Being diagnosed with uterine fibroids can raise a lot of questions, especially if you’re planning to have children. One of the most common concerns women have is whether fibroids will affect their ability to get pregnant.
The answer is often encouraging: many women with fibroids are able to conceive and have healthy pregnancies. However, depending on their size, number and location, fibroids can sometimes make it more difficult to become pregnant or carry a pregnancy to term.
The good news is that treatment options are available. For women whose fibroids are affecting fertility or causing significant symptoms, advances in minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgery may help preserve fertility while providing lasting relief.
What are uterine fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus. They are extremely common and can vary greatly in size, ranging from tiny growths that cause no symptoms to larger fibroids that can change the shape of the uterus.
Many women don’t even realize they have fibroids until they’re discovered during a routine exam or imaging study.
Fibroids may cause symptoms such as:
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Pelvic pressure or fullness
- Frequent urination
- Pelvic pain
- Lower back pain
- Pain during intercourse
- Difficulty becoming pregnant
While not all fibroids require treatment, certain types can affect fertility and pregnancy outcomes.
Can fibroids affect fertility?
Yes, some fibroids can interfere with fertility.
Whether a fibroid affects pregnancy often depends on where it is located. Fibroids that grow within the uterine cavity or significantly alter the shape of the uterus are more likely to affect implantation or early pregnancy.
Fibroids may contribute to fertility challenges by:
- Changing the shape of the uterine cavity
- Blocking the fallopian tubes
- Preventing implantation of a fertilized egg
- Affecting blood flow within the uterus
- Increasing inflammation within the reproductive system
However, it’s important to remember that many women with fibroids become pregnant without difficulty.
Because every woman and every fibroid is different, an evaluation by an OB/GYN can help determine whether fibroids may be contributing to fertility concerns.
Can you have a healthy pregnancy with fibroids?
In many cases, yes.
Many women with fibroids go on to have healthy pregnancies and deliver healthy babies. However, depending on the size and location of the fibroids, there may be an increased risk of complications during pregnancy.
Potential concerns may include:
- Pain during pregnancy
- Changes in fetal position
- Preterm labor
- Placental complications
- Increased likelihood of cesarean delivery
This does not mean complications will occur. It simply means that women with larger or strategically located fibroids may require closer monitoring throughout pregnancy.
Your OB/GYN can help evaluate whether your fibroids are likely to impact a future pregnancy.
Should fibroids be treated before pregnancy?
Not every woman with fibroids needs treatment before trying to conceive.
However, treatment may be recommended if:
- Fibroids are causing infertility
- Fibroids distort the uterine cavity
- You have experienced recurrent pregnancy loss
- Fibroids are causing significant symptoms
- Fibroids are rapidly growing
The decision to pursue treatment is highly individualized and should be based on your specific symptoms, fertility goals and overall reproductive health.
What is the best treatment for fibroids if I want to get pregnant?
When preserving fertility is a priority, a procedure called a myomectomy is often considered the preferred surgical treatment.
Unlike a hysterectomy, which removes the uterus, a myomectomy removes the fibroids while leaving the uterus intact. This allows many women to maintain the possibility of future pregnancy.
For women whose fibroids are affecting fertility, a myomectomy can improve symptoms while preserving reproductive options.
How robotic myomectomy is changing fibroid treatment
When surgery is needed, robotic-assisted myomectomy has become an increasingly popular option.
Using advanced robotic technology, surgeons can remove fibroids through several small incisions while preserving the uterus. The robotic platform provides enhanced visualization, precision and control, which can be especially beneficial when removing fibroids while protecting healthy uterine tissue.
The surgeon remains in complete control throughout the procedure. The robotic system simply serves as an advanced tool that assists with performing delicate surgical movements.
For women hoping to become pregnant in the future, robotic-assisted surgery can offer a minimally invasive approach to treating fibroids without removing the uterus.
Why more women are choosing robotic surgery for fibroids
When surgery is necessary, many women want an option that addresses their symptoms while minimizing the impact of surgery itself.
Potential benefits of robotic-assisted myomectomy include:
- Smaller incisions
- Enhanced precision
- Faster recovery
- Less disruption to daily life
When should I talk to an OB/GYN about fibroids?
If you’re trying to become pregnant, experiencing infertility or managing symptoms caused by fibroids, it’s worth having a conversation with an OB/GYN.
An evaluation can help determine:
- Whether fibroids are affecting fertility
- If treatment is necessary before pregnancy
- Which treatment options align with your goals
- Whether a minimally invasive surgical approach may be appropriate
The earlier you seek evaluation; the sooner you can develop a plan that supports both your health and your future family plans.
Find out if robotic surgery is right for you
If uterine fibroids are affecting your quality of life or your plans for pregnancy, you may have more treatment options than you realize. Northeast Georgia Health System’s GYN Robotic Center offers advanced minimally invasive procedures designed to treat fibroids while supporting a smoother recovery.