How to get pregnant with uterine fibroids?

Getting pregnant has become a rather complicated process in recent times due to changes in lifestyle and many other factors that often lead to infertility. Infertility is a condition that prevents a couple or individual from conceiving naturally. 

In this blog, we will be talking about a particular condition called uterine fibroids, that is faced by women and which often prevents them from getting pregnant naturally. We will also find out how to get pregnant with uterine fibroids and what are its treatments.

What are Uterine Fibroids?

Fibroids are not cancerous tumors that form inside or on the uterus. These tumors can grow to be quite large, causing severe stomach pain and heavy periods. In the majority of instances they generate no signs or symptoms. The growths are normally noncancerous or benign.

According to the Office on Women’s Health, they affect 20% to 80% of women by the age of 50. However, most people have no symptoms and may be unaware that they have fibroids.

Reference:  https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/uterine-fibroids

Types of Fibroids

Fibroids come in a variety of forms. The types change based on where they are located within or on the uterus.

1. Intramural fibroids: They represent the most common form of fibroids. They develop within the uterine muscle wall. Intramural fibroids may expand in size and stretch your uterus.
2. Subserosal fibroids: These originate on the exterior of one’s uterus, which is known as the serosa. They may enlarge to the point where your uterus appears to be larger on one side.
3. Pedunculated fibroids: These can grow a stem, which is a narrow foundation that holds the tumor. When this happens, they are referred to as pedunculated fibroids.
4. Submucosal fibroids: These tumors form in the myometrium, the uterus’s middle muscular layer. Submucosal tumors are uncommon. 
5. Cervical fibroids: These form on the cervix, that is, the tube that links the uterus to the vagina. They’re also uncommon.

Fibroid symptoms may include:

• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Menstrual clots
• Period that lasts longer than normal 
• Pain in the pelvic or lower back region
• Pressure or heaviness in the lower abdomen.
• Abdomen swelling or expansion
• Increase in urination
• Discomfort during intercourse

Causes of Fibroids 

It is unknown why fibroids form. A variety of factors may impact their development, such as:

• Hormones: Estrogen and progesterone are produced by the ovaries. During each menstrual cycle, these hormones allow the uterine lining to renew and drive the growth of fibroids.
• Passed down by family: Fibroids may be passed down via families. You may get this ailment if your mother, sister, or grandmother have a history of it.
• Genes evolve: Many fibroids have gene alterations that differ from those found in normal uterine muscle cells.
• Other factors: Insulin-like growth factor and other substances that aid in tissue maintenance may influence fibroid growth.

Fibroids and Pregnancy

Often, fibroids do not prevent women from becoming pregnant. However, some fibroids, particularly submucosal fibroids, have been linked to infertility or pregnancy loss.

Fibroids may also increase the likelihood of certain pregnancy problems. These include a few instances:

• Placental abruption occurs when the placenta, the organ that supplies oxygen and nutrition to the infant, splits from the uterine inner wall.
• Fetal growth limitation occurs when an unborn baby does not develop normally.
• Preterm delivery occurs when a baby is born prior to the 37th week of pregnancy.

When should you see a doctor?

Consult your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Pelvic pain that is persistent
• Heavy or painful periods that limit your ability to function
• Period spotting or bleeding when you are not menstruating
• You’re having difficulty emptying your bladder
• Ongoing weariness and weakness, which can be signs of anemia (low red blood cell count)

Diagnosis of fibroid

You’ll need to see a gynecologist for a pelvic exam to get a proper diagnosis. They will examine the condition, size, and form of your uterus during this exam. Imaging tests may also be required to identify the presence of fibroids. 

The following is done to diagnose for fibroids:

• An ultrasound, which generates images of your uterus on a screen by using high-frequency sound waves, is done. This allows a doctor or other healthcare expert to examine the interior tissues of your uterus as well as any fibroids.
• Because it is closer to the uterus during the operation, a transvaginal ultrasound, in which an ultrasound wand is placed into the vagina, may produce crisper images.
• A pelvic MRI, which is a detailed test that generates images of your uterus, ovaries, and other pelvic organs, can also be done.

Treatments for Uterine Fibroids

To treat uterine fibroids, there are two main treatment options: medicines and surgery. The most appropriate treatment is determined totally by location and size of the fibroid, as well as present symptoms and individual condition of the patient.  

Medication: Uterine fibroids medications target hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle to address symptoms such as excessive monthly flow. However, medications cannot eliminate fibroids; instead, they may reduce them.

Surgery: Traditional surgical treatments as well as minimally invasive surgery are used to remove fibroids. “Laparoscopic gynecologic surgery” is a minimally invasive treatment for safely removing uterine fibroids without the need for an open cut as in open surgery. Small incisions are used to implant surgical devices such as a laparoscope, a narrow tube with a camera. This enables the gynecologist to clearly visualize all measurements of gynecologic organs on a monitoring screen prior to properly and securely removing fibroids. Laparoscopic surgery with a smaller incision leads to less discomfort and increased safety, as well as fewer post-operative complications.

Treatment for Infertility

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is an ART procedure where doctors administer medications to the female partner in order for healthy eggs to develop and mature eggs to be surgically extracted. Meanwhile, sperm can be collected and frozen ahead of time, or delivered fresh on the day of fertilization. Your doctor fertilizes the eggs in a lab before implanting healthy embryos in the uterus. This entire process takes about three weeks to finish and is the most effective assisted reproductive technology with the highest success rate.

Tips on getting pregnant with fibroids

• Consult a fertility specialist if you want to start a family or become pregnant.
• Request preconception check ups from your doctor.
• Examine the results of the indicated tests/screenings and consult with your doctor.
• On your doctor’s guidance, be prepared for a myomectomy, hormonal birth control pills, an IUD (intrauterine device), or myolysis.
• When everything is in order, conceive.

FAQ’s 

Similar blogs:

• Fibroid And Infertility: Few Facts Must Be Known
• What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Fibroids
• How To Conceive With PCOS ?