FIBROMAS AND THEIR IMPACT ON FERTILITY

14 November 20243′ read8 sections

CONTENTS

What are fibroids?
How do fibroids affect fertility?
Fibroids and IVF
Symptoms of fibroids
Diagnosing fibroids
Treatment options
Tips for women trying to conceive
Conclusion

Fibroids are benign tumours that grow in the uterus and affect many women during their reproductive years. Although they are not always harmful, in some cases they can affect fertility and the success of a pregnancy. In this article, we look at the impact of fibroids on fertility, as well as the treatments available for women who are trying to conceive.

What are fibroids?

Uterine fibroids are firm, non-cancerous growths that form from the smooth muscle of the uterus. They may develop inside the uterus, within its wall or on its outer surface. They vary in size, from very small to quite large, and may be single or multiple.

How do fibroids affect fertility?

The effect of fibroids on fertility depends on their size, location and number. In many cases, women with small fibroids have no problems at all when trying to conceive. In other cases, however, fibroids can make it harder to conceive for the following reasons: - Interfering with implantation: If fibroids are located inside the uterus (submucosal fibroids), they can affect the implantation of the fertilised egg. - Blocking the fallopian tubes: Fibroids located near the fallopian tubes can block them, preventing sperm from reaching the egg or the fertilised egg from reaching the uterus. - Changes in the shape of the uterus: Large or multiple fibroids can change the shape of the uterus, making pregnancy more difficult.

Fibroids and IVF

For women trying to conceive through in vitro fertilisation (IVF), the presence of large or multiple fibroids can reduce the chances of success. Doctors often recommend removing fibroids before starting an IVF cycle to improve the chances of implantation and a successful pregnancy.

Symptoms of fibroids

Although fibroids can be asymptomatic, many women have the following symptoms: - Heavy or prolonged periods - Pain or pressure in the pelvic area - Frequent urination - Constipation - Difficulty conceiving If you have any of these symptoms, it is advisable to see your gynaecologist for further assessment.

Diagnosing fibroids

Fibroids are diagnosed by ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which allow the doctor to determine the location, size and number of the fibroids.

Treatment options

Depending on the size and location of the fibroids, there are several treatment options:

Medication: Hormonal treatments can help shrink fibroids, but they do not eliminate them completely.
Myomectomy: Surgical removal of the fibroids, usually recommended for women who want to preserve their fertility.
Uterine fibroid embolisation: A procedure that cuts off the blood supply to the fibroids, causing them to shrink.
Hysterectomy: Some women choose removal of the uterus (hysterectomy) as a definitive solution, especially if they do not wish to preserve their fertility.

Tips for women trying to conceive

If you have been diagnosed with fibroids and are trying to conceive, here are some tips: - Regular check-ups: See your gynaecologist for regular check-ups and monitoring of your fibroids. - Talk to a fertility specialist: Discuss your treatment options with a reproductive medicine specialist to decide on the best strategy. - Avoid delay: In some cases, fibroids can grow over time, so it is important to act promptly.

Conclusion

Fibroids can affect fertility in some cases, but there are many treatment options that can help women achieve a pregnancy. If you have been diagnosed with fibroids and are trying to conceive, an accurate diagnosis and treatment by a reproductive medicine specialist are crucial.

TAGSIVFIVF supportIVF GreeceIVF pregnancyreproductive medicine centrein vitro fertilizationIVF AthensIn vitro fertilization ThessalonikiIVF centersIVF centers in AthensIVF centers in ThessalonikiIVF stages

ABOUT THE DOCTOR

Dr. Alexandros Traianos

Gynecologist · Specialist in Reproductive Medicine and Fetal Medicine

He supports scientific excellence in clinical practice and recognizes the possibilities offered by modern reproductive methods to couples who wish to have a child of their own.

His profile

The content of this article is for information only and does not replace a medical examination and advice.

All articles

Frequently Asked Questions most frequently.

Infertility is defined as the failure to achieve conception after one year (or 6 months in the case of a woman over the age of 35) of normal, regular sexual intercourse. In other words, when a year has passed without the woman becoming pregnant, the couple should consult their treating physician, so that the cause preventing pregnancy can be identified and subsequently addressed. However, we should all be aware and not forget that age is the most critical factor for female fertility, and that an individualized approach to each couple is the "golden key" that solves the problem.

Of course not. In approximately one third of cases, infertility is due to the woman (female factor), while in another third of cases it is due to the man (male factor). In the remaining third, it is due to both partners (both the man and the woman) or even to unknown factors.

• alcohol • narcotic substances • environmental toxins, including pesticides and lead • smoking • health problems • medications • radiotherapy and chemotherapy • age

In general, specialists agree that the fact that a couple has already had a child may be considered evidence that, at least initially, there is no infertility problem. It is like a small test that has been carried out and shows that they “succeeded” at least once. On the other hand, however, we should be aware that circumstances may have changed in the meantime and that a problem may have developed (e.g., the man may have had an inflammation affecting the quality of his sperm, or something may have occurred that affects female fertility: an inflammation, gynecological surgery, an abortion, etc.). In any case, therefore, if a reasonable period of time (one year) passes and a couple is unable to achieve a pregnancy, then, with the help of their doctor, they should investigate whether a problem causing infertility has arisen.

Success rates vary at each IVF center. Very important factors also include the woman’s age, her hormone levels, and, of course, her husband’s sperm. In general, rates are around 45% or slightly higher for women up to 35 years of age.

The number of treatment cycles a woman may undergo is not fixed. It is certain that in our country there are highly qualified obstetrician-gynecologists and well-organized infertility treatment centers that provide excellent medical services in this field. Provided that the appropriate indications are present (e.g., ovaries that respond to stimulation treatment, a good-quality endometrium, etc.), the success rate—particularly with the use of newer techniques and biotechnological medicines, which demonstrate increased bioactivity compared with conventional urine-derived medicines—reaches a cumulative rate of approximately 65%–70% after 4 treatment cycles.

Egg retrieval takes 10–15 minutes, is not painful, is performed under sedation, and after the procedure is completed you can return to your activities.

The association between IVF medications and the risk of developing cancer is the greatest concern for women participating in these programs. However, numerous literature references gathered from reliable scientific studies and published in reputable medical journals worldwide are reassuring and do not confirm this concern.

At Dr. Traianos' Reproductive Medicine Center, we offer egg and sperm cryopreservation services for individuals who have a personal or medical reason and require this service. We use the most advanced vitrification technique for the freezing of sperm and eggs.

What are fibroids?

How do fibroids affect fertility?

Fibroids and IVF

Symptoms of fibroids

Diagnosing fibroids

Treatment options

Tips for women trying to conceive

Conclusion

The first step is a discussion.

Frequently Asked Questions most frequently.

When is a couple considered infertile?

Is infertility only a female problem?

What increases the risk of male infertility?

I already have one child, but I am now having difficulty becoming pregnant again. Could a problem have arisen with me or with my partner?

What is the success rate of in vitro fertilization?

How many times can a woman undergo in vitro fertilization (IVF)?

Is egg retrieval painful?

Can IVF medications cause cancer?

Can I freeze my eggs or my sperm?