Enhancing your fertility: why removing polyps and fibroids matters before conception
Written in association with:
Obstetrician - gynaecologist
Published: 29/10/2024
Edited by: Jessica Wise
Abnormal growths, such as polyps and fibroids, in the uterus can reduce fertility, which is why those who are considering pregnancy, now or in the future, are recommended to have them removed. Dr Christian Barnick, a leading obstetrician and gynaecologist, explains why in this article.
What are polyps and fibroids?
Uterine polyps are small bumps of overgrown endometrial tissue that grow on the inner lining of the womb. Polyps can disrupt the menstrual cycle, causing irregular, painful and heavy bleeding, and can have a negative impact on implantation of the fertilised embryo
Fibroids are benign growths made of smooth muscle. They can grow towards the inside of the cavity of the womb, deep within the muscle or more to the outside of the womb. They start off as small, but may expand significantly and distort the uterus. They are common, with around 75% of people with uteruses developing in their lifetime. The majority are asymptomatic, but, some do cause issues, such as heavy, painful, and irregular menstrual bleeding as well, urinary disorders, and even distending the stomach. There are different categories of fibroids, based on where they are located.
How do polyps and fibroids affect pregnancy?
Uterine polyps are small bumps of overgrown endometrial tissue that grow on the inner lining of the womb. Polyps can disrupt the menstrual cycle, causing irregular, painful and heavy bleeding, and can have a negative impact on implantation of the fertilised embryo
Fibroids are benign growths made of smooth muscle. They can grow towards the inside of the cavity of the womb, deep within the muscle or more to the outside of the womb. They start off as small, but may expand significantly and distort the uterus. They are common, with around 75% of people with uteruses developing in their lifetime. The majority are asymptomatic, but, some do cause issues, such as heavy, painful, and irregular menstrual bleeding as well, urinary disorders, and even distending the stomach. There are different categories of fibroids, based on where they are located.
How are polyps and fibroids removed?
Polyps can be only be removed surgically, in what is called a polypectomy. It can be performed endoscopically, with an instrument called a hysteroscopy, where the uterine cavity is accessed instead via the vagina. The surgeon is the able to remove the polyps them or using a Myosure device..
Fibroids can be removed in a variety of ways, depending on their size and location.
Procedures include:
Uterine artery embolization, where the blood supply to the fibroids is cut off, causing them to shrivel. This is a nonsurgical option. Myomectomy, where fibroids are removed from the uterus, but the uterus is left in place. Sometimes this can be achieved through the vagina, they may also be removed using keyhole surgical techniques or if they are very large an open operation may be required.These procedures are mostly day cases, and patients are able to go home afterwards, though they may experience some discomfort and light bleeding.
The removal of polyps and fibroids cannot guarantee a successful pregnancy, but they certainly increase the chances and remove some of the obstructions on the road to parenthood. If you have been struggling to get or maintain a pregnancy, consider scheduling an appointment with your gynaecologist to examine your womb using a vaginal ultrasound scan and see if you have polyps and fibroids.
If you are having fertility issues, you can book a consultation with Dr Barnick via his Top Doctors profile.