Although fibroids and surgical removal may seem like a scary topic, they are a common issue that many women live with.
Research shows that between 20% and 80% of women will develop fibroids by the age of 50. That's a wide statistical range--which shows us just how many women may live normal lives with asymptomatic or undiagnosed fibroids.
However, some women with fibroids may experience several challenges, especially when trying to conceive.
Despite the difficulties you may be facing, fibroids are entirely manageable with the right guidance, and that often includes removing them through surgery. If you're worried about the effects that fibroid surgery will have on your fertility--but you're considering the procedure to increase your chances of getting pregnant and reduce any symptoms you face--here are 3 reasons not to fear your fibroid procedure and keep a positive outlook:
1. Fibroid Surgery Does Not Cause Infertility
A common misconception is that fibroids cause infertility, but the truth is that their presence only signifies potential roadblocks to your fertility.
Fibroids are categorized into three types:
- Subserosal: a fibroid that spreads more than 50% outside of the uterus
- Intramural: a fibroid mostly within the muscle of the uterus without breaching the uterine cavity
- Submucosal: a fibroid that extends into the uterine cavity
Submucosal fibroids are often associated with decreased pregnancy odds by nearly 50%. This is especially the case with intramural fibroids, which can alter the size of the uterine cavity, disrupting the success of pregnancy and fertility treatment options.
Some additional problems that fibroids cause before and during pregnancy include:
- Blocked Fallopian tubes
- Decreased blood flow to the uterine cavity
- Placental abruption, decreasing oxygen to the fetus
- Preterm delivery
- Cesarean section
- Miscarriage
With these challenges in mind, removing fibroids can actually increase one's fertility, making surgery a viable option to achieve a healthy pregnancy.
2. Surgery to Remove Fibroid is Minimally Invasive
Thankfully, removing or shrinking fibroids through surgery is most often minimally invasive and perfectly safe. For women considering fibroid surgery to alleviate their symptoms, these types of procedures are great options to consult with your doctor about:
- Myomectomy
This procedure is minimally invasive with the use of laparoscopic hysterectomy. Essentially, fibroids are removed without affecting healthy tissue within the uterus. Women who choose this route can still become pregnant afterward, although being a candidate for this surgery depends on the category, placement, and size of the fibroid.
- Myolysis
This procedure is minimally invasive with the use of a needle placed directly into the fibroid, navigated by laparoscopy. Once inserted into the fibroid, either an electric current or freezing method is used to destroy the growth. Keep in mind, this operation is also subject to the parameters of the fibroid.
- Anti-hormonal Medications
These medications are used to stunt the growth of fibroids, while alleviating symptoms, such as pain and heavy bleeding. It's always a good idea to consult with your doctor about the effects of the medication beforehand.
For serious cases, more advanced surgeries may be required to remove fibroids, but the above are the most common minimally invasive procedure--and they have high success rates when it comes to recovery and achieving pregnancy.
3. You Have Fertility Experts that Can Help
No one should have to face a procedure with any doubts, and that's why working with a team of specialists (specifically in fibroid surgeries) will provide more relief during a time of worry.
Working with a fertility expert also means that you can discuss any worries about your fibroids or other concerns regarding fertility holistically to make sure you have the big picture on your fertility outlook. Furthermore, getting pregnant after fibroid removal can be a viable option with help from a fertility expert. Rather than thinking of your surgery as a stressful or fearful event, use the opportunity to learn about your body and how you can set your new family off in the right direction.
With the right mindset and a team of positive, patient-centered specialists, this can be a time to learn about your fertility and help your body have a healthier future pregnancy.
Learn More About Your Procedure with Kofinas Fertility Group
Kofinas Fertility Group offers you an expert team that specializes in fibroid care and fertility preservation. Our staff will ease your current pain associated with fibroids, but also give you an excellent chance to have a healthy future pregnancy by selecting the right procedure for your issues.
Whether you're ready to pursue fibroid surgery or are curious about what the procedures entail, Kofinas Fertility Group is her to guide you along the way. New legislation passed by the New York Assembly known as FAFTA may be able to help too. To learn more about fibroids and how they affect you, feel free to give us a call or schedule an appointment.
