Uterine fibroids refer to growths in the uterus that typically develop during the childbearing years of a woman. These growths are noncancerous in nature, but can result in a substantial amount of pain as well as other negative side effects for a woman. Since uterine fibroids develop in the uterus, it should be fairly easy to predict that uterine fibroids can have an impact on a pregnancy. While it is known that fibroids have an impact on pregnancy, the exact nature and specifics of this impact is largely unknown and differs from woman to woman.

If you have fibroids, you may worry about the possible effects it could have on your pregnancy. Here is some information about what you can expect to experience when you are pregnant if you have uterine fibroids.

Can fibroids cause infertility?

Many women with fibroids speculate whether uterine fibroids can ultimately lead to infertility. Fibroids do often have an impact on fertility, but this impact varies drastically from case to case.

The main factor that can serve as a predictor of the impact on fertility is the location of the fibroids. If the uterine fibroids are located in certain areas of the uterine cavity, they can actually distort the shape and size of the uterus. This is especially true if the uterine fibroids grow to become incredibly large in size. While fibroids in the wall of the uterus can also have an impact on fertility, this effect is usually far less severe in nature.

Women who believe that they may have uterine fibroids should see a doctor sooner rather than later, especially if they hope to conceive soon or in the future. Those who have a family history of fibroids should definitely see a doctor on a regular basis to check for fibroids.

Unfortunately, fibroids can grow at a fairly rapid rate. Therefore, it is a good idea to have these tumors dealt with before they possibly interfere with your fertility. In some cases, we reccommend that women with fibroids simply conceive as early as possible just in case their fertility changes in the future. While fibroids don’t always have an impact on fertility, it is far better to be safe than sorry.

How do fibroids hurt the ability to have a baby?

Let’s start with the positive part.  Many women will have fibroids that won’t hurt their chances of having children.  The fibroids may stay small, or occur in areas that don’t affect the reproductive system.  But certain fibroids will have a profound effect on the ability to conceive, stay pregnant and carry a baby to term.

Depending on where they are located, fibroids may prevent sperm and egg from meeting for conception.  Fibroids can hamper the ability of an embryo to implant.  They often grow in places or to sizes that make it challenging for a pregnancy to continue.  Fibroids may even affect the health and welfare of the fetus.

How do fibroids hurt the ability to have a baby?  The answer has a lot to do with where in the uterus the fibroids are located.

Fibroids can reduce your fertility in these ways:

• Fibroids that change the shape of your cervix can affect the number of sperm able to enter the uterus.
• Uterine fibroids that block the Fallopian tubes can make the journey of a fertilized egg to implantation difficult or impossible.
• Fibroids which change the shape of your uterus may decrease the number of places an embryo can successfully implant or reduce uterine space needed for embryo development.
• Fibroids that weaken the lining of the uterine cavity or decrease the blood supply to a growing embryo can cause miscarriage.

You have fibroids. You want children. Now what?

If you are already pregnant, you want to be sure any fibroids present are monitored by your OB/GYN or fibroid surgeon.  Sometimes, as the baby grows, so will the fibroids.  This can create issues for pregnancy and delivery.  It’s important that your pre-natal care includes a sharp medical eye on existing fibroids and their development.

If you have fibroids and are trying to get pregnant, it’s important to discuss with your doctor whether the fibroids are in places that might prevent you from doing so, or are in places that could cause complications in pregnancy.  That being said, fibroid treatment is usually recommended.

If my best chance for a successful pregnancy is fibroid treatment, what are the options?

Removing fibroids to improve the chance for conception and pregnancy may be recommended to you.  Often, a doctor will suggest a surgery called ‘myomectomy’.  Myomectomy cuts out existing fibroids.  While this form of fibroid removal is fairly common, it has several drawbacks.

• Surgery to the uterus may cause scarring.  Uterine scarring can make the successful implantation of an embryo problematic.
• If any part, even a few cells, of a fibroid are left behind, that fibroid will have a 50% chance of regrowth within a period of about 10 months.  This makes your window of opportunity for conception and pregnancy very limited.
• If you have a myomectomy and don’t get pregnant fairly quickly, you could wind up facing multiple surgeries as fibroids repeatedly grow back.
• Surgery to the uterine walls can also weaken them.  Sometimes, this compromises carrying a baby to term and/or it’s delivery.

