Uterine fibroids feel like stomach pain

Stomach pain in patients with uterine fibroids may be related to the enlargement, degeneration or compression of surrounding tissues by the fibroids. The main treatment methods for uterine fibroids include regular review, drug treatment, interventional treatment, surgical treatment, traditional Chinese medicine conditioning, etc.

1. Regular review

If the fibroids are small and asymptomatic, ultrasound can be repeated every 3-6 months. During reexamination, focus should be paid to changes in fibroid size, blood flow signals, and the presence of calcification. The ideal time for examination is 3-7 days after the menstrual period, when the endometrium is thinner and easier to observe. If new symptoms such as a sudden increase in menstrual flow or difficulty in urinating occur during the re-examination, you need to see a doctor in advance.

2. Drug treatment

Mifepristone tablets can reduce the size of uterine fibroids and are suitable for perimenopausal women. Tranexamic acid tablets can control menorrhagia caused by fibroids. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs such as leuprolide microspheres can temporarily suppress estrogen secretion, but they should not be used for more than 6 months. Changes in liver function and bone density need to be monitored during drug treatment.

3. Interventional treatment

Uterine artery embolization blocks the blood supply of fibroids to cause them to shrink and become necrotic, so it is suitable for patients who want to preserve the uterus. Post-embolization syndrome may occur after surgery, manifesting as fever and abdominal pain, which usually resolves on its own in 3-7 days. Magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound can precisely focus the ultrasound waves on the fibroids to cause coagulation and necrosis, but there are specific requirements for the location and size of the fibroids.

4. Surgical treatment

Myomectomy is suitable for young people who want to have children, but the probability of recurrence after surgery is high. Hysterectomy is a radical solution. Transvaginal surgery is less invasive but must meet the conditions of fibroid size and location. Postoperative adhesions need to be prevented during laparoscopic surgery, and anti-adhesive membranes can be placed if necessary. The timing of surgery is recommended to avoid the menstrual period and acute inflammation period.

5. Traditional Chinese Medicine conditioning

Guizhi Fuling Pills can improve abdominal pain caused by qi stagnation and blood stasis type fibroids. Shaofu Zhuyu Decoction is suitable for people with cold coagulation and blood stasis syndrome who have cold pain and refuse to press. Acupuncture using acupuncture points such as Guanyuan and the uterus combined with moxibustion can relieve pain. Traditional Chinese medicine enema can make the medicine directly act on the pelvic cavity through the rectal mucosa, but it should be used with caution in patients with diarrhea. It should be noted that the course of Chinese medicine treatment is relatively long, usually lasting for 3 menstrual cycles.

Patients with uterine fibroids should avoid taking estrogen-containing health products on a daily basis and regularly record their menstrual cycles and pain characteristics. Appropriate pelvic floor muscle exercises can help improve pelvic blood circulation, but you should stay in bed during acute pain. It is recommended to choose cotton breathable underwear and keep the perineum clean. If you have persistent severe abdominal pain or abnormal vaginal bleeding, you need to seek medical attention immediately. In the diet, you can increase foods rich in phytoestrogen regulatory factors such as broccoli and soy products, and limit red meat and high-fat diets.