Planning for pregnancy already comes with plenty of questions. Learning about fibroids and pregnancy and how they may affect pregnancy is one of those topics that can feel confusing. This is mainly because, although fibroids are quite common, their exact impact on fertility and pregnancy isn’t always clear.
Many women may not even know they have fibroids, while others might find them during routine check-ups or when trying to conceive. Naturally, this can raise concerns about safety and possible complications.
The experience can vary from woman to woman, depending on the size, number, and location of the fibroids. Let’s take a closer look to better understand what this means and how it may affect your pregnancy journey.
About Uterine Fibroids
Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that form in the uterus, mostly during the reproductive years. These are also called leiomyomas or myomas.
Fibroids come in different sizes and numbers:
- Some are very small and cannot be detected without the aid of tests
- Some are large enough to alter the shape of the uterus
- Some are even large enough to fill the pelvic or abdominal area
Many women could have them without even knowing they have them. This is because they are usually detected by routine pelvic exams or pregnancy ultrasounds.
Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids
Many cases are asymptomatic. Signs and symptoms depend on the size, number, and location of fibroids.
Some of the symptoms are as follows:
- Heavy or painful periods
- Long or frequent periods
- Pressure or discomfort in the pelvic area
- Frequent urination or difficulty in urination
- Increased size of the abdomen
- Constipation
- Pain in the lower back or during intercourse
A rare complication includes sudden, severe pain when a fibroid loses its blood supply.
Types of Fibroids Based on Location
Fibroids are classified into different types depending on the location of their growth in the uterus.
- Intramural Fibroids: These fibroids occur inside the muscle walls of the uterus
- Submucosal Fibroids: These fibroids occur inside the uterine walls
- Subserosal Fibroids: These fibroids occur on the outer surface of the uterus walls
Causes of Fibroids
The cause of fibroids remains a mystery. However, hormones play a major part in the cause of fibroids. The hormones such as oestrogen and progesterone are responsible for the growth of fibroids during the reproductive years.
Factors that increase risk include
- Early onset of menstruation
- Obesity
- Family history of fibroids
- Increasing age
- High blood pressure
- Low vitamin D levels
Factors that may reduce risk include:
- Multiple childbirths
- Use of hormonal contraceptives like Depo-Provera
- Oral contraceptive pills
Can You Get Pregnant with Fibroids
Pregnancy is still possible for many women with fibroids. Some women even find that they have fibroids during pregnancy scans.
Under some circumstances, fibroids that cause infertility may have to be removed through a procedure known as myomectomy to aid conception.
How Do Fibroids Affect Fertility
Uterine fibroids may affect fertility in some women depending on their size and location. If you are asking, can fibroids affect pregnancy? Not all fibroids affect fertility. Some may impede conception.
Possible uterine fibroids pregnancy risks include
- Distortion of the uterine cavity that makes implantation difficult
- Changes in uterine contractions affecting embryo attachment
- Increased risk of miscarriage
- Interference with sperm or egg movement
- Heavy or prolonged bleeding may also reduce the chances of successful implantation
Do You Need Treatment Before Pregnancy
Not all fibroids need treatment. Many cases only need regular monitoring if there are no symptoms.
There are different treatment options depending on the individual’s needs:
- Medications: Relieve symptoms. But fibroids are not removed
- Myomectomy: This operation removes fibroids. The uterus is not removed
- Hysterectomy: This operation removes the uterus. So not recommended for women who want to get pregnant.
Fibroids do not always cause infertility. However, they sometimes cause infertility
Is Pregnancy Safe with Fibroids
Yes. It is safe for a woman to have a pregnancy with fibroids. A woman with fibroids can carry her baby to term without any complications.
Medical supervision is a must. This is because fibroids sometimes cause complications.
Can Fibroids Be Treated During Pregnancy?
No, treating fibroids during pregnancy is not advisable, especially when not necessary. Surgery during pregnancy can cause complications for the baby as well as the mother.
An interventional radiologist in Mumbaimay recommend right treatment until after delivery. Intervention is considered only if complications become serious.
Is It Harder to Get Pregnant with Fibroids
Fibroids do not always interrupt pregnancy. Many women conceive naturally and have successful deliveries.
Certain fibroids may:
- Affect the structure of reproductive organs
- Interfere with fertilisation or implantation
- Create physical barriers in the uterus
Each situation is unique, and this evaluation can help assess fibroids size and pregnancy risk, along with their overall impact.
Treatment Options for Women Planning Pregnancy
- Myomectomy: This can be done by laparoscopy or by an open procedure. This procedure is best for intramural and subserosal fibroids
- Hysteroscopic Resection of Fibroid: This procedure is best for submucosal fibroids
- MRI-Guided Focused Ultrasound: This procedure is best for women planning future fertility. Not recommended for women with submucosal fibroids
- Uterine Artery Embolisation: Undergoing Uterine fibroid embolization in Mumbai shrinks the fibroids by cutting off the blood supply, which usually isn’t recommended for future pregnancy due to the risk involved
- Endometrial Ablation: This treatment makes pregnancy impossible
Hysterectomy: This treatment removes the uterus which makes pregnancy impossible
Summing Up
Uterine fibroids during pregnancy may be a point of concern for women during the planning phase for a baby. However, there is a possibility for women to manage their condition by seeking the right kind of treatment.
Dr. Kunal Arora, who is the best interventional radiologist in Mumbai, is capable of providing the required treatment for the condition. With over 12 years of experience and possessing the right expertise for the job, our doctor is able to provide the best kind of uterine fibroid treatment without surgery in Mumbai.
This can help women achieve the best kind of outcomes for their health. Book an appointment today!
