Fibroids.

Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in the uterus and are made up of muscle and fibrous tissue. They are the commonest benign pelvic tumour in women affecting 20% to 50% of women of reproductive age.

Fibroids and your fertility

Fibroids.

Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in the uterus and are made up of muscle and fibrous tissue. They are the commonest benign pelvic tumour in women affecting 20% to 50% of women of reproductive age.

It is not known what causes fibroids, but there is evidence that genetics and prolonged exposure to oestrogen may increase your risk of developing fibroids. Fibroids regress after the menopause secondary to the loss of hormone stimulation. Fibroids are more commonly seen with increasing age and occur with increased frequency in black and Asian ethnicities.

Fibroids vary in size and can occur as single fibroids or multiple ones.

Common symptoms of fibroids.

Uterine fibroids often cause no symptoms. They can be discovered by chance during a pelvic examination, although only around one-third of fibroids are large enough to be detected.

For those who experience symptoms, these depend on the size, location and number of fibroids. The most common symptoms are:

  • Painful, heavy or prolonged menstrual periods
  • Pelvic pressure or pain
  • Pressure on the bladder causing frequent urination or difficulty emptying the bladder
  • Pressure on the rectum causing constipation
  • Back or leg pain

It is essential to get medical help if you experience severe menstrual bleeding or sharp, sudden pelvic pain.

Types of fibroids.

Fibroids are classified by their location. These are:

  • Intramural fibroids – within the uterine wall
    Submucosal fibroids – project into the uterine cavity
    Subserosal fibroids – expand outside of the uterine wall

Diagnosing fibroids.

It is essential to seek a confirmed diagnosis by an expert if you are experiencing any symptoms of growing or large uterine fibroids. Consultant gynaecologist Miss Amanda Tozer at Aria Fertility is an expert in women’s health and has a vast knowledge of menstrual disorders, including fibroids. She will carry out a physical pelvic exam and will carry out a complete medical history check. A confirmed diagnosis may require imaging (MRI or ultrasound) or a hysteroscopy.

Treating fibroids.

If your fibroids are causing significant symptoms, Miss Amanda Tozer can advise women on a range of tailored treatment options, including lifestyle changes, medications, hormone treatments and, if required, minimally invasive gynaecological surgery.

Can fibroids affect pregnancy?

Fibroids should not interfere with getting pregnant. However, certain fibroids, particularly Submucosal fibroids, which invade the cavity of the uterus, can cause pregnancy complications. Adverse effects that fibroids can have on pregnancy include:

  • Increased risk of miscarriage
  • Abnormal attachment of the placenta
  • Increased likelihood of caesarean section
  • Postpartum haemorrhage

What sets us apart.

Fertility treatments can be highly stressful and additional support is required to help you when you need it the most. Counselling is always available, however you may like to speak to one of our fertility coaches or even reach out to someone going through the same thing as you.

Our highly experienced team here at Aria Fertility will listen, support and guide you to having the family you always dreamed of.

Whether you’ve been trying unsuccessfully for a while; had children before but this time it hasn’t been so easy; or you just want a chat about it with someone who can listen and understand; rest assured, you are not in this alone.

Trying to balance daily routines with your fertility treatment can be exceptionally tough. At Aria, we want your fertility journey to be as convenient as it could possibly be.

Ensuring your fertility treatment fits in with your own schedule can make the process a lot less stressful. Many of our initial appointments can be performed virtually or made available during extended hours. You can make regular contact with the team at Aria either by virtual appointment, over the telephone or alternatively by email, allowing you the opportunity to blend your treatment with daily life.

When you do need to visit Aria for an appointment we are conveniently located on Welbeck Way in Marylebone, a short walk from either Bond Street or Oxford Circus underground stations.

Your next step.

If you would like to learn more about your own fertility journey contact us to arrange a face-to-face, telephone or video-appointment with one of our consultants.

You can do this by filling in the contact form below or by giving one of our friendly team a call on +44 (0) 203 263 6025 or emailing us at admin@ariafertility.co.uk.

We really look forward to getting to know you.