Does Fibroid Embolization Affect Women’s Ability To Have A Baby?

Uterine fibroids occur in women as they age, and more than 80% of women have these during their 50s. In a few cases, this benign or non-cancerous growth in the uterus might show symptoms.

Women who have this condition might experience severe menstrual blood loss, chronic pain in their lower abdomen, and more. There are many treatments available in the medical field for uterine fibroids. But Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is less invasive, cost-effective, and provides more benefits than the traditional hyper-invasive procedures.

Technological advancements in uterine fibroid embolization provide new hope to women who wish to have a baby. In this blog, let’s discuss whether fibroid embolization affects a woman’s ability to have a baby.

What Is Fibroid Embolization?

Uterine fibroid embolization is an approach that is used to shrink the fibroids in the uterus. These are benign tumors that grow from the muscle tissues of the uterus. Since UFE is not a complex procedure, you can recover from it rapidly. Physicians often discuss the fibroid and fertility concerns before the procedure, as uterine fibroid embolization can influence a woman’s potential to become pregnant.

UFE shrinks the fibroids by preventing the blood supply. Embolization particles are injected into the arteries that supply blood to the fibroids. These embolization particles stick to the wall of the vessels. This contributes to the formation of a clot, and that clot prevents the blood supply. When the blood flow is blocked, the fibroids start to shrink. Due to this, your signs might reduce or completely go away in the long run.

Why Is Uterine Fibroid Embolization Required?

The major reason why uterine fibroid embolization is required is to treat the fibroids in the uterus that are causing heavy bleeding in the vagina, pain, and other issues. It is important to note that not all fibroids are malignant. Malignant fibroids are rare.

Fibroids are usually too small, so it will be challenging to diagnose. But some fibroids can be the size of a pea to the size of a softball. UFE might not be recommended if the uterine fibroids are too large. A medical professional at the best urogynecology hospital in Coimbatore might recommend this procedure when your uterine fibroids cause:

1. Pain while having intercourse.
2. The belly is bigger than normal.
3. Pressure in the bowel, causing bloating and constipation.
4. Enlarged uterus.
5. When the fibroids press on the nerves, it causes pain in the legs and back.
6. Infertility
7. Bladder pressure that causes the feeling of wanting to urinate more often.
8. Pain in the belly or fullness.
9. Anemia or low blood count due to uterine bleeding.

What Are The Factors That Affect Fertility After UFE?

Many women successfully get pregnant after uterine fibroid embolization, but certain aspects affect fertility:

1) Age and Ovarian Function: Fertility typically declines due to aging. Therefore, younger women have a higher chance of conceiving than older women after uterine fibroid embolization. This procedure might restrict the blood supply to the ovaries, especially for women who are over 45. This affects their fertility.

2) Fibroid Location and Size: Very big fibroids or submucosal fibroids might require special medical care because these can have a huge influence on the uterine environment.

3) Uterine Health: Pre-existing conditions, scar tissue, and repeated procedures might decrease the possibility of a successful pregnancy.

4) Time Interval Post Procedure: Doctors might recommend that women who have undergone uterine fibroid embolization wait for a few months to try conceiving. This is to ensure the complete recovery of the uterus.

It is essential to have an individualized consultation with a uro gynecologist in Coimbatore to evaluate the possibility of conceiving after the procedure.

Who Should Get Uterine Fibroid Embolization?

Uterine fibroid embolization is very advantageous for women who wish to manage their fibroid symptoms and who do not wish to go through invasive surgical processes. However, uterine fibroid embolization is possibly minimally invasive and can be suggested in case you’re attempting to conceive diligently and want to conserve your fertility. Consequently, let us talk about who must undergo UFE.

1. Women who have fibroid signs that cannot be managed with medicines.
2. Women who have gone through their menopause but just wish to lessen the pain.
3. Women who don’t want to undergo highly invasive procedures.

There are successful cases where women have conceived after the uterine fibroid embolization method, making it a feasible choice.

Conclusion

The technological advancements in uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) have greatly improved in terms of effectiveness, safety, and their influence on fertility. With proper imaging and a less invasive procedure, UFE is a reliable choice for women who want to manage their fibroid symptoms and preserve their fertility.

The uterine fibroid embolization procedure has become advanced not only technologically but also research-wise, making it an essential part of fertility treatments. UFE has been providing hope and potential results for many women.