Many women experience no problems with their fibroids, and often need to do nothing at all other than get regular checkups. Although fibroids occasionally complicate pregnancy, often they do not cause problems for mother or baby. Rarely, a large fibroid can block the opening of the uterus, making cesarean delivery necessary. Fibroids can be a problem if their size or location cause you to experience heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain or infertility. Fibroids do not automatically lead to fertility problems, however, so explore other possible causes with your doctor before assuming fibroids are to blame.
Many women are able to become pregnant after surgical removal of the growths.
In the past, the most common treatment for problem fibroids was hysterectomy, or removal of the uterus. There are three different types of procedures, and their selection will depend on the size, number and location of fibroids. In laparoscopy , a slender telescope is inserted through a small incision in the abdomen to help remove fibroids growing outside the uterus. Hysteroscopy may help to remove growths inside the uterus, using a thin telescope inserted through the cervix. These two procedures usually do not require an overnight hospital stay and have a brief recovery period.