Fibroids can cause infertility. If you’ve been diagnosed with uterine fibroids, that develop in the wall of the uterus, and you might be wondering how to get pregnant, you probably have some concerns. I
In the past, the extraction of fibroids almost always meant a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus), rendering women infertile. But if you have them and hope to start a family, you might wonder if they’ll throw a wrench in your carefully laid mom-to-be plans.
Fibroids and getting pregnant
Some fibroids are the size of a rice grain, whereas others are the size of a cantaloupe. Fibroids become a concern for fertility and can cause discomfort and pain when they’re larger than two inches.
Most fibroids can be left untreated, especially if the growths are too small to cause any discomfort. But if you’re experiencing lower back pain, heavy bleeding, frequent urination, constipation, or bloatedness that doesn’t go away, then these growths may be big enough to alter the shape of your uterus and increase your chances of having a miscarriage.
Along with size, location matters too. If the fibroid is outside the uterus, it won’t affect your chances of getting pregnant or carrying a pregnancy. However, if the fibroid blocks the fallopian tubes, it may prevent the fertilized egg from getting implanted.
The vast majority of women with fibroids can get pregnant and deliver a healthy baby. However, some women may experience difficulties along the way. These can involve conception, usually due to the size and location of their fibroids. Because fibroids tend to grow during pregnancy, others experience increased fibroid symptoms like pain, discomfort, or low energy levels. Also, some women may be at greater risk for pregnancy complications.
The ability to conceive is rarely affected by the presence of fibroids, though fibroids tend to grow during pregnancy and can cause problems. Many pregnant women don’t even know they have fibroids until they go for their first ultrasound. Some women won’t experience any symptoms, while others will start experiencing fibroid symptoms during and after their pregnancy.
Can I Still Have a Baby with Fibroids?
We hear this question all the time: Can I have a baby with fibroids? We understand: if you have fibroids—non-cancerous tumors that grow in your uterus—you may be worried about your fertility. Will you be able to get pregnant? Or, if you get pregnant, will the fibroids affect your baby’s growth and birth? Unfortunately, fibroids can impact your ability to become pregnant or deliver a healthy baby. But that doesn’t mean your dreams of having a family will never come true. Let’s take a closer look.
Can fibroids affect your fertility?
So many different factors can play a role in affecting your ability to get pregnant and deliver a healthy baby. One potential factor which affects about 20-50% of women of reproductive age and 50–80% of African-American women is uterine fibroids. They are a common condition and often run in families. If your mother had fibroids, there’s a good chance you might have them, too.
Is it safe to get pregnant with fibroids?
While it is generally considered safe to get pregnant with fibroids, your doctor will want to closely monitor you for any signs of potential trouble.
Recommendations before Getting Pregnant if You Have Fibroids
You may want to consider having fibroid treatment before getting pregnant. After all, there is always some level of uncertainty that comes from conceiving with fibroids. As if pregnancy isn’t uncomfortable enough, your fibroids can grow; this can lead to increased pain and low energy, as well as other undesirable symptoms. Plus, there is still risk of complications.
In particular, this risk may lead some women to experience anxiety over the health of their baby. This is why it’s important to attend all of your prenatal doctor appointments. We also suggest, to the best of your control, that you surround yourself with a strong support system of friends and family who understand what you are going through.
When trying to conceive with fibroids, it may be helpful to reduce any outside stress. If finances allow, perhaps you can take some time off. You may want to avoid individuals who cause undue stress in your life. Finally, when it comes to your partner and other close contacts, be sure to clearly communicate your needs –– both physical and emotional!
Should You Get Fibroids Removed Before or After Pregnancy?
The decision of when to receive fibroid treatment is an individual one. You should discuss your symptoms and circumstances with a fibroid specialist to come up with a treatment plan that is right for you.
In most cases, doctors recommend having fibroid treatment after delivery –– but you can certainly discuss future plans during your pregnancy. In some cases, fibroids may even shrink naturally after giving birth.
Chances of getting pregnant with fibroids
Uterine fibroids are very common – affecting between 30% – 50% of the population. Also, infertility can have multiple causes. Therefore, it isn’t always easy to say that fibroids are the source if infertility is present, particularly since many women with fibroids do get pregnant and have normal pregnancies.
Can fibroids affect my chances of getting pregnant?
Sometimes fibroids can interfere with fertility and make it more difficult to get pregnantIt’s a good idea to keep an eye on fibroids during pregnancy because they may grow larger and create complications. Only 2-12% of pregnant women have fibroids and if they do grow, it will most likely be during the first 12 weeks. Fibroids affect many women, often at an age when they are trying to get pregnant. Research shows that the rate at which fibroids alone because infertility is quite low and most often related to submucosal fibroids.
If you think you have fibroids, you should see your doctor for a diagnosis and, if found, have an assessment of their size, number and location. If you have fibroids and you and your partner are having problems getting pregnant, you should both have a fertility work-up to look at all possible causes including fibroids. Whether it is worth seeking treatment for fibroids before other treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) depends on your unique situation. Your doctor can help you evaluate the options that are best for you.
Will fibroids affect my fertility?
Depending on the size and location of your fibroids, the tumors can block sperm from reaching and fertilizing one of your eggs. Fibroids can also make it more difficult for a fertilized embryo to implant in your uterus. And, if you do become pregnant, fibroids may impact fetal development if they are located in a spot where your baby should be growing. For these reasons, you may want to treat fibroids before becoming pregnant. But your doctor can better advise you regarding fibroids and your fertility options.
You want to have a child, but wondering how to get pregnant with endometriosis naturally. Get here your chances of getting pregnant with endometriosis
What’s the outlook?
Uterine fibroids may affect your fertility. They may also impact your ability to carry a pregnancy successfully. However, most women will experience no fertility issues or pregnancy complications as a result of these tumors.
While you can’t prevent fibroids, here are things you can do to get pregnant naturally. Likewise, a healthy lifestyle, which includes maintaining a healthy weight, may lower your risk for fertility issues and high-risk pregnancies.