Fibroids can make anyone concerned if you are trying to get pregnant or already carry a child. Intramural fibroids are not only the most common, but they are also the ones that confuse people the most when it comes to fertility and pregnancy. This article explains all about the illness, including how to diagnose it and the treatments that can protect your reproductive health.

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What Are Intramural Fibroids?

Fibroids can form inside the uterus wall (myometrium) and are not cancerous. They do not resemble

• Submucosal fibroids: These fibroids develop in the uterus under the lining.
• Subserosal fibroids: Fibroids that are found on the outer wall of the uterus are called subserosal.

While a few women with intramural fibroids do not have any problems, others might have trouble with their periods, pelvic discomfort, or pregnancy-related challenges.

How Do Intramural Fibroids Affect Pregnancy?

Most fibroids do not affect pregnancy, yet if they are intramural and larger or multiple, they can pose certain risks. Let us have a look at how they can change your fertility and pregnancy.

Conception Challenges

Many people with intramural fibroids notice that they may:

• Enlarge the inside of the uterus.
• Stop the process of implantation.
• Block the fallopian tubes using a surgical procedure (but this is not common).

Such conditions can lessen the endometrium’s ability to accept an embryo, which may reduce your chances of getting pregnant naturally or with IVF.

What Issues Could Happen in Early Pregnancy?

Intramural fibroids may cause these health risks:

• Miscarriage
• Implantation failure
• Bleeding takes place in the early stages of pregnancy.

Difficulties that can happen during late pregnancy and delivery

In some cases, larger fibroids can lead to

• Preterm labor
• Placental abruption
• Problems with a baby’s growth in the womb
• Doctors ordered a cesarean delivery because the fibroid made it difficult for the baby to pass.

Many women with intramural fibroids can expect to have perfectly healthy pregnancies if they are being closely watched by their doctors.

Common Symptoms of Intramural Fibroids

Even though someone is not pregnant, intramural fibroids may lead to uncomfortable and often bothersome symptoms.

• Having a period that lasts for a longer time or results in heavy bleeding
• Problems with the pelvic area, such as pain or pressure
• Pain while having sexual intercourse
• Frequent urination
• Back pain in the lower area
• A feeling of your stomach becoming full.

Should you have these symptoms, especially when trying to conceive, getting a correct diagnosis is vital.

How Are Intramural Fibroids Diagnosed?

Usually, diagnosing fibroids is done by using several methods at once.

• Both transvaginal and abdominal ultrasound allow the doctor to see how big, where, and how many fibroids are present.
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) helps to take more explicit images that are helpful before an operation.
• Saline Infusion Sonography (SIS) is used to find out how fibroids affect the inside of the uterus.
• Hysteroscopy or laparoscopy may be used when the case is more complicated to see the fibroids directly.

Your doctor could examine hormone levels and look at signs related to fertility to identify the best next steps.

Treatment Options for Intramural Fibroids During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, various treatments are restricted since they could be dangerous for the fetus. Still, the majority of intramural fibroids do not need treatment during pregnancy unless they cause serious problems.

Some treatment methods are

Monitoring Only

Most of the time, fibroids are closely checked with regular ultrasounds to ensure they do not develop fast and do not harm the growing baby.

Pain Management

Acetaminophen may be given to those with fibroids who have pain. It is usually recommended to avoid taking NSAIDs like ibuprofen during the last stages of pregnancy.

Surgery is rarely needed in the course of pregnancy

Having a myomectomy (removal of fibroids) during pregnancy is very uncommon and carries much risk. Most of the time, the procedure is put off until after the baby is born, except when the fibroid is very dangerous.

Treatment of Intramural Fibroids Before Conception

If you are thinking about getting pregnant and have big fibroids, your doctor may suggest having treatment to increase the chances of a successful pregnancy.

Myomectomy

The surgery aims to take out fibroids without removing the uterus. Any woman with many fibroids or those whose fibroids measure more than 5 cm should find this method helpful.

Hormonal Therapy

Although GnRH agonists can shrink fibroids for some time, they should not be used during pregnancy as they are not safe.

Uterine artery embolization (UAE)

This method uses radio waves to reduce fibroids by stopping their blood flow. It is not advised for women to get pregnant in the UAE due to possible damage to the uterus.

MRI-based Focused Ultrasound

An innovative way that does not involve surgery to get rid of fibroid tissue. The impact it has on fertility is not yet fully understood.

Final Thoughts

While intramural fibroids may cause infertility difficulties, they don’t need to prevent conception. Many women who have fibroids can give birth naturally or with help and enjoy healthy pregnancies. Being diagnosed early, getting personal care, and keeping yourself informed will help you succeed.

Our experts in fertility care at Femmenest assist women with fibroids using advanced tests and tailor-made plans that match your needs.