptoms, the patient can carry out routine outpatient controls to monitor the development of myoma
- Drugs
If symptoms appear in the patient, the doctor can prescribe medication to help reduce myoma symptoms, such as pain and heavy menstrual bleeding.
- Hormone Therapy
Regulating hormone levels can also be a solution to inhibit the growth of myomas, with the aim of reducing levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone.
- Operation
If the myoma is causing severe symptoms or the growth is very large, then surgery may be performed to remove the myoma or even the entire uterus in extreme cases.
Options Surgery for the treatment of myoma is often a frightening specter for patients. This is because the operation will leave a large scar and a long recovery period. But now there is a minimally invasive operation. Namely surgery with smaller incisions, only 0.5 to 1 cm. With a very small scar, the patient's recovery period is also faster.
This minimally invasive surgery is also known as a laparoscopic procedure. With this action the doctor will get a clearer picture through the tools and cameras used. In addition, bleeding during the procedure will be less and the incidence of surgical wound infection will be minimal.
Treatment options will be adjusted to the patient's condition and the severity of the symptoms. The best step if you are worried about uterine myomas is to consult an obstetrician or surgeon to get the right diagnosis and treatment.
Article written by dr. Dian Burhansah, Sp.OG, M.Kes, FMAS (Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialist at EMC Pekayon Hospital).