This archive report was first published on 28 June 2020.
Can you still get pregnant if you have fibroids? ¶
Published on June 28, 2020
Fibroids are growths in the uterine wall that can occur in women of childbearing age. While it is possible for women with fibroids to get pregnant, the presence of fibroids can increase the risk of complications during pregnancy and delivery.
Some of the complications associated with fibroids during pregnancy include:
- Fetal growth restriction, which can occur when fibroids are large in size
- Placental abruption, where the placenta breaks away from the uterine wall, often due to being blocked by a fibroid
- Preterm delivery, which can be accelerated by the presence of pain from fibroids
According to WomensHealth.gov, women with fibroids are six times more likely to need a C-section than women who do not have them. Additionally, breech position, where the baby is not turned with its head towards the cervix, is common in women with fibroids due to the abnormal shape of the cavity caused by the fibroids.
Miscarriages are also more common in women with fibroids. However, there are some treatments available for fibroids that can help alleviate symptoms and increase the chances of a successful pregnancy.
These treatments include:
- Myomectomy, a surgical procedure to remove fibroids, which may require a waiting period of three months before trying to conceive
- Using hormonal birth control pills or intrauterine devices (IUDs) to relieve symptoms such as pain and heavy bleeding
- Using gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Gn-RH) agonists to shrink fibroids, although this medication can block ovulation and menstruation
- Myolysis, which uses a laser, electric current, or radio-frequency energy to shrink the blood vessels that feed the fibroids
