Fertility & Uterine Fibroids Tests in California

Uterine fibroids can present significant challenges for women trying to conceive, often leading to fertility issues and emotional distress. At Pacific Reproductive Center, we understand the profound impact fibroids can have on your journey to motherhood.

Our compassionate team offers advanced uterine fibroid diagnostic tests to accurately identify and assess fibroids, ensuring personalized treatment plans tailored to your unique needs. With our state-of-the-art treatment options, we are dedicated to helping women overcome the obstacles posed by fibroids, supporting you in achieving a healthy and successful pregnancy.

What Are Uterine Fibroids?

Uterine fibroids, myomas, or leiomyomas, are noncancerous growths in or surrounding the uterus that most frequently develop during childbearing years. Between one-quarter and half of all women currently have fibroids, and more than three-quarters of all women of childbearing age will be affected by uterine fibroids. However, because small fibroids are often undetected during routine exams, only one-third of them are generally diagnosed.

Symptoms of uterine fibroids can include the following signs:

• Lengthy or heavy periods
• Spotting or bleeding between periods
• Feelings of abdominal fullness or bloating
• Pain in the pelvis
• Pain in the lower back
• Feeling as though the bladder is always full or struggles to empty the bladder
• Constipation or difficulty during bowel movements
• Pain during sexual intercourse

One of the first indications for many women, however, is difficulty getting pregnant.

Uterine Fibroids and Pregnancy: What You Need to Know

Uterine fibroids and pregnancy can present unique challenges and considerations. It’s important for women with fibroids to receive regular prenatal care and to discuss any concerns with their healthcare provider. With appropriate management and monitoring, many women with fibroids can have healthy pregnancies and deliveries.

Can Uterine Fibroids Affect Pregnancy?

Smaller uterine fibroids can develop during pregnancy due to the accelerated production of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. This hormonal increase can stimulate the growth of fibroids. Issues that might occur include the following:

• Pain: Fibroids can cause discomfort and pain as they grow and press against other organs.
• Bleeding: Women with fibroids may experience abnormal bleeding, which can be concerning during pregnancy.

While it is commonly reported that fibroids contribute to the risk of miscarriage, at least one large-scale study contradicts this common belief. Nevertheless, complications highlight the importance of monitoring and managing fibroids during pregnancy to ensure the health and safety of both the mother and the baby.

Uterine Fibroids and Positive Pregnancy Tests: Is There a Connection?

Can fibroids cause a false pregnancy test? The relationship between uterine fibroids and pregnancy tests is complicated.

Uterine fibroids can potentially cause false pregnancy tests, although false positives are rare. In a 2022 study, false positives where uterine fibroids were a causal factor were found to be low, occurring in only 2 percent of non-invasive pre-term screenings. This suggests that while fibroids might occasionally interfere with pregnancy test results, the likelihood of a false positive due to fibroids is minimal.

Risks and Complications of Uterine Fibroids During Pregnancy

Uterine fibroids and pregnancy can cause several complications. Women with fibroids most often experience the following problems:

• Need for a cesarean section: The risk is six times higher for women with uterine fibroids, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
• Breach pregnancy: The baby is dangerously positioned.
• Failure of the delivery to progress: Prolonged labor or when labor lasts beyond 20 hours of contractions.
• Placenta breaking away from the uterine wall pre-delivery: A dangerous condition called placental abruption.
• Early delivery: When labor occurs prior to 37 weeks of gestation.

These complications can pose significant challenges during pregnancy and delivery, requiring careful medical management and support.

Strategies for Managing Fibroids During Pregnancy

Treatment options for uterine fibroids during pregnancy are limited due to potential fetal risk. Fibroids within the uterine cavity are typically left intact to avoid disturbing the pregnancy.

However, in some rare circumstances, fibroids outside the uterus might be addressed through a myomectomy, a surgical intervention to remove fibroids.

Most management options will include the following:

• Bed rest: To minimize physical strain and reduce the risk of complications.
• Mild pain relievers: To manage discomfort and pain associated with fibroids.

These conservative approaches aim to maintain the health of both the mother and the baby while minimizing risks associated with more invasive treatments.

The Impact of Uterine Fibroids on Fertility

Uterine fibroids and fertility can be interconnected. According to the National Institutes of Health, uterine fibroids might be the fundamental cause of infertility in approximately 3 percent of women. Intramural fibroids — fibroids that grow in the uterine muscle wall – and submucosal fibroids – fibroids that develop in the uterine lining – are the predominant types of fertility-limiting fibroids.

