Fibroids are small swellings present in the uterus in 20-40% of ladies. They are a common condition and often run in families. If your mother had fibroids, there’s a high chance you might have them, too.
They are mostly found incidentally in a scan. Otherwise they can present with
Heavy bleeding with cramps
Pain in the tummy
Frequent urination
Inability to conceive
About 5-10% of women facing infertility have fibroids and it is their size and location which may create problems. Fibroids that are very large – greater than 6 centimeters in diameter – and those located inside the uterine cavity may affect your ability to get pregnant and deliver a healthy baby. Most women who have fibroids will not face infertility as a result.
Treatment for fibroids should be based on your individual situation. You and your partner should both have a thorough fertility evaluation and discuss the issue with our consultants. Medical treatment will give only a temporary relief while a keyhole surgery can eliminate a fibroid permanently. We will suggest surgery called as laparoscopic myomectomy only if there are large fibroids or if there are fibroids within the uterine lining which will affect embryo from sticking to the surface.
It’s a good idea to keep an eye on fibroids during pregnancy. Only 2-12% of pregnant women have fibroids and if they do grow, it will most likely be during the first 12 weeks
Whether it is worth seeking treatment for fibroids before other treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF)depends on your unique situation. Many a times just the removal and simple treatment will suffice.
We at A4 fertility center believe in shared decision making. Talk to our experts if you have fibroids.