Uterine fibroids are a very common condition that affects up to 85% of women of childbearing age. Many of them choose surgery for treatment, not knowing that there are other options. Many of these women are wondering if pregnancy after fibroid surgery is possible? Although women can get pregnant with fibroids present, many women have experienced fibroids preventing pregnancy.
Although fibroids sometimes have no symptoms (asymptomatic fibroids require no treatment), women who have symptoms and plan to have children in the future need to choose the best solution for their individual circumstances and life plans.
Given the prevalence of this condition, a fibroid removal surgery is often suggested to a patient by an OB/GYN, and it’s important to carefully consider all pros and cons of surgery.
When asking “How to get pregnant fast after myomectomy?”, you should understand that in some rare cases myomectomy can lead to unscheduled hysterectomy due to possible complications during surgery. A woman can agree to have a myomectomy and wake up without her uterus.
Pregnancy After Fibroid Surgery: Things to Consider
The statistical probability that a woman may become pregnant after fibroid surgery, i.e. myomectomy, is 39–56%, yet again, depending on individual circumstances. No doctor suggesting surgery can say for sure if a patient will be able to become pregnant after the procedure or not.
More than half of women cannot get pregnant after myomectomy.
If you have uterine fibroids and consider a fibroid removal surgery such as myomectomy, it’s recommended to wait for at least six months after the procedure before you start trying to conceive. If a patient becomes pregnant soon after a myomectomy during the recovery period, there is a high probability of a miscarriage. If a pregnancy occurs after a myomectomy, the delivery will require a C-section.
Scarring After Fibroid Surgery
Surgery is a stressful event for your uterus and the entire body. It takes about 90 days for the incisions to heal completely. A scar in itself can represent an issue that needs to be carefully considered. Scar tissue in the uterus can decrease your chances of pregnancy. Adhesions can lead to obstructions of the fallopian tubes, which can cause infertility.
Unplanned Hysterectomy and Other Consequences
The worst possible outcome of a myomectomy for a woman who wants to have children is waking up after the procedure without a uterus. Every woman contemplating myomectomy has to understand three very important facts:
- Some women who undergo myomectomy would end up with a hysterectomy due to excessive bleeding or inability to repair the uterus during myomectomy surgery.
- The scarring caused by myomectomy will significantly diminish her chances of having a child.
- Most women with symptomatic fibroids have numerous tumors in their uterus which is usually significantly more than can be safely removed surgically.
This obviously sets the patient up for another procedure, often within 3-5 years of the original myomectomy surgery. Thus, it can be summarized that pregnancy after fibroid surgery is possible. However, there are many risks and all kinds of complications. Is it worth it if there are other options?
Myomectomy Vs. UFE: When the Risk Is Not Worth It
Uterine fibroid embolization is a safer and less invasive option than myomectomy surgery to treat symptomatic fibroids. Unlike the typical myomectomy, UFE also treats every fibroid in the uterus and does not necessitate repeat procedures. Patients that undergo UFE start trying to conceive after the 3-months follow-up. Pregnancy after UFE is typically full-term and delivered vaginally versus mandatory cesarean section for myomectomy patients.
Can I Get Pregnant and Have a Child After UFE?
There are a number of factors involved with pregnancy for women who have fibroids whether they choose UFE or myomectomy. Having a healthy pregnancy and vaginal delivery are both possible after UFE, and many women find that they are able to become pregnant naturally after Uterine Fibroid Embolization.
At Atlanta Fibroid Center, we have an entire wall of letters and baby pictures from happy moms who had UFE, and we even witnessed several sets of twins born after the UFE procedure! Read some of our patient’s stories.
The best way to assess the probability of becoming pregnant after the uterine fibroid embolization procedure is to make an appointment with Dr. John Lipman to evaluate your unique personal health situation. Dr. Lipman can provide you with an appraisal of your chances of becoming pregnant after UFE, and help you compare the various options for treating uterine fibroids.
