Uterine fibroids are surprisingly common, affecting as many as 80% of women by the time they reach menopause age. But while nearly all uterine fibroids are noncancerous (benign), that doesn't mean they can’t cause problems.
In fact, many women with uterine fibroids find they have extremely painful periods or heavier than normal menstrual bleeding. In some instances, fibroids can also cause issues with pregnancy.
As a leading pregnancy care provider in Newburgh, Indiana, Paul Morrison, MD, has significant experience managing uterine fibroids in women, including women who plan to become pregnant. Here, learn the basics about fibroids and their potential effects on pregnancy.
Uterine fibroids are muscular tumors that, as noted earlier, are almost always benign. Fibroids can range in size and number, growing inside your uterine cavity, in the muscular wall of the uterus, or on the uterus’ outer wall.
Researchers still aren't sure what causes fibroids and why some women have them while others don't. What they do know is that fibroid symptoms tend to fluctuate with your menstrual cycle, becoming worse as ovulation and menstruation draw near. As you get closer to menopause and estrogen levels start to decline, fibroids tend to shrink, and their symptoms decrease too.
Very small fibroids may be no larger than a pea, and in these instances, you may never experience any symptoms at all. In fact, many women with asymptomatic fibroids don’t know they’re there until they have an imaging exam for another issue.
Larger fibroids or clusters of fibroids are more likely to cause heavy period bleeding and menstrual cramps, along with pelvic pain or feelings of fullness or heaviness in the pelvic region. Larger or numerous fibroids are also more likely to interfere with pregnancy.
Uterine fibroids can cause pregnancy issues in several ways. First, depending on where the fibroid is located, it may alter the opening of the uterus, making it harder for sperm to enter and fertilize an egg.
Fibroids may also press against the fallopian tubes, preventing eggs from descending normally or on schedule. Some larger fibroids can interfere with blood flow in the uterus or to a developing baby, causing additional problems.
Very large fibroids may interfere with fetal development, causing premature birth. or they may get in the way of the birth canal, necessitating a C-section or even an emergency C-section rather than a vaginal delivery.
Fibroids typically stop growing during pregnancy as your hormone levels change, but in the early months of pregnancy, they can increase your chances of having a miscarriage or uterine bleeding. Depending on the location of the fibroid, you may have problems with the placenta, including placental abruption, a serious and potentially life-threatening complication.
Dr. Morrison offers several treatment options for uterine fibroids, including minimally invasive surgery to remove fibroids prior to pregnancy (or anytime you want to eliminate symptomatic fibroids). For women who don’t plan to become pregnant, hormone treatments like birth control pills may help shrink fibroids and control their uncomfortable symptoms.
If you have fibroids and you want to get pregnant in the near future, having a prenatal exam is the best way to make sure you get the care you need to reduce the risk of possible complications.
To learn more about fibroid treatment and whether it’s a good option for you, call 812-490-5200 or book an appointment online with the practice of Paul W. Morrison, M.D., today.
