Uterine leiomyoma

A leiomyoma or uterine myoma is a benign, non-cancerous tumor that grows in the muscle tissue of the uterus, and can vary in size. It is quite common and can affect 1 in 5 women of childbearing age.

The exact causes that lead to the appearance of uterine leiomyomas are unknown, although they are directly associated with an increase in the number of uterine estrogen receptors (with a probable genetic influence) and hormonal changes in the menstrual period.

Although their origin is unknown, their development is favored by the following factors:

• Ethnic origin, being more frequent in Caucasian women.
• It is more frequent between 40 and 50 years of age.
• Overweight and obesity, being more frequent and larger in women with these characteristics.
• Not having given birth
• The increase of estrogens during this period may favor its appearance.

Although it is not entirely clear, there are studies that indicate that nutrition, exposure to endocrine disruptors, insufficient vitamin D, alcohol, smoking or sedentary lifestyle may also contribute to the genesis of leiomyomas.

Fibroids can be asymptomatic and can be detected in routine screening tests. When symptoms appear, the most common are the following:

• Bleeding between periods and heavier bleeding during menstruation.
• Alteration in the length of the menstrual period, which may be shorter, longer or irregular.
• The need to urinate more frequently.
• Pelvic pain
• Sensation of pressure in the lower abdomen.
• Pain during sexual intercourse.

Uterine myoma cannot be prevented. Once diagnosed, the controls will depend on the symptomatology and its growth.

Treatment also depends on the age, number, size, location and whether you want to have children. If they are small and stable, the best treatment will be periodic gynecological controls. However, if there are justifying causes such as the desire for pregnancy, important symptomatology, etc., one can opt for their removal by surgery.