Uterine Fibroids and Infertility: My Journey to Conceiving
When I first learned that I had uterine fibroids, I was 30 years old, healthy, and ready to start a family with my partner. We had been trying for a few months, but I had noticed that something wasn’t right. My periods had become heavier, and I was experiencing more pain than usual. The bloating was constant, and I just didn’t feel like myself. I brushed it off for a while, thinking it was stress or maybe just a hormonal imbalance. But when we weren’t getting pregnant, I knew I had to get checked out.
After a routine ultrasound, my doctor confirmed it: I had fibroids.
What Are Uterine Fibroids and How Do They Affect Fertility?
Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in or on the uterus. They’re quite common, affecting up to 70-80% of women by the age of 50. However, many women with fibroids don’t experience any symptoms, and they may never even know they have them. For me, fibroids were a game-changer.
Dr. Linda Hayes, a reproductive endocrinologist, explained to me, “Uterine fibroids can interfere with fertility in several ways. They can distort the shape of the uterus, block the fallopian tubes, or interfere with the implantation of the embryo.” In my case, my fibroids were located in the wall of my uterus, and I didn’t even realize how much they were affecting my ability to conceive until we started looking into the problem more deeply.
Fibroids can cause complications during pregnancy, too. For example, they can increase the risk of miscarriage or preterm labor. I didn’t know how much of a role they were playing in my struggle until I started talking to specialists and doing more research.
How I Dealt With the Diagnosis
Learning about my fibroids was overwhelming, to say the least. I had no idea that these growths could have such a major impact on my ability to get pregnant. But I also knew I wanted to have children, and I wasn’t ready to give up.
Dr. Hayes told me, “It’s important to remember that not all fibroids affect fertility. We have different options depending on the size, location, and number of fibroids. The goal is to find a solution that works for you.”
At that point, my fertility doctor suggested two potential options: myomectomy (surgical removal of fibroids) or IVF (in vitro fertilization). We also discussed monitoring my fibroids closely to see if they were growing or causing additional problems.
My First Step: Surgery
After weighing the options, I opted for myomectomy. The idea of surgery scared me, but I knew it was the best chance to increase my fertility. Removing the fibroids would hopefully improve my chances of a successful pregnancy. I’ll never forget how Dr. Hayes reassured me: “By removing the fibroids, we can improve the environment in your uterus and increase your chances of conceiving naturally.”
The surgery itself was minimally invasive, and I was able to recover in a few weeks. During the procedure, the surgeon removed several fibroids that were blocking the lining of my uterus. It was a big step, but after the recovery period, I felt hopeful that we had removed a major barrier.
The Road to IVF: When Surgery Didn’t Work
We gave it a few months after surgery, but unfortunately, I still wasn’t pregnant. It was frustrating and disheartening. We tried tracking my ovulation, using fertility medications, and even considering IUI (intrauterine insemination), but nothing worked.
That’s when my doctor recommended IVF. At that point, I was willing to do whatever it took. “IVF can be a great option when other methods haven’t worked, especially when there are issues like fibroids affecting fertility,” Dr. Hayes explained.
I had a lot of questions and concerns. Would IVF work for me? Would the fibroids come back? But I knew I had to try.
IVF: A New Beginning
IVF was both a physically and emotionally exhausting process, but it also felt like my last hope. I went through rounds of hormone injections to stimulate my ovaries, and we monitored my eggs closely. Thankfully, we were able to retrieve a healthy number of eggs. They were fertilized in the lab, and after a tense few days of waiting, we had several embryos to choose from.
When the day came to transfer the embryo, I was nervous but excited. It was the culmination of months of preparation and hard work. A few weeks later, I took a test, and it was positive. I was pregnant.
It took several attempts, but IVF was the turning point. My fibroids had been removed, and my uterus was in a better position to support a pregnancy.
What I Learned and What You Should Know
If you’re dealing with uterine fibroids and infertility, here’s what I would share from my own journey:
- Don’t ignore symptoms – Heavy periods, pain, and bloating can be signs of fibroids. If you’re struggling with fertility, get checked out sooner rather than later.
- Fibroids aren’t always a barrier to pregnancy – Many women with fibroids can still get pregnant naturally. The location, size, and type of fibroid are key factors. Talk to your doctor about your specific situation.
- Surgery might help – If your fibroids are causing problems, a myomectomy can help improve fertility. It was a big decision for me, but it was worth it. Just make sure you understand the risks and benefits.
- IVF may be the answer – If other treatments don’t work, IVF can be a solution. It doesn’t guarantee success, but it offers a higher chance when other methods fail.
- Be patient with yourself – Fertility struggles are difficult, and the journey isn’t linear. It took me years to get pregnant, but each step was a part of the process.
Final Thoughts
Fibroids don’t have to define your fertility journey. My story is proof that with the right treatment and support, you can overcome the challenges they present. Whether through surgery, IVF, or other fertility treatments, there are options out there. If you’re dealing with uterine fibroids, know that you’re not alone, and there is hope. Keep pushing forward, and don’t give up on your dream of becoming a parent.
