Introduction to Uterine Fibroid Care at Yoonho OB/GYN

Yoonho Hospital, a premier women’s specialty hospital in Gangnam, Seoul, has been providing exceptional care for over 20 years. Its gynecologic clinic offers advanced diagnostics and treatments for uterine fibroids, helping women manage symptoms and maintain their quality of life. This blog explores uterine fibroids, their symptoms, treatment options, and the expert care provided by Yoonho OB/GYN to support women through personalized, compassionate treatment.

Understanding Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids, also known as leiomyomas or myomas, are benign (non-cancerous) tumors that develop from the smooth muscle and connective tissue of the uterus. They are the most common pelvic tumors in women, affecting up to 80% of women by age 50, with higher prevalence among Black women. Fibroids vary in size (from a seed to a grapefruit), number, and location, and are classified as:

• Submucosal: Under the inner uterine lining, often causing heavy bleeding.
• Intramural: Within the uterine wall, potentially leading to pelvic pressure.
• Subserosal: On the outer uterine wall, which may press on surrounding organs.

While many fibroids are asymptomatic, they can cause significant discomfort in about 25% of women, impacting daily life and fertility.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of fibroids is not fully understood, but key factors include:

• Hormonal Influence: Estrogen and progesterone promote fibroid growth, with higher risks during reproductive years and perimenopause.
• Genetics: A family history of fibroids increases risk.
• Lifestyle Factors: Obesity, early onset of menstruation, vitamin D deficiency, and a diet high in red meat and low in green vegetables may contribute.
• Ethnicity: Black women are at higher risk, with an estimated incidence of over 80% by age 50 compared to ~70% for white women.

Fibroids typically shrink after menopause due to declining hormone levels, but symptomatic cases often require intervention.

Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids

Symptoms depend on the size, number, and location of fibroids and may include:

• Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, potentially leading to anemia
• Pelvic pain or pressure
• Pain during intercourse
• Frequent urination or constipation due to pressure on the bladder or rectum
• Lower back pain
• Infertility or recurrent pregnancy loss in some cases

Many women discover fibroids incidentally during routine pelvic exams, as asymptomatic fibroids are common.

Uterine Fibroid Services at Yoonho OB/GYN

Yoonho Hospital’s gynecologic clinic provides comprehensive care for uterine fibroids, including:

• Diagnosis: Accurate detection through pelvic exams, ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Hysteroscopy may be used to visualize submucosal fibroids.
• Medical Management: Hormonal treatments like gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists (e.g., leuprolide acetate) or selective progesterone receptor modulators (SPRMs, e.g., ulipristal acetate) to reduce fibroid size and symptoms. Non-hormonal options like tranexamic acid address heavy bleeding.
• Minimally Invasive Procedures: Options like uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) or high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) for non-surgical fibroid reduction, performed in collaboration with interventional radiologists.
• Surgical Options: Myomectomy (fibroid removal preserving the uterus) for women seeking to maintain fertility, or hysterectomy for severe cases where fertility is not a concern.
• Counseling and Monitoring: Guidance on lifestyle changes and regular follow-ups to monitor asymptomatic fibroids or manage symptoms conservatively.

Treatment Options

Medical Treatments

• GnRH Agonists: Leuprolide acetate, administered via monthly injections, reduces fibroid volume by up to 34.9% in three months, though side effects like hot flashes may occur.
• SPRMs: Ulipristal acetate, taken orally, reduces fibroid volume (median 12.4% in three months) and controls bleeding but is less effective than GnRH agonists in some cases.
• Hormonal IUDs: Progestin-releasing IUDs can reduce heavy bleeding but may not shrink fibroids and could increase fibroid growth in some cases.
• Non-Hormonal Medications: Tranexamic acid reduces menstrual bleeding without affecting fibroid size, ideal for women with contraindications to hormonal therapy.
• NSAIDs: Ibuprofen or naproxen can manage mild to moderate pain but do not address fibroid size.

Minimally Invasive Treatments

• Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE): A catheter blocks blood flow to fibroids, shrinking them. Performed by interventional radiologists, UFE is effective for symptom relief but may not be ideal for women planning future pregnancies.
• High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU): Non-invasive ultrasound energy ablates fibroids, reducing volume and symptoms. Yoonho collaborates with specialists to offer HIFU, though risks like uterine wall damage require careful consideration.
• Laparoscopic Radiofrequency Ablation (Acessa): Thermal energy shrinks fibroids via small pelvic incisions, suitable for premenopausal women not planning pregnancy.

Surgical Treatments

• Hysteroscopic Myomectomy: Removes submucosal fibroids via the vagina without incisions, ideal for fertility preservation.
• Laparoscopic/Robotic Myomectomy: Removes fibroids through small abdominal incisions, preserving the uterus but with a risk of regrowth.
• Hysterectomy: Removes the uterus, a definitive solution for severe cases but only for women not seeking future pregnancies.

Why Choose Yoonho OB/GYN?

• Expertise: Board-certified gynecologists with extensive experience in fibroid management ensure accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
• English-Speaking Care: Yoonho’s staff provide clear communication for international patients, creating a welcoming environment.
• Advanced Facilities: Located near Apgujeong Station, Yoonho offers state-of-the-art diagnostics and treatments in a modern, comfortable setting.
• Personalized Approach: Treatment plans are tailored to each patient’s symptoms, fertility goals, and medical history, ensuring optimal outcomes.

Preventive and Lifestyle Tips

• Regular Check-Ups: Annual pelvic exams and screenings at Yoonho can detect fibroids early, preventing complications.
• Healthy Diet: Increase intake of green vegetables, fruits, and dairy while reducing red meat to potentially lower fibroid risk.
• Vitamin D: Address deficiencies through supplements or sunlight exposure, as low vitamin D levels are linked to fibroid development.
• Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight may reduce estrogen-driven fibroid growth.
• Track Symptoms: Keep a symptom diary to discuss with your gynecologist, aiding in personalized treatment planning.

When to Seek Care

Contact Yoonho OB/GYN if you experience:

• Heavy or prolonged periods causing anemia
• Pelvic pain, pressure, or pain during intercourse
• Frequent urination, constipation, or lower back pain
• Difficulty conceiving or recurrent pregnancy loss
• New or worsening symptoms, even if previously asymptomatic

Conclusion

Uterine fibroids can significantly impact quality of life, but with expert care, women can manage symptoms and maintain their health. Yoonho OB/GYN in Gangnam offers comprehensive, patient-centered solutions, from medical management to advanced minimally invasive procedures and surgeries. With a focus on personalized care and English-friendly services, Yoonho empowers women to address fibroids effectively. To learn more or schedule a consultation, contact Yoonho Hospital at 304 Apgujeong-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, or call during business hours (Mon–Fri: 9:30–18:00, Sat: 9:30–14:30).

Note: Always consult a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Fibroids require individualized care, and Yoonho OB/GYN is dedicated to providing high-quality, compassionate support for women’s health.