What do we know about fibroids? Fibroids are specifically benign tumors that grow within or around the womb, also known as uterine myomas. The condition is characterized by muscle growth and fibrous tissue growth. 20-80% of women by the age of 50, can develop these non-cancerous growths, whereas 30% of women between the age of 25-44% exhibit the symptoms. These values show that the condition is not rare among women during their childbearing years.
The following content is to inform you of the tips for getting pregnant with fibroids, along with their risks and treatment. If generally talking, whether you can get pregnant with fibroids is yes! You can conceive if you have fibroids, but it can vary from person to person. Some can get pregnant without the need for treatment, while for some, it may be quite difficult depending upon the situation, for example, the growth of fibroids.
How can You Conceive with Fibroids?
If you have fibroids, you must be wondering whether you can conceive, and if you do would it be a safe pregnancy? First of all, conceiving while having fibroids is possible, and as mentioned before, it would vary from person to person depending upon many factors. Fibroids are benign tumors and can grow outside, in the wall, or within the uterus cavity.
The condition can trigger some pregnancy complications and affect your fertility. For better advice, you should definitely consult your fibroid specialist, as they would suggest the best advice for the individual situation. They would have a better idea of what kind of treatment would suit you. The tumors can be in various sizes, they can be as small as a pea and big as the size of a baseball.
Many can conceive despite having fibroids, while some can face challenges. If the fibroids are present externally, the challenges are not as much, but if present interiorly or in the wall, it may cause a miscarriage of the developing embryo or cause infertility as it can affect the implantation. If the uterine structure is distorted due to the presence of the tumors, it can decrease the chances of a successful pregnancy. External tumors can reduce the chances of a successful IVF.
If you’re correctly diagnosed and treated, you can still conceive with fibroids regardless of whether the fibroids are surgically removed or not, so in case you have fibroids, you should consult a fibroid specialist. If you’re generally suffering from infertility problems and cannot conceive, your OB/GYM may probably be looking for other causes before concluding that the reason may be fibroids.
If you want to increase the chances of a healthy pregnancy, you can consult your doctor in order to preserve your fertility whilst getting treated for fibroids. In some cases, fibroid removal with uterus-sparing treatment can be a good option, but that too if the circumstances are favorable. Your gynecologist can communicate with a fertility specialist in order to opt for the most suitable treatment for you, as they can be aware of all the possibilities and risks and have a better picture of the situation.
Another good option can be freezing your eggs. There are many other fertility preservation techniques available for people who want to conceive after having certain fibroid treatments. You should plan ahead in cases of getting a hysterectomy, as that would result in complete infertility.
What are the Complications Before and After Getting Pregnant with Fibroids?
The risk of complications is increased due to the presence of fibroids, and they can possibly be as follows:
Reduced Fertility:
Fertility can be reduced in the following ways;
- The larger the size of the tumor, the narrower the fallopian tubes would be, causing blockage
- The size of the uterine cavity lining is affected
- Cervix shape is affected, which impacts the entrance of sperm to the uterus
- Distortion of the uterus can affect the movement of the embryo or sperm movement
- It can affect blood flow which can ultimately affect the implantation of the embryo
Growth Restriction of the Fetus:
As the fibroid gets larger, it can affect the growth of the fetus, as little room is left for the baby. This can restrict the baby from being fully developed.
Placental Abruption:
Due to the blockage by a fibroid, the placenta can break away from the uterine wall, which reduces the supply of oxygen and vital nutrients to the baby.
Pre-mature Birth:
Fibroids have the ability to cause pain during pregnancy which can lead to uterine contractions and, ultimately, premature birth of the baby.
C-Section:
Women suffering from fibroids are six times more likely to deliver by C-section than of those who do not have such conditions.
Breech Position:
If the shape of the uterine cavity is distorted, the baby may not align for vaginal delivery. Due to this C-section may be performed for the safe delivery of the baby.
Miscarriage:
Chances of miscarriage are increased in women who have fibroids.
Symptoms of Fibroid During Pregnancy:
While some fibroids are asymptomatic, women can only discover the presence of fibroids after going for the first ultrasound during early pregnancy. Mild symptoms are often disregarded, but when these become severe, they become more prominent, and you should seek professional advice. The most common symptoms of fibroids during pregnancy include the following:
- GI distress
- The urgency for urination due to the pressure on the bladder caused by the presence of fibroids
- Pain
- Cramps resembling that of periods/menses
- Anemia
- Lower back pain
- Prolonged menstruation
- Heavy bleeding during periods
During a pelvic examination, fibroids may be felt, and for confirmation, ultrasounds can be taken.
How can Fertility be Improved by Treating Fibroids Before Pregnancy?
There are various ways to treat fibroids, but you’re looking for ways to preserve your fertility. Some of the treatments that preserve your fertility are as follows:
Myolysis:
In this procedure, blood vessels that supply blood to the fibroid tissues are shrunken by laser, radio-frequency or electric current.
Intrauterine Device:
IUD is commonly used for birth control, but as long as you use it, it can preserve fertility while eliminating some symptoms.
Myomectomy:
Myomectomy is the removal of fibroids surgically. This can possibly result in a caesarian delivery, but due to the surgery, you might need to wait for almost 3 months before conceiving. Many factors can determine whether you can go for a myomectomy or not. These are:
- Size of the fibroid
- Location in the uterus
- Overall health
- Age
- The number of fibroids present
Gn-Rh Agonists:
Gonadotropin-releasing hormones are medications that inhibit the production and release of ovulatory and menstrual hormones. Although this would act as birth control and prevent pregnancy, it would shrink the fibroids.
Birth Controllers:
Hormonal birth control would only minimize or reduce the symptoms of fibroids, such as cramps, painful periods, and heavy bleeding.
Each treatment has its own set of risks, but many of these treatments are suggested for women who want to have children.
The Bottomline:
Fibroids can affect your delivery as well as your ability to carry your pregnancy. There are possibilities for the presence of complications. It is best that you consult your OB/GYN and fibroid specialist, and they can correlate your case in order to select the best sort of treatment that can suit you and your situation. Let your doctor know of your requirements and family planning, and they can decide on what would be the best option for you.
You can increase the risk of having fibroids by adopting a healthy lifestyle. Maintain a healthy weight and strengthen your immunity for an increased probability of conceiving and healthy pregnancy.