September 25, 2024

Can Fibroids Affect My Ability to Have a Baby?

Fibroids are the noncancerous growths in the uterus of a female. These growths are formed of muscle and fibrous tissue, and their size can vary. They are also known as uterine myomas. Fibroids are quite common and are affecting 40 to 80 % of women around the world. However, since many women do not suffer from any symptoms due to fibroids, they do not have an idea that they have it. But when fibroids are large, they can severely affect a female’s fertility.

This blog will delve into the one question that strikes everyone’s mind: Can fibroids affect fertility?

Types of Uterine Fibroids

Fibroids’ type, size, and location are crucial in treating them so a female can conceive. Here are different types of uterine fibroids based on the area they are found in our body:

Intramural fibroids: These fibroids are found in the uterine wall

Submucosal Fibroids: Are found in the uterine cavity where a baby grows.

Subserosal Fibroids: These fibroids are found outside the uterus and are closely attached to the uterine wall.

Pedunculated fibroids: These are fibroids that grow on the exterior of the uterus. They’re linked to the uterus by a slender stem. They are frequently described as mushroom-like. They are also the least prevalent form of fibroids.

What are the causes of uterine fibroids?

The cause of fibroids is not exactly known, but female hormones like estrogen and progesterone stimulate the growth of fibroids. Some women are also at an increased risk of developing fibroids:

• Women who had early periods

• Being obese

• Having a family history of fibroids

• Increasing age

• Never having given birth

• Women who have PCOS

• Women who have high blood pressure

• Females who use oral contraceptive pills.

Symptoms of fibroids

• Heavy long periods

• Painful periods

• Painful sex

• Bleeding in-between periods

• Passing urine a lot

• A feeling of heaviness at the back

Many women who have fibroids do not have any problem getting pregnant, and they can conceive naturally. However, some women face major fertility issues. For example, submucosal fibroids are a type of fibroids that grow in your uterine cavity and can affect your pregnancy.

• Changes in the shape of the cervix by fibroid can affect the number of sperm that enter the uterus.

• The best fertility specialists in India for fibroids say that changes in the shape of the uterus due to fibroids can affect the movement of sperm.

• Fallopian tubes can get blocked due to fibroids.

What are the next steps if you are trying to conceive with fibroids?

Talk with your doctor about the size or position of fibroids. Ask if they could cause problems with your attempts to get pregnant or the ability to carry a pregnancy. Likewise, ask your doctor if fibroid treatments can help improve your odds of pregnancy success.

You can contact Top fibroid specialists in India at ART Fertility Clinic anytime to learn more about fibroids and their consequences on pregnancy.

Treating fibroids during pregnancy

During pregnancy, there can be the risk of treating fibroids because of the risk to the fetus. In such cases, bed rest, hydration, and mild pain relievers are prescribed to help mothers manage the pain related to Hormonal treatment for fibroids.

In rare cases, Lap myomectomy for fibroids is performed in the second half of the pregnancy. This procedure removes fibroids from outside or within the uterine wall, keeping the uterus intact.

How are fibroids treated before pregnancy to improve female fertility?

Treating fibroids before pregnancy will improve your ability to conceive a child. Here are some fertility treatments you can avail of at ART Fertility, one of the top Fibroid treatment clinics in India to treat fibroids:

Lap Myomectomy: It is a surgical procedure to remove fibroids, and you will have to wait for three months post-surgery to be able to conceive. It is a minimally invasive surgery.

Hormonal Birth Control Pills: While you are on a pill, you will not be able to become pregnant. However, hormonal treatment for fibroids can help to ease the symptoms of fibroids, like heavy and painful periods.

IUD: IUD stands for intrauterine device; they will prevent pregnancy and will help to ease out the symptoms of uterine fibroids.

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Gn-RH) agonists: This type of medication blocks the production of the hormones that lead to ovulation and menstruation, so you won’t be able to become pregnant while taking this medication. This non-surgical treatment for fibroids can help to shrink them.

Myolysis: This procedure uses an electric current, laser, or radio-frequency energy beam to shrink the blood vessels that feed the fibroids.

Other treatments are available for women with fibroids who may want to have children in the future. Each treatment has risks and complications, so talk with your doctor about your options.

Can I conceive a baby while having fibroids?

Now, this is the question of the hour. Many patients with fibroids have reported to have a safe and healthy pregnancy. However, the outcome of your pregnancy will depend on the fibroid’s size and location. Some patients with fibroids may have premature delivery or need a C Section.

What is the outlook?

Uterine fibroids may affect your fertility. They may also impact your ability to carry a baby. However, most women also do not experience any symptoms and can conceive naturally.
If you have been diagnosed with uterine fibroids and wish to start a family, please consult a fertility specialist at ART Fertility today. Together, the two of you can decide what’s the safest way for your future pregnancy.

While you can’t prevent fibroids, a healthy lifestyle may lower your risk. Likewise, a healthy lifestyle, which includes maintaining a healthy weight, may reduce your risk for fertility issues and high-risk pregnancies.