Myoma

Overview

Myomas (or fibroids) are benign and the most common form of cervical tumour. Their growth is influenced by the high levels of sex hormones in women of childbearing age. A myoma consists of cervical muscle cells. The main symptoms are heavier and/or longer periods and cramping lower abdominal pain. Such symptoms should be examined by a gynaecologist.

Symptoms

Main symptoms

• Menstrual irregularities (heavier and/or longer periods)
• Bleeding between periods
• Menstrual disorders (cramping lower abdominal pain)

Other symptoms

• Pressure and foreign body sensation in the lower abdomen
• Pain during intercourse
• Frequent urinary urgency, frequent bladder infections
• Constipation
• Fertility disorders
• Fatigue
• Often asymptomatic and diagnosed by coincidence

Causes and treatment

Causes

The cause has not been clearly determined; influencing factors include

• Family history
• High levels of sex hormones
• Early puberty, late menopause
  • Childbearing age
• Obesity
• Childlessness

Further treatment by your doctor / in hospital

Possible tests

• Gynaecological examination (vagina)
• Ultrasound (vagina, abdomen if necessary)

Possible therapies

Depends on the woman’s age, desire for children, size and location of the myoma:

• Hormone therapy (tablets/the pill, hormonal coil)
• Procedures
  • Surgical removal of myoma (myoma enucleation)
  • Surgical removal of the womb (hysterectomy)
  • Uterine artery embolisation (myoma embolisation)

What can I do myself?

• Go for regular check-ups
• Cramping pains: moist warm compresses, hot water bottle

When to see a doctor?

• For a diagnosed myoma: regular check-ups
• Severe period pain, pressure, foreign body sensation
• Irregular periods, heavy and prolonged periods
• Pain during intercourse
• Difficulty getting pregnant
• Fatigue, lethargy (points to anaemia)
• Vaginal bleeding
  • Heavy bleeding during menopause
  • Bleeding after menopause

Synonyms

myoma, uterine myoma, fibroid