Patient's question:
I have had uterine fibroids for two years, and the size of the fibroids has been gradually decreasing. However, after taking the second day of the medication, I noticed a very small amount of blood flowing from my vagina. Is this normal? Also, how long should I take this medication? I don't take it every day. Sometimes, if I remember, I take a little, but if I don't remember, I don't take it. Is that okay? How can I know if the medication is working? Also, how big do the fibroids need to be before surgery is necessary? Currently, my main symptom is severe lower back pain. On the second day of my period, many....Doctor's answer:
Uterine fibroids, also known as leiomyomas, are the most common benign tumors of the female reproductive system. Most are asymptomatic, while a few may present with symptoms such as vaginal bleeding, palpable abdominal masses, and compression symptoms. The exact cause of this condition is unclear. Modern Western medicine employs hormone therapy or surgical treatment, with no other ideal therapies available. Minimally invasive surgery is currently the most effective method for treating uterine fibroids. The surgeon makes three small incisions, each about 5 millimeters in size, in hidden areas of the patient's abdomen and inserts a laparoscope. Through a television monitor connected to the laparoscope, the surgeon can clearly observe the magnified internal abdominal conditions and operate on the equipment left outside the patient's body to perform the treatment. The surgery does not require an abdominal incision, has minimal trauma, and allows for rapid patient recovery.