Uterine Fibroids: Understanding the Impact on Fertility and Available Treatment Options
Author – Dr. Kalyani Shrimali
Uterine fibroids, a common type of noncancerous growth in and on the uterus, can have implications for fertility. According to fertility specialist Dr. Kalyani Shrimali from Nova IVF Fertility in Indore, uterine fibroids primarily affect women between the ages of 30 and 45. These growths may cause symptoms such as uncomfortable sex, frequent urination, back pain, and heavy menstrual flow, although they are not always present.
Symptoms vary depending on the number, size, and location of the fibroids. Excessive menstrual bleeding, extended cycles lasting longer than a week, pelvic pressure or discomfort, frequent urination, constipation, and leg or back pain are common indicators. In rare cases, fibroids can cause severe pain if they outgrow their blood supply and begin to die.
Treatment for uterine fibroids depends on their size and severity. Medications can help manage symptoms like pelvic discomfort and heavy menstrual flow, but they do not eliminate the fibroids. Alternatively, minimally invasive procedures such as MRI-guided focused ultrasound surgery, endometrial ablation, laparoscopic or robotic myomectomy, and hysteroscopic myomectomy can be used to remove or destroy the fibroids.
Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of developing uterine fibroids
When it comes to fertility, uterine fibroids can have several impacts. They can alter the cervix’s shape, affecting the quantity of sperm that can enter the uterus. Changes in the uterus’s shape can also hamper sperm or embryo mobility. Additionally, fibroids can affect the size of the uterine lining, blood supply to the uterus, fallopian tubes, and uterine cavity.
While it may not be possible to prevent uterine fibroids entirely, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk. Dr. Shrimali advises eating fruits and vegetables, maintaining a healthy weight, and understanding your family history to make informed choices.
