1. Can I get pregnant if I have fibroids?

Usually fibroids do not affect conception. It depends upon the size and where it grows. If the size of the fibroid inside the uterus is larger than three to four centimetres, it can cause complications during pregnancy including excessive bleeding during delivery.

It may also cause repeated miscarriages. If the fibroids grow in the uterine cavity, it can prevent the fertilised egg from reaching the uterus.

And if it blocks either one or both the fallopian tubes, it can stop the sperm from reaching the egg and fertilising it, therefore leading to infertility.

However, if you have smaller fibroids that do not obstruct the birth part, it may cause no problem at all in conceiving.

2. Can I conceive after I have removed the fibroids?

A successful pregnancy and a normal delivery are possible after the removal of fibroids. However, if the fibroid was in your uterine cavity, a normal vaginal delivery is not recommended.

You may be advised to a C-section instead. This is because, the removal of the fibroid from your uterus can leave a scar in the uterus. The expansion of uterus during pregnancy can leave the scar prone to rupture leading to excessive bleeding during delivery.

Click here to learn all about post operative care for Uterine Fibroids

3. Can I take birth control pills if I have fibroids?

Usually an OCP is not advisable to have if you have fibroids simply because OCPs can increase the level of oestrogen.

Oestrogen increases the growth of fibroids. Therefore if family planning is a concern, consult your gynaecologist who will then recommend you with an OCP that contain low levels of oestrogen.

Or you could opt for Intra Uterine Contraceptive - Mirena. It offers birth control for upto six to seven years. It is better to go for this because it increases your progesterone levels and lowers your oestrogen level.

4. Are fibroids cancerous? Or can they turn cancerous in future?

Fibroids are basically a benign, non-cancerous growth. It usually does not turn cancerous if treated on time.

Although it can turn cancerous, the chances are remote.

The risk of it turning into a cancer increases if you have multiple fibroids and also a strong family history of fibroids. Since a fibroid increases in size of one centimetre per year, it is advisable to undergo a sonography every six months.