Can Fibroids Prevent a Healthy Pregnancy?

Fertility and Fibroids: Can I Still Get Pregnant?

There are several reasons why fibroids can impede a woman's chances of carrying a pregnancy to term.

One of the ways fibroids can inhibit pregnancy is by preventing sperm from reaching the eggs. Fibroids near the cervix or within the uterine cavity are more likely to prevent the sperm's progress.

Fibroids can also interfere with the implantation process. When a fertilized egg (zygote) moves down the fallopian tubes and reaches the uterus, it must attach itself to the uterine lining. However, if fibroids are present in the uterine cavity or near the fallopian tubes, they can block the zygote’s path and prevent a pregnancy from occurring.

One of the primary ways fibroids affect fertility is by distorting the shape of the uterus. Fibroids can cause the uterus to become misshapen or enlarged depending on size and location. This can disrupt the uterus's optimal function, compromising a fertilized egg's ability to implant properly or for a pregnancy to develop and grow.

Is It Possible to Have a Healthy Pregnancy With Uterine Fibroids?

Absolutely! And if you need further encouragement, here's a story about a public figure who overcame her fertility challenges and achieved a successful pregnancy.

Rapper Shawntae Harris—known professionally as Da Brat—recently shared the story of her fertility journey before the recent birth of her son. Though she had experienced a previous miscarriage, after surgical intervention to remove fibroids and polyps, she was able to have a successful embryo transfer at the age of 48!

Addressing symptomatic fibroids is always a medically responsible decision. While pregnancy is technically possible with fibroids, they cause a hostile uterine environment for the embryo, raising the risk of pregnancy loss, premature labor, and delivery complications.

However, some reports offer encouraging news. One study found that 90% of the participants could reach a full term by undergoing a relatively minor procedure though they all had significant fibroid growth into the second trimester.

The women received different treatment programs, but the group that underwent progesterone treatment and a cervical intervention had the highest success rate—even higher than the group that had surgical removal of their fibroids via myomectomy.

While this is an excellent outcome for pregnant women with fibroids, having a UFE treatment in Atlanta before attempting pregnancy could yield superior results.

Which Fibroid Treatments Help Assure a Healthy Pregnancy?

At Georgia Fibroids, we encourage women to discuss their family-building goals with our team of specialists to determine the best strategy. Most women find that uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) offers excellent outcomes, minimizing troubling symptoms while preserving uterine integrity and creating a healthy environment for fetal development.

UFE involves blocking the blood flow to the fibroids, generally, benign growths that develop in the uterus. During the UFE procedure in Atlanta, a skilled radiologist inserts a catheter through the vessels that supply blood to the fibroids. Small particles are then injected through the catheter, interrupting the blood flow to the fibroids.

Though UFE is an excellent option for most women, surgical intervention might be an alternative you wish to explore. It's important to note that a recovery period is required after surgery, so you won't be able to conceive for between three and six months post-procedure. Additionally, myomectomies can weaken the uterus, decreasing the likelihood of a successful vaginal birth and making a C-section safer.

The team at Georgia Fibroids is ready to help you along your pregnancy journey. If you have questions or concerns about how fibroids can affect your ability to give birth, please get in touch with our helpful representatives and schedule an evaluation today!