Fibroids And Fertility
Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that occur inside the uterus. In some cases, women with fibroids can experience symptoms such as heavy bleeding, back pain, frequent urination, and pain after sex. Fibroids affect approximately 1 in 5 women of reproductive age, making the problem incredibly common. Depending on the size, location, and number of fibroids present, fertility can sometimes be negatively affected.
Blocking baby
There are 2 main ways fibroids can interfere with fertility. The growths can sometimes block the fallopian tubes, which prevents the fertilized egg from reaching the uterus. In other cases, especially if the growths are large, fibroids may stop the embryo from implanting in the uterus. If the embryo does implant and a pregnancy occurs, complications can still occur. In pregnant women with fibroids, higher rates of miscarriage and preterm labor have been reported.
Proceeding naturally
Many women with fibroids can get pregnant naturally. Frequent and timed intercourse can help to increase the chances of success. Other patients may want to try medication first. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists and antagonists help to decrease estrogen and progesterone levels in the body. Lowering hormone levels can help reduce side effects such as bleeding and shrink fibroids. GnRH therapy can also prevent ovulation and stop periods, so stopping the medication before attempting conception is important. Women should also know that once the medication is stopped, the fibroids will start to grow again, so there is usually a short window within natural conception is possible.
Surgical removal can help
Another option for women whose fibroids are interfering with fertility is to remove the growths. A myomectomy is a surgical procedure that removes fibroids but leaves the uterus intact. A robotic-assisted myomectomy is a minimally invasive approach that uses smaller cuts, resulting in a shorter recovery time. Once the fibroids have been removed and the patient has recovered from surgery, pregnancy is much more likely to occur.
Getting pregnant with IVF
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is considered the gold standard of fertility treatments. With IVF, the patient is given medication to increase the production of eggs. An egg retrieval then takes place at an optimal point in the cycle. Once retrieved, the eggs are combined with sperm in a lab to create an embryo. The embryo grows in the lab for 3 or 5 days before being implanted into the uterus. During IVF, the doctor can use ultrasound imaging to guide the catheter to an unobstructed part of the uterus, increasing the chances of successful implantation. In some cases, medication to shrink the fibroids or surgery to remove the growths will be recommended before IVF to increase the overall chances of success.
Pregnancy is possible with fibroids
Uterine fibroids can be a real pain, both physically and emotionally, when trying to conceive. The good news is that solutions exist. Medication can shrink the growths, or surgery can remove the fibroid altogether. IVF is an excellent option for women who want to undergo fertility treatment to increase the chances of getting pregnant quickly with fibroids.
