Uterine Fibroids - All You Should Know
Nisha Samson | Apr 11, 2007
Fibroids and Conception
Usually, fibroids do not affect conception. It all depends on where the fibroids grow. In some cases it may cause repeated miscarriages and may affect fertility.
The smaller fibroids that do not obstruct the birth part cause no problems at all. Except for submucous fibroids, all other types do not affect fertility.
Submucous fibroids which grow inward, into the womb are known to cause recurrent miscarriages. There are some that grow at the entrance of the fallopian tube and prevent the fertilised egg form reaching the uterus.
There is no need to worry. Women have had successful pregnancies after the removal of fibroids. In fact, pregnancy can help get rid of fibroids. The effect is called red-degeneration. As the pregnancy progresses, blood supply to the fibroids is cut off, causing them to turn red and die.
Consult your gynaecologist on the ideal treatment for you.
Treatment
Fibroids are treated depending on your age, fibroid size and location, the severity of the symptoms and if any conception problems that you may be facing.
The most common course of treatment is medication or surgery (mymomectomy, hysterectomy, myolsis, and endometrial ablation).
Your doctor may prescribe over-the-counter drugs only for pain relief. The type of surgery recommended depends on the severity of the fibroids.
A healthy diet may not reduce the fibroids but it will minimise the symptoms. Eat a lot of fruits and vegetables and foods with Vitamin B, calcium, magnesium and potassium. Limit the intake of alcohol and saturated sugar.
Most women live with fibroids through their lives without any major problems. In case you experience any of the symptoms mentioned, do get a medical check up done.
With Inputs from: Dr. Suchitra Pandit, Gynaecologist, Sion Hospital and Nanavati Hospital
Usually, fibroids do not affect conception. It all depends on where the fibroids grow. In some cases it may cause repeated miscarriages and may affect fertility.
The smaller fibroids that do not obstruct the birth part cause no problems at all. Except for submucous fibroids, all other types do not affect fertility.
Submucous fibroids which grow inward, into the womb are known to cause recurrent miscarriages. There are some that grow at the entrance of the fallopian tube and prevent the fertilised egg form reaching the uterus.
There is no need to worry. Women have had successful pregnancies after the removal of fibroids. In fact, pregnancy can help get rid of fibroids. The effect is called red-degeneration. As the pregnancy progresses, blood supply to the fibroids is cut off, causing them to turn red and die.
Consult your gynaecologist on the ideal treatment for you.
Treatment
Fibroids are treated depending on your age, fibroid size and location, the severity of the symptoms and if any conception problems that you may be facing.
The most common course of treatment is medication or surgery (mymomectomy, hysterectomy, myolsis, and endometrial ablation).
Your doctor may prescribe over-the-counter drugs only for pain relief. The type of surgery recommended depends on the severity of the fibroids.
A healthy diet may not reduce the fibroids but it will minimise the symptoms. Eat a lot of fruits and vegetables and foods with Vitamin B, calcium, magnesium and potassium. Limit the intake of alcohol and saturated sugar.
Most women live with fibroids through their lives without any major problems. In case you experience any of the symptoms mentioned, do get a medical check up done.
For more information on fibroids, refer to the book 'Fibroids in Obstetrics and Gynaecology' co-authored by Dr. S.N. Pandit, Dr. Sanjay Rao and Dr. Ranjit Akolekar.
With Inputs from: Dr. Suchitra Pandit, Gynaecologist, Sion Hospital and Nanavati Hospital
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