Is there a non-surgical approach that ends fibroids and aids my fertility?

Yes.  It’s called Uterine Fibroid Embolization. Embolization shrinks fibroids instead of cutting them out.  It is a minimally invasive, non-surgical procedure.  It works by blocking the blood supply to each fibroid, ending its ability to thrive and grow.  Embolization doesn’t involve cutting or cause any scarring.  And embolization is extremely precise. It addresses only fibroids, leaving all other tissue healthy and whole.  As the fibroids shrink, so do the fertility problems they create.

Can I Get Pregnant with Fibroids?

The effect that uterine fibroids have on fertility varies from woman to woman. Based on various studies, it is estimated that about 5 to 10 percent of all infertile women have at least one fibroid. However, this does not necessarily mean that the fibroids caused these women to be infertile. In general, the effect uterine fibroids have on fertility depends mostly on size and location. For example, fibroids that occur within the uterine cavity are more likely to result in infertility than fibroids that arise in other areas of the uterus. Also, fibroids in the wall of the uterus that are larger than six centimeters in diameter are also likely to cause infertility. Fortunately, large fibroids and growths that occur in the uterine cavity are uncommon. The vast majority of women will not become infertile due to fibroids. If you suspect that fibroids are impacting your fertility, you and your partner should be thoroughly evaluated to ensure that other issues aren’t the cause of infertility.

What risk do fibroids pose to health of me and my baby?

Another question that many women with fibroids ask is whether the uterine fibroids will pose a risk to the health of themselves or the well-being of their baby. Fortunately, most women with fibroids are able to have a fairly normal pregnancy with vaginal delivery. However, fibroids are known to cause complications in some cases. In general, the likelihood that fibroids will cause complications depends on the size of the fibroid and the location of the fibroid.

Without a doubt, location is the most important factor, even more important than size. For example, a woman may have an incredibly large fibroid at the top of the uterus. Due to the location of the fibroid, it may not impact the pregnancy at all, despite the fibroid’s incredibly large size. Therefore, women should not automatically assume that fibroids, even large fibroids, will surely impact their ability to have a healthy pregnancy. Not all women experience difficulty with pregnancy due to fibroids.

Sometimes, fibroids can raise the risk of a miscarriage in the first or second trimester. This is especially true of fibroids located in the uterine cavity rather than the uterine wall. There are a few studies that suggest fibroids may raise the risk of stillbirths, abnormal fetal position, preterm labor and delivery, and abruption of the placenta. However, there are just as many studies that suggest this is not the case.

In general, the most serious complication that fibroids can cause with a pregnancy is when the placenta grows near the surface of a uterine fibroid. If this occurs, the presence of the uterine fibroid may cause the baby to be deprived of essential nutrients, so the baby might be born at a lower birth weight than normal. In more severe cases, the presence of the uterine fibroid may cause the amniotic sac to rupture too early. Fibroids are also known to be able to block the birth canal, which can complicate both the process of labor and delivery.

Overall, women should realize that it is unlikely that their fibroids will negatively affect their baby in any way. Cases in which a baby is harmed or deformed due to fibroids are incredibly rare. For the vast majority of pregnant moms, fibroids are an annoyance.

What are the symptoms of fibroids in pregnant women?

In many cases, women only find out that they have fibroids in their uterus when they go for their first ultrasound to monitor the development of the baby because fibroids often cause no symptoms. However, in some cases, women will start to experience symptoms of fibroids during and after their pregnancy. The most common symptoms in expecting mothers include pain, fever, nausea, and sometimes an increase in the level of white blood cells in the blood. Pain medication is usually recommended for women to help them cope with pain and discomfort. While fibroids can be removed in a number of ways, a woman cannot have her fibroids removed once she is pregnant. During pregnancy, the uterus is far more prone to bleeding. Therefore, the fibroids can’t be removed from the womb. If a pregnant woman wants to have her fibroids removed from her uterus, she will have to wait until after she delivers the baby. That way, the risk of excessive bleeding or other complications is far lower.

