Many women develop uterine fibroids at some time in their lives, noncancerous growths that form in or on the walls of the uterus. You may not be aware that you have fibroids unless you develop symptoms.
Sometimes, fibroids can interfere with conception, so it can be harder to get pregnant when these growths are present, but it’s not always an issue. Many women with fibroids conceive without any problem.
Gynecologist John A. Whitfield, MD, in Fort Worth, Texas, specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of fibroids. Contact our office if you suspect this common condition is affecting you.
The quick answer is, yes, women with fibroids can get pregnant, but much depends on your unique condition. You may need treatment to help you conceive, and fibroids can sometimes cause complications during pregnancy. Let’s take a closer look at the condition.
The reasons that fibroids develop aren’t always clear. Some of the suspected risk factors include:
There’s no pattern to fibroid growth. They can develop quickly or slowly, remaining small or becoming larger. Fibroids can form during pregnancy, though they often shrink or disappear after delivery.
Uterine fibroids can cause a range of symptoms, including:
When a fibroid’s blood supply gets cut off, it can cause severe pain as its tissue starts to die. This, however, is a rare complication.
When fibroids interfere with pregnancy, it can be due to several effects they have on the process. These include:
In some cases, you may need surgery to remove fibroids before or during pregnancy.
Dr. Whitfield can help when you have difficulty conceiving. The best treatment for you depends on the unique aspects of your condition. Contact Dr. Whitfield’s office at 817-927-2229 today.
