Are you struggling to conceive? Fibroids might be one of the causes.
Fibroids, unwelcome growths in the muscular wall of the uterus, affect up to 70% of women by age 50. While many women have no symptoms, fibroids can bring unpleasant surprises, impacting fertility and pregnancy.
But don’t worry! Understanding what fibroids are, their types and their impact on pregnancy and fertility can help you navigate your pregnancy journey.
Let’s explore the impact of fibroids in pregnancy.
First things first: What are uterine fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are noncancerous tumours that develop from muscle tissue in the uterus. These growths originate when a singular muscle cell within the uterine wall undergoes multiplication, forming noncancerous tumours.
The size of these fibroids is frequently likened to fruits, like the size of a grapefruit. However, they can change the shape or size of the uterus, and sometimes, they can affect the cervix, the lower part of the uterus.
Now, let’s see the different types of fibroids.
Based on the location where they are found in the uterus, fibroids are divided into three types:
Subserosal Fibroids: Subserosal fibroids grow outside the uterus in the serosa layer of tissue. They can sometimes become quite large, making the uterus look bigger on one side.
Intramural Fibroids: Intramural fibroids are the most common type of fibroids that develop within the muscular wall of the uterus. Intramural fibroids may grow 4 -5 centimetres in size and can stretch the uterus.
Submucosal Fibroids: Submucosal fibroids grow towards the uterine cavity.
So, how do these fibroids affect your fertility and pregnancy?
If you are experiencing fibroids symptoms like heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, abdominal enlargement, menstrual cramps, or frequent urination, that doesn’t mean you can’t get pregnant. You can still conceive.
However, the location and size of fibroids can sometimes interfere with conception.
Usually, intramural fibroids don’t significantly impact fertility or pregnancy. Most women with intramural fibroids proceed normally without complications or any treatment. However, large intramural fibroids, especially those near the fallopian tubes, could interfere with egg or sperm transport, slightly decreasing fertility chances. Also, large intramural fibroids in pregnancy might restrict fetal growth space or cause pain and discomfort due to stretching of the uterine wall during pregnancy.
Being within the cavity, submucosal fibroids may cause problems with implantation, creating an unfavourable environment for a fertilized egg to grow. It can increase the risk of miscarriage or may cause heavy bleeding and cramping during pregnancy.
Fortunately, subserosal fibroids do not impact fertility, as they do not interfere with the uterine cavity or alter the lining. However, they may cause discomfort during pregnancy rather than affecting the chances of implantation.
So, if you are planning to conceive or have a history of miscarriage, you should reach out to the fertility specialist or IVF centre in Delhi for treatment. Laparoscopic Myomectomy is a preferred treatment option, effectively removing fibroids while preserving fertility.
Fibroids in pregnancy can be a serious condition. However, seeking timely medical intervention and exploring suitable treatment options can greatly enhance the chances of a successful and healthy pregnancy. If you struggle to conceive, contact Dr Rhythm Gupta, a fertility specialist in Delhi. She will help you to find out the reason for infertility and fulfil your dream of starting a family.