What does "intramural uterine fibroid" mean?

Generally, intramural uterine fibroids refer to smooth muscle tumors located within the myometrium of the uterus, which are a type of uterine fibroid. A detailed explanation is as follows:

Intramural uterine fibroids are a common type of uterine fibroid, characterized by fibroid growth within the uterine muscle layer, surrounded by normal myometrial tissue. These fibroids are benign tumors formed by abnormal proliferation of uterine smooth muscle cells. Their development is closely related to female hormone levels and they commonly occur in women of childbearing age between 30 to 50 years old. The size and number of fibroids vary among individuals. Smaller intramural fibroids may not cause noticeable symptoms, while larger or multiple fibroids may enlarge the uterus, affect uterine contractions, and consequently lead to increased menstrual bleeding, prolonged menstrual periods, dysmenorrhea, or symptoms such as frequent urination or constipation due to pressure on surrounding tissues. Some patients may also experience impaired fertility due to changes in the uterine cavity shape.

If fibroids are small and asymptomatic, conservative management can be chosen with regular follow-up ultrasounds to monitor fibroid growth. If the condition is severe or drug treatment is ineffective, surgical options such as myomectomy, uterine artery embolization, or hysterectomy may be considered. During treatment, patients should avoid excessive fatigue, rest appropriately in bed, and take care to stay warm and prevent cold exposure.