The first thing you should know is that you can have fibroids and still successfully become pregnant and carry a child. There can be some issues though, so keep reading to find out what they are. Fibroids and pregnancy: what you should know.
What Are Fibroids
Many women of childbearing age have fibroids. In fact, 80% of women will have them before they are fifty years old. They are a common but abnormal benign growth that develops in the uterus. Although abnormal, they do not develop into uterine cancer.
They range in size from small to very large and can distort the uterus.
There are three types:
- Subserosal fibroids grow outside the uterus
- Intramural fibroids grow inside the wall of the uterus
- Submucosal fibroids grow inside the uterus or womb
Some women go through their life not knowing they have fibroids unless a doctor finds them during an exam. Other women live with painful symptoms and heavy menstrual periods.
What You Should Know About Fibroids Affecting Fertility
In many cases fibroids don’t affect your ability to GET pregnant, but having multiple fibroids can.
Having fibroids doesn’t interfere with ovulation, but submucosal fibroids can make it harder for the uterus to support conception and maintain the pregnancy. They may bulge into the uterine cavity and increase the risk of infertility and loss of pregnancy.
What You Should Know about Treating Fibroids Prior To Pregnancy
If you are considering pregnancy and have multiple fibroids, there are several treatments to discuss with South Florida Women’s Care which can help with fertility.
Myomectomy is a procedure that removes your fibroids. You may still need a C-section, and you will need to wait 3 months before attempting to get pregnant.
Myolysis is a procedure that uses an electric current, a laser, or radiofrequency energy to shrink the blood vessels which provide blood for the fibroids. They will eventually shrink and die.
There are several other treatments available if you are planning to become pregnant in the future, but each has its own risks and possible complications.
What You Should Know About Treating Fibroids During Pregnancy
Most physicians will recommend leaving fibroids alone during pregnancy due to the risks affecting your growing baby, but they will monitor your progress carefully.
Taking mild OTC pain relievers, resting, and drinking lots of water is the best medicine if you are pregnant and have fibroids.
Most patients with fibroids will have an uneventful pregnancy and delivery, and having a few fibroids is not a reason for concern.
Contact South Florida Women’s Care at (305) 661-7766 if you are trying to get pregnant, are concerned about your fertility, or are pregnant and have fibroids.
