If you have uterine fibroids and are trying to get pregnant, the first step you should take is to consult your doctor and get tested to determine the size and location of the fibroids and the best way to deal with them.
Tips for getting pregnant with fibroids may include surgically removing the fibroids or using assisted reproductive techniques, in addition to maintaining a healthy weight and following a balanced lifestyle that includes eating healthy foods, exercising, and abstaining from everything that harms you, such as smoking and alcohol, and learning stress management techniques such as yoga, breathing exercises, and meditation.
How Fibroids Affect Fertility
Fibroids affect fertility in 5-10% of women with infertility, and are the main cause of infertility in 1-2.4% of cases.
This is because fibroids can cause the following effects:
- Block the fallopian tubes and prevent eggs from reaching the uterus.
- Change the shape of the uterine cavity, preventing the fertilized egg from implanting in the uterine wall.
- Restrict blood flow to the lining of the uterus, causing damage to it and preventing the fertilized egg from implanting in it.
- Change the shape of the cervix, affecting the number of sperm that reach the uterus.
- Fibroids can cause hormonal disorders such as raising estrogen levels, for example.
- Ovulation dysfunction is one of the complications of the presence of fibroids in the uterus.
- Increased risk of pregnancy complications such as miscarriage and premature birth. (Guo, 2013)
Medical Treatments to Improve Pregnancy Chances
To improve the chances of a woman suffering from fibroids to conceive, there are some treatments that require you to pay attention and follow up in order to achieve the highest benefit from them. These treatments include:
Drug therapy:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or naproxen, which help you reduce menstrual bleeding and relieve its pain.
- Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRH agonists) are drugs that reduce the production of estrogen and cause temporary menopause in order to reduce the size of fibroids in preparation for their removal.
- Oral contraceptive pills (or a patch or vaginal ring) can be used as hormonal therapy, which contain progesterone to reduce bleeding and improve blood counts.
Assisted reproductive techniques
The use of assisted reproductive techniques such as in vitro fertilization for women with fibroids depends on the location and size of the fibroids as they may negatively affect pregnancy rates.
Surgical treatment:
The surgical option associated with the treatment of fibroids is what is known as hysterectomy, which is done without compromising the integrity of the uterus.
There are many methods used to perform this surgical procedure, some modern and some traditional, including:
- Traditional open myomectomy, a procedure in which fibroids are surgically removed through an incision in the abdomen.
- Laparoscopic or robotic myomectomy, where fibroids are removed with minimal intervention using a laparoscope or surgical robot.
- Hysteroscopic myomectomy, a method in which an endoscope equipped with a camera is inserted through the vagina into the uterus to remove visible fibroids.
- Uterine artery embolizationو where the blood supply to fibroids inside the uterus is cut off, so that they shrink and fall out on their own.
Modern treatments:
- Magnetic resonance-guided ultrasound, a modern technique in which fibroids are affected by radio waves and magnetic resonance.
- Radiofrequency ablation of fibroids, is another modern procedure in which radio waves are directed at fibroids, causing them to shrink with heat. (Johns Hopkins Medicine, n.d.)
Read Also: Radiation Dose Limits for Public, Workers, and Pregnant Women
Lifestyle Adjustments to Support Conception
Tips on getting pregnant with fibroids include:
- Make sure to eat a healthy diet that includes adequate amounts of vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, and healthy fats rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
- Avoid processed meats and foods rich in saturated fats and preservatives.
- Exercise moderate intensity exercise at least three times a week for half an hour.
- Exercise stress-reducing exercises such as yoga or walking.
- Learn relaxation techniques such as yoga and deep breathing.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Avoid caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol.
- Do pelvic floor strengthening exercises such as Kegel exercises.
- You can take nutritional supplements containing Vitamin B6, magnesium, and Omega-3 fatty acids after consulting your doctor.
- Discuss with your doctor the appropriate treatments for you.
References
- PubMed. Retrieved from The Impact and Management of Fibroids for Fertility: an evidence-based approach
- Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). Retrieved from Fibroids