How Fibroids Can Influence Fertility

Uterine fibroids can significantly affect fertility in the following ways:

• Interference with embryo implantation: Fibroids can cause malformation of the uterine cavity, hindering proper implantation.
• Blockage of the fallopian tubes: Depending on their size and location, fibroids can obstruct the fallopian tubes, preventing the sperm from reaching the egg.
• Changes in the uterus: Large fibroids alter uterine shape, affecting the movement of sperm and the transport of the embryo.
• Impact on the blood supply: Fibroids can inhibit uterine blood flow, which is crucial for embryo development and pregnancy maintenance.

Diagnosing Fertility Issues Linked to Fibroids

A uterine fibroids diagnosis must be achieved before addressing potential fibroid-related infertility. The following diagnostic tools help in accurately identifying and assessing fibroids, enabling appropriate treatment planning for infertility.

• Lab tests: To check for hormonal imbalances and other related issues.
• Pelvic exam: To physically examine the size and shape of the uterus.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): Provides detailed images of the fibroids and surrounding structures.
• Ultrasound imaging: Uses sound waves to produce images of the uterus and fibroids.
• Saline infusion sonogram (hysterosonography): Involves injecting saline into the uterus to enhance ultrasound images.
• Hysteroscopy: An imaging test where a thin, lighted scope is inserted into the uterus to directly visualize fibroids and other abnormalities.

Treatment Options for Uterine Fibroids

For those who dream of starting or expanding their family, several treatments offer a path forward, addressing the challenges posed by fibroids without compromising future fertility.

Non-Surgical Treatments for Fibroids

Non-surgical treatment options for uterine fibroids pre-pregnancy include the following:

• Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists: These medications can shrink fibroids by reducing estrogen and progesterone levels.
• Intrauterine devices (IUDs): Hormonal IUDs can help relieve symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding.
• Low-dose birth control oral contraceptives: These can help manage symptoms by regulating hormonal levels and reducing heavy bleeding.

These treatments focus on symptom mitigation and improving overall reproductive health before pregnancy.

Surgical Procedures: Options and Considerations

When considering surgical options for uterine fibroids, it’s important to understand the different approaches available. Each option has its own benefits and considerations, and the choice depends on factors such as the size, number, and location of fibroids, as well as overall health and fertility goals.

Myomectomy is a particularly valuable option for women who wish to preserve fertility because it involves the surgical removal of fibroids while leaving the uterus intact. The different types of myomectomy procedures include the following:

• Hysteroscopic myomectomy: This procedure involves removing fibroids through the cervix using a hysteroscope, a thin, lighted tube. It is typically used for fibroids located within the uterine cavity.
• Laparoscopic myomectomy: This minimally invasive procedure involves making small incisions in the abdomen to insert a laparoscope and surgical instruments to remove fibroids. It is suitable for fibroids located on the outer surface of the uterus.
• Open myomectomy: This traditional surgical approach involves making a larger incision in the abdomen to access and remove fibroids. It is typically used for larger or multiple fibroids that cannot be removed through minimally invasive techniques.

Lifestyle Changes and Natural Remedies for Managing Fibroids

Certain lifestyle modifications can help manage symptoms of uterine fibroids by promoting overall health and reducing factors that may exacerbate symptoms.

• Healthy lifestyle: A nutrient-rich diet consisting primarily of lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and regular exercise promote cardiovascular health and minimize risks of chronic lifestyle diseases like diabetes and some forms of cancer.
• Avoidance of tobacco and alcohol: Reducing or eliminating the use of tobacco and alcohol can help maintain overall health and reduce fibroid-related symptoms.
• Minimizing stress: Managing stress through relaxation techniques, exercise, and other stress-reducing activities can help improve overall well-being and potentially reduce fibroid-related symptoms.

Adopting these lifestyle changes can contribute to better health outcomes and potentially reduce the risk of fibroid recurrence.

Pacific Reproductive Center: Offering State-of-the-art Uterine Fibroid Diagnostic Tests and Fertility Screening in California

Pacific Reproductive Center offers the latest uterine fibroid diagnostic tests and fertility screening to provide comprehensive care for women facing a wide variety of fertility challenges. From fertility medications to surrogacy support, we offer a comprehensive suite of options that will help you build a beautiful family.

By combining advanced diagnostic technologies with compassionate care, Pacific Reproductive Center ensures that women receive accurate diagnoses and personalized treatment plans tailored to their unique needs.

Your journey to fertility begins with a phone call. Reach out to our caring representatives today.