Will fibroids cause pain during the pregnancy?

For some women, their uterine fibroids flare up during pregnancy. Pain is a very common symptom for these pregnant women. Those who experience pain from fibroids during their pregnancy should rest, use heating pads, or use a prescription or pain medication that is safe for use by pregnant women.

If the fibroids of a woman grow exceptionally fast during a pregnancy, this can result in red degeneration. Some of the symptoms of red degeneration include severe pain, vomiting, vaginal bleeding, nausea, and even fever. A woman will feel this pain over the entire area where the fibroid is located. This pain may radiate down the entire back of the woman. While this pain typically appears during the second trimester, it can appear at any time during the pregnancy.

If the pain from the red degeneration is incredibly severe, it might cause the uterus to begin to contract, inducing preterm labor. Women who experience this will likely be hospitalized or asked to rest in bed to wait for the signs of preterm labor to disappear.

Fibroids Pregnancy & Fertility

Many women have concerns about the possible effects of their fibroids on their pregnancy. If you still have any concerns about what to expect when you’re pregnant if you have fibroids, don’t hesitate to contact us for more information.

A uterine fibroid refers to a growth in the uterus of a woman that is typically in her child-bearing years. While uterine fibroids are not cancerous, they can result in many negative side effects for a woman, such as severe pain. In some cases, uterine fibroids can also impact a woman’s fertility. As a result of all these side effects, many women seek to have these uterine fibroids removed. One option these women have is a uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), which is generally considered to be one of the less invasive procedures for treating fibroids.

If you’re thinking about undergoing the uterine fibroid embolization procedure or would simply like to learn more about this procedure, here is some vital information you need to know about the UFE procedure.

Why should you undergo a UFE procedure?

Most women choose to undergo a UFE procedure in order to reduce the side effects associated with uterine fibroids. Besides pain, some of the common side effects of uterine fibroids include spotting, irregular menstruation, heavy menstruation, irregular uterine bleeding, cramping, and a distended abdomen. Less common side effects of uterine fibroids include pressure in the pelvis, constipation, frequent urination, and leg pains. Pains from uterine fibroids tend to afflict the abdomen, the pelvis, and the lower back. In some cases, uterine fibroids also result in painful menstruation.

Sometimes, depending on their size and location, uterine fibroids can lead to infertility or pregnancy complications. While these negative effects are fairly rare, many women prefer to be safe than sorry when it comes to their well-being and the health of their unborn child. Women with uterine fibroids who hope to conceive are advised to either treat the fibroids or have children early. This is because uterine fibroids can grow in size throughout a woman’s life. At a later age, the uterine fibroids may be large enough to impact fertility. However, uterine fibroids tend to decrease in size once a women enters menopause.

Benefits of UFE Procedures

The benefits of UFE procedures convince many women to undergo this procedure rather than others that are also designed to serve as treatment for uterine fibroids. Some of the many advantages of UFE procedures are as follows:

• No blood loss
• Preservation to the uterus organ
• Decrease in dysfunction of the urinary system
• Decrease in pain
• Reduction of heavy menstrual bleeding
• Covered by the vast majority of insurance companies
• Recovery time is quick, allowing patients to leave the hospital sooner and return to work faster
• Results in fewer complications than other procedures, such as a hysterectomy
• A safe procedure with minimal risk

Essentially, there are many advantages of UFE procedures and very few disadvantages, which is why this option is appealing for so many women.

How is the UFE procedure performed?

The way the uterine fibroid embolization procedure works is by limiting the blood supply of the uterine fibroids. The lack of a consistent blood supply causes the uterine fibroids to shrink over time. In general, the uterine fibroid embolization procedure takes less than an hour and is performed as an outpatient therapy, which means it is not necessary for the patient to be hospitalized during or after the procedure. The reason the procedure is so short in length is because only one tiny cut into the femoral artery is required in most cases.

UFE procedures are usually performed by Interventional Radiologists (IR), who are medical doctors with great experience in the field of radiology. A woman will likely have to undergo quite a few tests before the procedure is performed in order to determine the size and location of the uterine fibroids. After the procedure, the patient may be asked to stay for up to a day in the care of the medical doctor and nurses.

