Should I remove fibroids to attain pregnancy?

Fibroids are the extremely common noncancerous growths that develop in the wall of the uterus but sometimes are in the cervix (Tissue that connects the vagina and uterus). Around 30 % of women develop this condition, usually when they enter their thirties.

If you are diagnosed with fibroids, and you are preparing for pregnancy, you might fear, these fibroids may ruin your pregnancy plans. Here, we are discussing if you should remove your fibroids before your pregnancy.

How Fibroids affect your fertility?

In most cases, fibroids will not affect your fertility. However, the size and location of fibroids can determine whether it affects pregnancy. Fibroids, which are small and situated on the outer lining and grow outside the uterus, does not interfere with the sperm’s ability to get to the egg, fertilization, or the implantation of an embryo. But, if they are very close to the area of the opening of the tubes or if they’re positioned in the uterus where the baby needs to be, it can get in the way of your pregnancy.

Large fibroids say more than 5 CM, can affect your pregnancy, even if they are located outside the uterus lining. This is because it can change the position of the uterus, thus reducing the chance of egg pickup by the fallopian tubes.

Large fibroids developed in the myometrium (the middle layer of the uterine wall) can also affect pregnancy. Fibroids can also affect the blood flow to the uterine cavity. This will make it difficult for the embryo to stick (implant) to the uterine wall or to develop.

What to do if fibroids are hindering your pregnancy?

In most cases, doctors will advise leaving fibroids alone and closely monitor your pregnancy. However, there are various treatment options available to treat fibroids. Based on your family planning, health, symptoms, size, location, and the number of fibroids, experts will recommend the most effective and safest option for you.

Most often, your doctor may suggest a surgical procedure to remove fibroids while preserving your fertility, called a myomectomy. Fibroids that are growing inside the uterus or into the uterine cavity need to be removed through your vagina by hysteroscopic myomectomy.

If the fibroids are located in the wall of the uterus, on its surface, or growing on the outer lining or outside of the uterus, the surgeon might suggest a laparoscopic myomectomy to remove these fibroids.

Experts might also recommend open surgery if the fibroids are large or if there are many of them.

After the myomectomy, your uterus is repaired and will function normally. However, You’ll need to wait three to six months to give your uterus time to heal before trying to get pregnant.

What happens to fibroids during pregnancy?

Fibroids are seen in 2 to 12% of pregnant women. A fibroid usually grows in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Not all fibroids tend to become large and cause problems in pregnancy. However, in some cases, fibroids might:

• Outgrow their blood supply and cause severe pain
• Change the baby’s position in the uterus.
• Increase the chance of preterm birth, miscarriage, and cesarean section.

Surgery is also needed If the fibroids are causing symptoms due to compression on nearby structures like bladder and ureter.

Finally, the treatment for fibroids is decided based on your unique situation and your doctor’s recommendations. If you are planning for pregnancy and worried about your fertility, book an appointment at Gift IVF center for expert guidance.

Blog Reviewed By: Dr Anitha Mani
Mail us: giftivfkerala@gmail.com
Book an appointment: giftivf.com/book-appointment