This archive report was first published on 5 December 2019.
Fibroids and Reproductive Health: What You Need to Know ¶
Published on December 5, 2019
Fibroids, also known as myomas, are non-cancerous muscle growths that can hinder pregnancy and increase the risk of miscarriage. These growths vary in size and can be located in different positions of the uterus, including beneath or above the uterine lining, or on the walls of the uterus.
While the exact reasons for fibroid growths are not well understood, they are known to occur in women with high levels of estrogen. Women with fibroids often wonder about the risks to their fertility and pregnancy, as well as the available treatment options.
One of the key facts to know about fibroids and reproductive health is that they can hinder a patient's ability to conceive. Large fibroids can create an obstruction in the uterus, making it difficult for a baby to grow and increasing the risk of miscarriage.
However, many women with fibroids are still able to have successful pregnancies without treatment. If the fibroids are relatively small and do not cause any obstruction, it is possible to still have children and deliver normally.
For expectant mothers living with fibroids, pregnancy can bring uncomfortable changes and challenges. Fibroids can cause severe cramping, increased bloating and constipation, unusual bleeding, and pelvic pains. Additionally, pregnancy hormones can cause the tumors to change in size, becoming larger or smaller depending on the trimester.
Complications during pregnancy can include premature delivery due to fibroid-induced uterine contractions, failure of the baby to develop properly due to space occupied by the fibroids, and abnormal positioning of the baby. In some cases, women with fibroids may need to undergo a C-section delivery, but many are still able to have natural births.
When it comes to treatment options, patients typically undergo an ultrasound to confirm the presence of fibroids. The ultrasound machine is either moved over the abdomen externally or inserted through the vaginal canal for observation. Once the fibroids have been spotted, the doctor provides the best options for eliminating them.
Two main treatment options for fibroids are myomectomies and hysterectomies. Myomectomies involve surgically removing the fibroids through small incisions, allowing for a quick recovery. Hysterectomies, on the other hand, involve the removal of the entire uterus and are typically reserved for women who do not wish to have children in the future.