To begin the UFE procedure, the medical doctor makes a small incision in the femoral artery, which is located in the thigh. The incision will give the IR access to the uterine artery via the femoral artery. This cut will allow the IR to pass a small tube called a catheter into the femoral artery and ultimately the uterine artery. The IR will use specialized X-ray equipment during the process to guide the catheter close to the location of the uterine fibroid. Once the catheter has reached the target location, embolic material will be injected into the blood flow that feeds the uterine fibroids.

This embolic material consists of small spheres that are designed to block the blood vessels that feed the fibroid with nutrients and oxygen. This deprivation of nutrients and oxygen will cause the fibroids to shrink with time. The embolic material will remain at the injection site permanently to prevent the revival of the fibroid.

The IR will then move the catheter to the uterus’ other side using the same incision of the patient’s thigh for access. Once the IR has completed the uterine fibroid embolization process, he will remove the catheter gently and use their finger to apply pressure to the incision in the thigh for a few minutes. This pressure will help slow down the bleeding. If needed, a vascular closure device will be used to close the cut.

Some common side effects after a uterine fibroid embolization procedure include pain and abdominal cramping. However, patients can expect these symptoms to disappear with time as they recover from the procedure. Your IR will recommend or prescribe medications so that you can remain comfortable during your recovery. Skilled nurses and your IR will consult with you and your OB-GYN to determine the post-procedure care you should receive and the post-procedure appointments that should be scheduled.

Without a doubt, the uterine fibroid embolization procedure is one of the least invasive ways to effectively treat uterine fibroids. As a result, more and more women are choosing to undergo the uterine fibroid embolization procedure rather than other more invasive procedures. If you have any questions about the actual procedure and the post-procedure recovery, don’t hesitate to contact us for more information.

What is a hysterectomy?

A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure that removes a woman’s uterus. This procedure is recommended for a number of reasons, including uterine fibroids. In fact, uterine fibroids is one of the most common reasons to remove the uterus. There are different types of hysterectomies, depending on what is needed for the patient.

• A total hysterectomy removes the entire uterus, including the cervix.
• A supracervical hysterectomy removes the upper part of the uterus, but leaves the cervix. This type of hysterectomy may be performed laparoscopically.
• A radical hysterectomy is a total hysterectomy and also includes the removal of surrounding structures, such as the ovaries or fallopian tubes. This procedure may be recommended for patients who have or may have cancer in order to ensure that all the cancerous tissue is removed.

The process of the hyterectomy depends largely on what is being done and why. The doctor will determine whether it can occur vaginally, laparoscopically, or through the abdomen. However, if the doctor decides to perform the procedure vaginally or laparoscopically, complications may require the surgeon to change the procedure in order to address problems that are detected.

What are the advantages of a hysterectomy?

One of the advantages of a hysterectomy is that it is highly adaptable based on the needs of the patient. For example, if the surgeon is doing a hysterectomy to remove cancer and determines that the cancerous tissue has spread more than originally detected, the surgeon my decide to remove additional structures to remove the rest of the cancer.
Another advantage is that it is comprehensive. Whatever problem is occurring can be taken care of right away and all at once with less risk of having to go through the surgery again later. This is particularly true in total or radical hysterectomies.

What are the disadvantages of a hysterectomy?

One major disadvantage of a hysterectomy is its permanence. When the uterus is removed, a woman is unable to carry children. For many women, this is a serious decision and may even cause women to resist undergoing a hysterectomy to deal with uterine fibroids.

What are the health risks associated with a hysterectomy?

Any type of hysterectomy is invasive, and carries risks. Patients can experience fever or infection following the procedure and have heavy bleeding afterward. The procedure can also cause injuries to the urinary tract or other organs. Afterward, even years later, patients may experience a blood clot that can travel to the lungs or a bowel blockage. There are also risks associated with the anesthesia.

Is there an alternative to a hysterectomy?

