Fibroids and Pregnancy: Understanding the Link
Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in the uterus of women during their reproductive years. They are also known as leiomyomas or myomas and can be as small as a pea or as large as a grapefruit. Fibroids can cause a range of symptoms, including heavy periods, pelvic pain, frequent urination, constipation, and infertility. In this blog article, we will focus on how fibroids can affect a woman's ability to get pregnant.
How Fibroids Affect Your Uterus
Fibroids are benign growths that develop in the uterus. While some fibroids do not cause any adverse effects, others can lead to painful symptoms and health complications.
They can change the size of your uterus
Fibroids can cause the uterus to become enlarged, which can lead to discomfort, pain, and heavy menstrual bleeding, which can lead to anemia (low iron levels in the blood). The larger the fibroid is, the more likely it is to put pressure on other organs in the pelvic region, including the uterus.
They can change the shape of your uterus
As fibroids grow, they can distort the shape of the uterus, which can interfere with fertility and cause problems during pregnancy. It is possible to have more than one fibroid at a time and this could have an even more significant effect on uterus shape and size.
How fibroids affect fertility
They can increase your chance of infertility
Fibroids can increase the risk of miscarriage or premature labor if they are located near the cervix or if they cause the uterus to contract.
Can fibroids cause pregnancy complications?
Left untreated, fibroids can lead to a variety of pregnancy complications. These include increased risk of miscarriage, preterm labor, placental abruption and infertility. In some cases, the growths may even interfere with the development of the baby or block its passage through the birth canal. Such scenarios require expert medical intervention which may entail surgical removal of the fibroid before pregnancy is possible.
They can block your fallopian tubes
Fibroids can interfere with fertility by blocking the fallopian tubes.
They can reduce the frequency of sexual intercourse
Because fibroids can cause pelvic pain, sexual intercourse can be painful and reduce the frequency of sexual intercourse, as a result.
Managing Fibroids During Pregnancy
Managing fibroids during pregnancy is crucial to ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy for both the mother and the baby.
Steps to Ensure a Safe and Healthy Pregnancy
Attend all prenatal appointments
Regular prenatal check-ups are important to monitor the growth of the fibroids and ensure that the pregnancy is progressing as it should.
Eat a healthy diet
Eating a balanced and nutritious diet can help reduce symptoms of fibroids and ensure a healthy pregnancy. Focus on foods rich in vitamins and minerals, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
Stay active
Regular exercise during pregnancy can help alleviate fibroid symptoms and promote overall health. Talk to your healthcare provider about appropriate exercise options for you.
Get enough rest
Fatigue is common during pregnancy, so it's important to get plenty of rest. Try to aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night and take breaks throughout the day to rest.
Manage stress
Stress can exacerbate fibroid symptoms and may increase the risk of complications during pregnancy. Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to help manage stress.
Follow your healthcare provider's recommendations
Your healthcare provider may recommend medication, surgery, or other treatments to manage your fibroids during pregnancy. Be sure to follow their recommendations and communicate any concerns or questions you may have.
Resources to help cope with fibroid-related infertility
If you are someone who has fibroid-related infertility, there are many supportive resources available to help you get through the challenges.
Organizations
Organizations such as Fibroid Relief and Fertile Action both offer comprehensive guidance for those dealing with fibroids or fibroid-related infertility that includes information on medical options and alternatives, nutritional guidance, and various services to assist with your specific needs.
Clinical research trials
Clinical research trials also provide much-needed support for individuals with fibroids concerning fertility. There is a wealth of knowledge and access to knowledgeable professionals ready to answer questions and guide you towards taking the best possible steps if your fibroids are causing issues with fertility.
Other resources
Professional counseling and mindfulness approaches such as meditation can help individuals to reduce stress. Additionally, diet and lifestyle modifications, either alone or guided by a healthcare professional, may be used to heal the body and potentially reverse fibroid-related infertility. By having an open dialogue with your doctor, researching available resources and getting the support you need, pregnancy after fibroids doesn’t have to be a distant dream. With the right knowledge and care, it can become a reality.
Why uterine fibroid embolization is the best treatment for fibroids
Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive procedure that is highly effective in treating fibroids. Unlike other treatments that require surgery, UFE involves using tiny particles to block the blood supply to the fibroids, causing them to shrink and eventually die off.
UFE is a highly targeted treatment that only affects the fibroids and not the surrounding healthy tissue, which means it has fewer side effects and a shorter recovery time than other treatments.
Additionally, UFE is a safe and effective treatment option for women who wish to preserve their fertility, as it does not involve removing the uterus or damaging the surrounding tissue.
Fibroid specialist, Dr. Romi Chopra of MIMIT Health
For these reasons, UFE is often considered the best treatment option for fibroids, providing women with a safe and effective way to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. However, it's important to discuss all treatment options with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of action for your individual needs.