Case Study
Lisa, 30, is a successful professional. After graduating from college, she worked her way up from an entry-level position to middle management at an advertising agency. Her husband, a college classmate, also has a successful career. Recently, Lisa noticed her body becoming heavier, with a noticeable belly bulge. After failing to lose weight, a colleague reminded her of other unusual symptoms: frequent urination, heavy menstrual bleeding, and lower abdominal discomfort. Accompanied by her husband, she went to the hospital and was diagnosed with uterine fibroids. When she heard that treatment might require a hysterectomy, Lisa collapsed in the examination room. Busy with their careers, the couple had not yet had children, and removing her uterus would mean losing the chance to become a mother.
Expert Analysis
Lisa was confused: why did she develop uterine fibroids at only 30, with no obvious symptoms before? Uterine fibroids are the most common benign tumors of the female reproductive system, known as the “number-one gynecologic tumor”, affecting 20%–30% of women of childbearing age. Statistics show that about 25% of women over 35 have fibroids, but most remain undiagnosed due to small size and lack of symptoms. Clinically, only 4%–11% of cases are formally reported.
In recent years, increasing work and life stress, environmental pollution, and other factors have led to a rising incidence and younger onset of uterine fibroids — with the youngest patient reported at only 15. Two main causes are:
- Improved living standards leading to excessive use of health supplements and foods high in estrogen;
- Changes in menstrual patterns, including earlier menarche and later menopause, prolonging estrogen exposure and increasing fibroid risk.
Destroy Fibroids, Preserve the Uterus
Hysterectomy not only removes fertility but may also cause ovarian failure, early menopause, and severe endocrine disorders, severely affecting quality of life. Therefore, uterus-preserving treatment is strongly preferred whenever possible.
Common symptoms include abnormal menstruation, palpable lower abdominal mass, increased vaginal discharge, backache, abdominal distension, pain, and frequent urination. Many patients, however, have no symptoms at all.
In Lisa’s case, symptoms were clear: frequent urination, heavy bleeding, abdominal bloating, and a protruding belly. Large fibroids or those located in the cervix or broad ligament can compress adjacent pelvic organs, causing frequent or difficult urination. Statistics show 69% of patients present with a lower abdominal mass, often most noticeable on an empty bladder in the early morning.
Although benign, fibroids may undergo degeneration when blood supply is poor, especially as they grow larger. Complications may include ovarian diseases. Studies show 41% of miscarriages are related to fibroids, which may also cause infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, preterm birth, and rarely coexist with cervical cancer. Delaying treatment is unwise; timely intervention is essential.
Regular Gynecologic Examinations
Given the high prevalence of female reproductive tract diseases, Director Liu Kunfan advises women to undergo regular gynecologic checkups. Many women lack health awareness and self-treat vaginitis with over-the-counter medications, disrupting vaginal pH balance and weakening immunity, leading to recurrent infections.
Sexually active women, especially those over 35, should have 1–2 gynecologic exams per year. Early sexual activity in minors greatly increases infection risk. Many gynecologic diseases are linked to poor sexual hygiene in male partners, so both personal hygiene and faithful sexual behavior are important. Women aged 18–48 have a higher rate of reproductive system diseases and should learn to monitor physical changes and get screened regularly. Once diagnosed with fibroids, active and early treatment offers the best prognosis.