A new study in the European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology finds that women can still get pregnant post-myomectomy, the surgical removal of fibroids in the uterus. 

Fibroids are non-cancerous tumors that develop in the uterus. Fibroids can vary in size and location and bring different symptoms. Some of these symptoms can be debilitating including anemia, heavy prolonged bleeding, and severe pain and cramps. 

The study involved almost 170 participants of reproductive age who received a myomectomy between January 2017 and December 2021. These participants were also considering getting pregnant. They received a myomectomy to remove intramural fibroids, which develop within the muscular walls of the uterus and can vary in size and location.  

Researchers used a pre-operative transvaginal ultrasound to measure the volume of intramural fibroids. They calculated the proportion of the uterus volume occupied by the total volume of the intramural fibroids. This is called the fibroid-to-uterine volume (FTUV) ratio, which helps doctors understand the size of fibroids in relation to the uterus. 

Here were some key findings to the study: 

• Women with a larger FTUV ratio were more likely to get pregnant.
• Older women are less likely to get pregnant than younger women post-myomectomy.
• Women who have had children prior to their myomectomy may be able to get pregnant post-procedure. 

This new study is promising to women who wish to conceive post-myomectomy. Twenty percent of women still believe a hysterectomy is the only option to treat uterine fibroids. A hysterectomy can be effective in treating fibroids, but impacts a woman’s fertility because it removes the uterus.  

Dealing with fibroids can be physically and emotionally draining. While myomectomy is an effective option for treating fibroids and preserving fertility, UFE offers another minimally invasive approach that can also help manage fibroid symptoms and potentially improve fertility outcomes. 

Resources for Women’s Health

The Fibroid Fighters Foundation is a national non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness, providing support, advocating for improved healthcare options, and empowering women to take control of their health when facing fibroids.

For more information and resources about uterine fibroids, visit Fibroid Fighter’s resource page, call (855) 455-5262, or email us at [email protected].  

For the latest news on women’s health, follow us on www.instagram.com/fibroidfighters. 

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