When facing the prospect of a hysterectomy to treat uterine fibroids, patients may want to seek an alternative, especially if they are young and/or still want to have children of their own. However, a “wait and see” approach is not always the best option for women. Instead, they should explore all treatment alternatives to make sure their treatment plan really is the best for them. For many women, fibroid embolization may be a valuable alternative to a hysterectomy for uterine fibroids.

What is fibroid embolization?

Fibroid embolization is a process that blocks the blood flow of fibroid in the uterus by injecting embolic agents into the uterine arteries with a catheter. The embolic agents prevent blood flow to the fibroids, which essentially starves them and prevents them from causing harm to the body. This process is completed by an experienced physician.
Fibroid embolization is a procedure used specifically for uterine fibroids, which can cause pelvic pain and heavy menstrual bleeding. It is frequently used as an alternative to surgery for women who want to keep their uteruses or who are too high risk for surgery.

What are the advantages of a fibroid embolization?

The biggest advantage of this procedure, particularly in comparison to a hysterectomy, is that it is much less invasive. This reduces the risks of complications during the procedure and risks of problems afterward. Patients are able to recover more quickly from the procedure and feel better more quickly.
In addition, this procedure does not remove the uterus, which means women who want to have children may still be able to, even after the procedure.

What are the disadvantages of a fibroid embolization?

A disadvantage of fibroid embolization is that it is a narrow procedure. The process is used to treat uterine fibroids. However, if a patient has uterine fibroids on top of other problems, fibroid embolization may not be the best solution.

What are the health risks associated with fibroid embolization?

There are similar health risks associated with fibroid embolization as there are for hysterectomy. However, these risks are diminished because the procedure is much less invasive. However, patients may still experience infection and damage to other organs. In addition, women may have problems with future pregnancies.

How do I know what is best for my health?

It is best to discuss your treatment options with your doctor to decide the best solution for you. Your doctor understands what is involved in treating your uterine fibroids and any other health problems you have. However, it is important that you ask questions and make sure you know what would be involved in a hysterectomy and a fibroid embolization so that, together, you and your doctor can make a decision.

Millions of women worldwide struggle with uterine fibroids, and have gone on to successfully receive treatment. If you were just diagnosed with fibroids, or suspect you may have one, don’t panic! Here’s what you need to know.

What Exactly Are Uterine Fibroids?

A uterine fibroid, also know as a leiomyoma or myoma, is a benign (non-cancerous) mass of muscle and connective tissue found inside, or just outside, the uterus. A fibroid’s size can range widely, from the size of a seed or smaller to – in extreme cases – the size of a grapefruit. Uterine fibroids are extremely common, with 20 to 80 percent of women developing fibroids by the time they reach 50.

Where To Find Uterine Fibroids

Fibroids classify into to three types, depending on the location they’re found in or near the uterus:

• Intramural uterine fibroids are the most common, and grow within the muscular wall of the uterus. They can cause symptoms such as pelvic pain, pack pain or pressure, and heavy menstrual bleeding.
• Subserosal uterine fibroids form outside the uterus and protrude inward, causing prolonged and heavy bleeding, and even anemia.
• Submucosal uterine fibroids, while not as common as other types of fibroids, grow just beneath the surface of the uterus lining and protrude outward. These fibroids are less likely to impact your menstrual cycle, but may cause back pain or bladder pressure.

What Causes Uterine Fibroids?

The cause of uterine fibroids are still unclear. However, it’s been documented that fibroids are likely associated with a high level of estrogen, and potentially family genetics. Uterine fibroids don’t develop until a women’s reproductive years and disappears or shrinks during menopause when estrogen levels decrease.

Additionally, African-American women, frequent red meat eaters, and women who are overweight are considered to be at higher risk.

Common Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids

The most frequent uterine fibroid symptoms women experience are:

• Heavy bleeding for longer durations
• Pelvic pain and pressure, including pain during intercourse
• Feeling of fullness or bloating in the lower abdomen
• Need to urinate more frequently
• Weight gain
• Constipation
• Reproductive issues, including possible infertility

Most women who develop fibroids don’t have any symptoms since they’re small enough to go without noticing them.

However, if you suspect you may have a fibroid, make sure to visit your health provider. An annual pelvic exam can detect and diagnosie if one has fibroids. Other methods of diagnosis may be need an ultrasound, MRI, or hysteroscopy.

