Stressed out: how forces from uterine contractions influence fibroid progression, a Narrative Review

Abstract

Uterine fibroids are exposed to significant mechanical forces due to routine, monthly uterine contractions and have also been found to generate contractions in the junctional zone or inner myometrium. These are not the only mechanical forces that uterine fibroids experience but also compression and strain, or percent change in length, due to the stiff extracellular matrix of the fibroids. The forces may vary by location within the tumor. Strong uterine contractions not only cause pain but may also contribute to uterine fibroid growth, which, in turn, may lead to worsening symptom severity. This review discusses uterine contractions in the nonpregnant uterus and what is known about the impacts of mechanical forces on uterine fibroid cells.