Vaginal Leiomyoma: Causes, Signs, and Treatment

Vaginal leiomyoma, also known as vaginal fibroids, is a noncancerous growth that develops in the smooth muscle tissue of the vagina. These growths can vary in size and typically have a slow growth rate. While vaginal leiomyomas are generally benign, they can impact a person's health by causing discomfort or affecting normal bodily functions depending on their size and location. In some cases, they may lead to complications that require medical attention.

What are the Symptoms of Vaginal Leiomyoma?

Vaginal leiomyoma may present with a range of symptoms that can impact a person's quality of life.

Pelvic pain
Heavy menstrual bleeding
Prolonged menstrual periods
Pain during sexual intercourse
Frequent urination
Constipation or difficulty with bowel movements

Get a second opinion from trusted experts and makeconfident, informed decisions.

Get Second Opinion

Causes of Vaginal Leiomyoma

Vaginal leiomyomas are typically caused by abnormal growth of smooth muscle cells in the vaginal wall.

Hormonal factors
Genetic predisposition
Smooth muscle cell metaplasia
Estrogen exposure
Trauma to the vaginal wall

Types of Vaginal Leiomyoma

Vaginal leiomyomas can manifest in different forms, varying in size, location, and symptoms.

Submucosal Vaginal Leiomyoma: These leiomyomas develop just beneath the vaginal lining and can cause abnormal vaginal bleeding.
Intramural Vaginal Leiomyoma: These leiomyomas grow within the muscular wall of the vagina and may lead to symptoms like pelvic pain or pressure.
Subserosal Vaginal Leiomyoma: These leiomyomas project outward from the vaginal wall and can sometimes be felt as lumps during a pelvic examination.
Pedunculated Vaginal Leiomyoma: These leiomyomas are attached to the vaginal wall by a stalk and may cause discomfort or pain due to their mobility.
Parasitic Vaginal Leiomyoma: These leiomyomas are rare and can detach from the original site to attach to nearby structures, causing varied symptoms depending on their location.

Risk Factors

Vaginal leiomyoma risk factors may include a history of uterine fibroids, age, hormonal factors, and genetic predisposition.

Risk factors for Vaginal Leiomyoma:

Age
Hormonal factors
Genetic predisposition
Obesity
Diabetes
Hypertension
Ethnicity (African American women have a higher risk)
Uterine fibroids history

Your health is everything - prioritize your well-being today.

Schedule Your Appointment

Diagnosis of Vaginal Leiomyoma

Vaginal leiomyoma is typically diagnosed through a combination of medical history evaluation, physical examination, and imaging tests.

Pelvic examination
Ultrasound imaging
MRI scan
Biopsy

Treatment for Vaginal Leiomyoma

Vaginal leiomyoma is typically managed through various treatment options aimed at relieving symptoms and addressing the underlying cause.

Observation: In cases where Vaginal Leiomyoma is small and asymptomatic, regular monitoring may be recommended by healthcare providers to track any changes in size or symptoms.
Medications: Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be prescribed to help manage pain and discomfort associated with Vaginal Leiomyoma.
Hormonal Therapy: Hormonal medications, such as gonadotropinreleasing hormone agonists, may be used to help shrink the leiomyoma and alleviate symptoms.
Surgical Removal: For larger or symptomatic Vaginal Leiomyoma, surgical procedures like myomectomy or hysterectomy may be performed to remove the tumors.
Minimally Invasive Procedures: Techniques like laparoscopy or hysteroscopy can be utilized to remove Vaginal Leiomyoma with smaller incisions and shorter recovery times compared to traditional open surgeries.