Fibroids

They saw a fibroid when they did my hsg I have an internal sonogram in late feb but was wondering what experiences any of you had. Did you have to get it removed, go on meds? Did it affect your fertility?

Re: Fibroids

First off DON'T WORRY. My doctor told me that most women don't even find out they have a fibroid until they are pregnant and they are VERY VERY common.

Did they say anything about the size? Are they going to do a sonogram? Have them do a sonogram, they will be able to tell you a lot more about it.

I have been going through fibroid hell for a year. I have learned SO SO SO SO much.

Here is what I know.

First, it depends on where the fibroid is. If its in the cavity it could block you from getting pregnant. If not it could be really nothing.

Do you have more then one? Some people get a single fibroid like me. This is a best case scenario for removal because its unlikely they will grow back. Others have multiples, these are more likely to grow back after removal.

Size matters as much as location. The RE told me that in general if in an ok location they will leave a fibroid under 6cm and remove one over 10cm. Mine is 7.5cm, so its a grey area.

Like I said, mine is 7.5cm. My OB-GYN wanted to me to remove it. I went for a second opinion to another OB-GYN who told me to leave it and get pregnant first. Then I went to an RE who said both doctors were right, its a grey area, but he suggested I leave it and try first. I can always take it out but can't undo any damage done in removing it. The negatives of leaving a 7.5cm fibroid is that my body already thinks I am 3 months preggo, so its likely I will go early or end up on bed rest. Also the baby could cut off oxygen to it, causing great pain and rot. YUCK. But the end result is a baby. His fear for me is that even a perfect surgery could leave adhesions which would mean problems getting pregnant. I would still probably be able to conceive through IVF, but who wants to go there if I don't' have to. He is letting us TTC on our own for 6 months, if nothing happens we might consider taking it out.

Surgery requires a 6 month - 9 month healing time before you can TTC.

Do yourself a favor and have a sonogram done. Then see what they say. If its small and in a fine place, nothing to worry about. If they suggest having it out, get a second opinion first.

If you have any other questions let me know. Since November of last year this fibroid has consumed my life and my mom's and my MILs who have both done a lot of research on the topic for me. My MIL sends me articles and even calls me when they talk about them on TV shows. Then in the month leading up to my surgery I did almost nothing else but research them to decide if surgery was the right move. I cancelled my surgery with less then a week to go. I am really becoming an expert on the topic.

I hope I helped.

Message edited 1/20/2012 11:57:18 PM.

Re: Fibroids

Also...

A fibroid feeds on estrogen.

Limit red meats, dairy, caffeine and try to eat hormone free chicken (or any foods) whenever possible, limit your alcohol intake (but wine is ok on occasion and actually good for you.)

A fiber rich diet can help reduce estrogen.

Vegetables and fruits are supposed to help, especially red Grapefruits, tomatoes and other foods with lycopene (makes them red)

Most importantly lose weight. The fibroid feeds on fat. Whenever my weight drops my fibroid size seems to drop too.

Re: Fibroids

I have one, @ 1 inch. It didnt affect me getting pregnant at all and didnt have to get it removed either.

Re: Fibroids

I have a fibroid. It showed up on my HSG but was in a spot that no one was concerned and I saw a bunch of Drs during my TTC.

I got PG and had a perfectly healthy baby!

Re: Fibroids

My friend had these, and didn't know it until she was pregnant. Depending on their size and location, they're probably not a big deal and won't interfere with fertility.

Re: Fibroids

I don't know much about fibroids, but I do know that 50 years ago, my aunt had numerous fibroids and was told she'd never have children.

6 Pregnancies and 5 Children later...... obviously that wasn't the case.

GL

Message edited 1/21/2012 10:40:10 AM.

Re: Fibroids

I have a small fibroid near the opening of my uterus. I conceived my DD in Jan 2008 and it didn't present any issues at all, either with conception or throughout my pregnancy. It's a very small fibroid although it's in a tricky spot but unless it proves to be a REAL problem, I'm leaving it alone. My RE recommended not doing anything about it unless absolutely necessary because he said if they went in to remove and it ended up I developed any scar tissue from the procedure, that would be a WAY bigger problem then if I had just left the fibroid alone.

Usually, fibroids are harmless and many, many women have them and never even know they do. Unless they know for a fact it will cause you problems, I wouldn't worry about it.