With the right support, women can overcome the fertility challenges of fibroids
The doctors at our Indianapolis infertility center have found that uterine fibroids are a common barrier to pregnancy. These uterine growths are muscular tumors that are almost always benign. However, they can cause significant difficulty when a woman is trying to conceive. They can also lead to abdominal pain and heavy periods. Thankfully, our team can help patients find relief and take the next step towards motherhood.
The location of these growths determines how they affect a woman’s fertility. If they grow in or into the uterine cavity (womb), they can interfere with conception. However, if the woman has small fibroids that grow on the surface of the uterus, they might not cause fertility issues.
How do our doctors diagnose abnormal growths in the uterus?
To diagnose fibroids, the doctors at our Indianapolis infertility center use a pelvic exam, and often, an ultrasound. Many times, our doctors can feel irregularities in the shape of the uterus during a pelvic exam. This may then prompt them to order an ultrasound. The ultrasound allows our doctors to assess the woman’s uterus and confirm whether she has abnormal growths. In some situations, the woman will need a surgical evaluation of infertility.
What are some effective treatments for fibroids?
After the doctor determines the size and location of the growths, they work with the patient to develop a treatment plan. If the abnormal growths in the uterus are significantly affecting a woman’s fertility, the doctor will likely recommend removal with minimally invasive surgery.
Hysteroscopy. This procedure consists of the doctor passing a thin, lighted telescope through the vagina and cervix into the uterus. They then inject gas or fluid to expand the uterus and improve visibility. The telescope transmits images to a screen, allowing the specialist to evaluate the uterus. Next, the doctor uses a specialized tool to remove the abnormal growths in the uterus. A doctor usually recommends a hysteroscopy when the growths are within the uterine cavity.
Laparoscopy. If a woman has growths on the outside of the uterus, the doctor will likely suggest a laparoscopy. This involves the doctor passing a thin tube through an incision in the belly button and using gas to inflate the abdomen. Next, the doctor passes a small telescope through the incision to provide an in-depth view of the uterus. He or she then removes the abnormal growths.
The doctors at our Indianapolis infertility center utilize these treatments to give women the best possible chance of motherhood. Contact us for more information about our fertility services. Our team is here to help you on your path to parenthood.