Uterine Fibroid Treatment Options

The good news, is that if you have a fibroid causing symptoms, there are a number of fibroid treatment options available. The size and location of the fibroid(s), as well as your age and desire to bear children, determines the best treatment options available.

Medication can cause them to shrink from blocking the production and secretion of estrogen. Low-dose birth control, for instance, can be be prescribed to control symptoms of fibroids, like heavy menstrual bleeding and pelvic pain.

Other medications to treat fibroids include “gonadotropin releasing hormone agonists” (GnRHA), such as Lupron®. GnRHA can help make fibroids easier to remove, or provide temporary relief of symptoms, but are also known to have side effects including decreasing sex drive, hot flashes, and depression.

In more extreme cases, you may require surgery, with the type of surgery depending on the location of the fibroid.  There are also non-surgical ways to eliminate fibroids.

Invasive Surgical Procedures

Hysterectomy

A hysterectomy is the removal of the uterus or full female reproductive system, which should only be done when you no longer desire to become pregnant. Fibroids account for nearly one-half of hysterectomies performed annually in the United States. While effective in removing fibroids, this is a major operation and has a 30 percent complication rate. Before you jump into getting a hysterectomy, make sure you get a second opinion since there are several alternative options available that aren’t nearly as intrusive. Recovery time from a hysterectomy takes several weeks.

Myomectomy

Unlike the hysterectomy, which removes the entire uterus, the myomectomy is a surgical procedure to only remove the fibroids. This procedure is a good option for women who still want to have children, however there are risks involved since this is still considered an invasive surgery. Complications can include blood loss, uterine scaring that impairs fertility, and a higher chance of fibroid regrowth.

Alternative To Surgery

Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)

Uterine fibroid embolization is a much less invasive technique compared to a hysterectomy, and has a higher success rate than myomectomies.

During a uterine fibroid embolization, a small incision (the size of a dot) is made on your upper thigh and a tiny tube is inserted through the incision into the femoral artery. A trained physician locates the blood supply to the fibroid, which is then blocked by plastic or gel particles injected into the blood vessels. Without a steady blood supply, the fibroids begin to shrink.

This non-surgical, out-patient procedure typically lasts under an hour and is performed under local anesthetic and sedation. Patients undering UFE are back at work in a few days, instead of weeks. The procedure also has a very high success rate, with 94 percent of all UFE patients experiencing relief from fibroid symptoms and significant fibroid shrinkage.

Understand Your Options

If fibroids are affecting your daily life, it makes sense to seek medical professional treatment. But remember, invasive procedures, such as a hysterectomy, should be the very last resort to treating fibroids.

If you would like to learn more about nonsurgical treatment for fibroids, call us at (866) 479-1523 to set up a free consultation.

Even though uterine fibroids can affect up to 80% of women by the age of 50, they are generally benign and asymptomatic. Many women are not even aware that they have fibroids. However when uterine fibroids grow large enough, they can cause symptoms which run the range from simply annoying to negatively impacting quality of life. Often, the type and severity of the symptom depends on the size and type of fibroid, determined by where in the uterus they are located. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms below, uterine fibroids may be the cause.

Prolonged, Heavy, or Painful Periods

This is a symptom which is most common with submucosal fibroids, which grow on the interior of the uterus, and the intramural fibroids which grow imbedded in the muscular uterine wall. Women who suffer heavy periods know how trying annoying that time of month can be. At its extreme, this symptom can drastically impact someone’s quality of life.

Beyond the practical considerations involved in the management of a heavy flow and passage of clots, long term heavy bleeding can lead to anemia related exhaustion and other difficulties. Fibroids can also be a factor if you have painful periods, as intramural fibroids can make cramps much more intense by interfering with the proper function of the uterine muscle.

Bloating, Fullness, or Pain in the Pelvic Area

Even though usually benign, a uterine fibroid is essentially a tumor-like overgrowth of abnormal tissue. It is little wonder then that having fibroids in and on your uterus can cause symptoms such as a feeling of fullness or bloating. Submucosal fibroids in particular can give a feeling of heaviness in the uterus. Fibroids can also cause generalized pain as they take up space meant for your uterus or other organs. Acute pain is rare, but can happen if a fibroid outgrows its blood supply or significantly impedes the proper function of other organs.

Back and Leg Pain

Back and leg pain is most common with Subserosal uterine fibroids, which grow on the outside of the uterus. If the fibroid is located on the back of the uterus, it is very close to the spinal column. If it becomes large enough it can press on or pinch the nerves in that area, causing lower back pain. It can also cause sciatica as the fibroid presses against the sciatic nerve and sends pain down the back of the legs.

Frequent Urination or Constipation

Urinary incontinence is sometimes a sensitive subject, but have you considered that there may be factors at work beyond a lack of bladder control? If a uterine fibroid grows on the top of the uterus, it shares pelvic space with the bladder. This restricts the size available to the bladder, causing the need to go more often as well as contributing to urinary incontinence. At its worst, obstruction of the bladder and urinary tract can also lead to urinary tract infections (UTIs) and blood in the urine. Similarly, if the fibroid is located near the colon, it can obstruct normal bowel movement and lead to constipation as well as painful passage of stools. If you are experiencing frequent UTIs, constipation, or discover blood in your urine or stools, promptly seek medical care.

Pain During Intercourse

There are many reasons a woman might experience pain during intercourse, but did you know that uterine fibroids could be a contributing factor? Submucosal and intramural fibroids in particular interfere with the normal operation of the uterus, pulling it out of shape and making any contractions or pressure painful. This can cause difficulties during sex, including bleeding if the fibroids are located near the cervix. The imbalance of hormones which fibroids cause can also have a negative effect on a woman’s libido, lowering desire and making intercourse less enjoyable. Sexual symptoms can be especially telling if you have never before had a problem with intercourse, but have recently started to experience a decrease in desire, pain, or bleeding. If you do experience pain or bleeding during intercourse, you should seek out the advice of a doctor right away.

Complications With Pregnancy

While uterine fibroids can cause many complications in day to day life, some of the most heart breaking happen during pregnancy. While the exterior Subserosal fibroids can have little to no effect on a healthy pregnancy, other types can. Interior submucosal fibroids, if located near the middle of the uterus, can make it hard for the fetus to properly imbed in the uterine lining. If it is a large fibroid with lots of blood vessels, it can also interfere with the proper functioning of the placenta by monopolizing blood flow which should be going to the fetus. A study conducted in 2000 suggested that even smaller fibroids located in close proximity to the placenta could cause an increase in bleeding and early pregnancy loss. The same study noted that among women with subserosal and intramural fibroids, the miscarriage rate was 40% in the first trimester and 17% in the second trimester. Intramural and subserosal fibroids can also cause complications with labor and birth, even after an otherwise healthy pregnancy. In fact, the presence of fibroids is associated with a six times greater risk of cesarean section.

Infertility and Fibroids

The presence of fibroids can also make it difficult to even become pregnant. The same factors which cause early miscarriage in some women can make it difficult to become or sustain a pregnancy at all. In a small but significant percentage of women, fibroids can even be determined to be the exclusive cause of infertility and repeated miscarriage. It is highly recommended that women seeking treatment for infertility have any existing fibroids addressed before attempting IVF or other assisted conception methods.

The good news is that there are many options available for the treatment of uterine fibroids. If the symptoms above manifest, or begin to effect your quality of life, the fibroids which cause them can be easily and safely addressed. Speak to your doctor about available treatments, including non-surgical options such as uterine fibroid embolization.

If you have just been diagnosed with calcified uterine fibroids you are not alone. Experts estimate that a quarter of all women will experience uterine fibroids at some time in their lives. Since fibroids usually occur in women who are of childbearing age, they can be a life-long condition.

How are Calcified Fibroids Different from Uterine Fibroids?

Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that grow within or in close proximity to the uterus. These benign tumors are made of muscular tissue and can be present without being detected at all. While there are definitive references and categories for the varying types of fibroids differentiating how they grow, etc. the cause of fibroids is not known and is generally attributed to hereditary factors, and estrogen levels.

Fibroids can vary in size, location and ability to grow. Some fibroids do not grow once formed and others can grow from being barely visible to becoming large and weighing many pounds. Some women do not experience any symptoms.

Calcified fibroids are different only because they typically have become larger than the blood supply that was attributed to the growth. Now that the blood supply has been compromised the tumor degenerates and may become smaller. In this process calcium is produced and leaves deposits on the mass. The fibroid is now calcified and has a somewhat grainy texture.

The treatment options for the calcified fibroid do not vary from the treatment modalities that were available to treat the fibroid prior to the calcification. A major factor in treatment is whether or not you want to bear children.

It is necessary to have a gynecologist who is aware of the modern approaches to calcified fibroid treatment as there have been many new additions to the course of symptom relief.

Treatment Options for Calcified Fibroids

Myomectomy

Surgery to remove fibroids while leaving the uterus intact.

Hysterectomy

Surgically removes the entire uterus. Child-bearing cannot occur.

Endometrial Ablation

The lining of the uterus is removed with various methods. Women who choose this method can no longer bear children.

Myolisis

Via a needle inserted directly into the fibroid, electric current is emitted destroying the fibroid. Freezing elements can also be used.

There are newer treatments available as well. With calcified fibroids the flow of blood is extremely limited or has been stopped completely. The treatment options are very specific here and understanding your unique health situation is the key to a great decision.

A great resource to learn more about the alternative to fibroid surgeries that are currently available to women who suffer from calcified uterine fibroids can be found at www.fibroids.com. Here you can gather a wealth of information about the subject, see real testimonials, and effectively equip yourself to make an informed decision with your health care professional about what treatment will work best with your particular condition and lifestyle. Our board certified physicians are experts at the many different medical approaches that can be utilized today.

A uterine fibroid (recognized medically as a leiomyoma or myoma) is a noncancerous growth of smooth muscle and connective tissue. Fibroids originate from the thick wall of the uterus and are categorized by where they grow.

Uterine fibroids are very common in women, with as many as 75% experiencing them at some period in their lives, often undiagnosed and unknown. Symptoms of having fibroids can be but not limited to pelvic pain or pressure, pain in the back of the legs, pressure on the bladder, lower back pain, and an abnormally enlarged abdomen. With all of these problems comes the question, “Will fibroids affect my sex life?”  The answer is that due to uncomfortable fibroid symptoms, there could be pain during intercourse. However, if treated correctly, you can still maintain a good sex life.

SYMPTOMS

These symptoms that come with the onset of fibroids may hinder an active sex life or make it less than pleasant.

Heavy Bleeding

Severe bleeding or being on your period for more than one week can make intercourse difficult or even impossible.

Pelvic Pain

Extreme pain in the lower abdominal wall or in the pelvic region can also cause intercourse to be painful.

Abdominal Bloating

Depending on the size of the actual fibroid, the abdomen can become extremely distended. Some fibroids are mistaken for pregnancy. These fibroids may cause extreme pain during intercourse.

Urinary Problems

Uncontrollable urination and having to urinate frequently can cause problems during sex.

Intercourse has the chance to become uncomfortable and more likely painful depending on where the fibroid is and the actual size of the fibroids. Extreme tumors can put pressure on the walls of the uterus, or abdomen, causing pain. Also, if a fibroid were to form close to the cervix, near the end of the vaginal tract, intercourse can be very uncomfortable.

Another unfortunate side effect is that fibroids may cause the loss of libido. No surprise, the desire to have sex can be negligible when it becomes too painful and may not be worth the effort.

SOLUTIONS

Hysterectomy

Complete removal of the uterus. After surgery, many women report engaging in better and more meaningful sex than before. Undoubtedly, this is due to the absence of pain and bleeding that had been occurring.

Myomectomy

Removing the fibroid, but not the entire organ. If you were to have this procedure it is recommended not to have intercourse for six weeks after.

Uterine Fibroid Embolization

This minor procedure involves blocking the blood flow to the fibroid. The recovery time may be from 7 to 10 days until you can resume a normal sex life.

If you need to speak with a doctor about fibroids or just have questions, please call the Fibroid Treatment Center at 866-479-1523. They are here to help.