How to Protect Your Fertility When You Have Fibroids

Fibroids are noncancerous growths in the uterus that can affect many women during their reproductive years. While fibroids won’t always create fertility challenges, they can sometimes interfere with conception or pregnancy. 

The good news? At Advanced OB/GYNE Associates, Dr. Andrea Das, Dr. Louisa Griggs, Dr. Djamilia Kruyukov, and Dr. Patricia Tagomolila offer expert care and planning to protect your fertility and improve your chances of having a healthy pregnancy in the future. 

How fibroids can affect fertility 

Fibroids don’t always cause symptoms, but when they do, they can influence reproductive health in different ways. Their impact often depends on their size, number, and location in the uterus. Here’s what you need to know: 

Blocking implantation 

Fibroids that grow inside your uterine cavity (submucosal fibroids) can make it harder for an embryo to implant. 

Changing uterine shape

Large fibroids can distort your uterus, affecting sperm movement, egg fertilization, or embryo development. 

Pregnancy complications 

Some fibroids may increase the risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, or complications during labor. 

Treatment options to preserve fertility

The right treatment will depend on your goals, symptoms, and whether you plan to get pregnant in the future. Options may include: 

Medication management

Hormonal treatments may shrink fibroids or manage your symptoms, but they’re not permanent solutions. 

Minimally invasive surgery

Procedures like hysteroscopic or laparoscopic myomectomy remove fibroids while preserving your uterus. 

Traditional surgery 

In some cases, an abdominal myomectomy may be necessary for larger or multiple fibroids. 

Fertility-friendly approaches 

Our team always considers options that balance symptom relief with future pregnancy plans. 

Lifestyle habits that may help

While lifestyle changes can’t eliminate fibroids, they can support your overall reproductive health. Here’s what we recommend: 

Maintain a healthy weight

Extra body fat can influence hormone levels and fibroid growth. 

Eat a nutrient-rich diet 

Focus on anti-inflammatory foods like fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains. 

Manage stress 

Stress hormones may worsen your symptoms and affect fertility. Yoga, meditation, or gentle exercises can help you maintain a calm state. 

Monitor regularly

Keep up with gynecological exams and imaging when recommended to track fibroid growth. 

When to seek specialized fertility care 

If you’ve been trying to conceive for six months to a year without success, or if you already know your fibroids are impacting your uterus, it’s worth talking to our specialists. We can work with you to create a treatment plan that: 

• Addresses fibroids without compromising fertility
• Considers additional fertility treatments like IVF
• Helps your chances of conceiving and carrying a successful pregnancy 

Fibroids can be frustrating, but they don’t have to mean the end of your fertility journey. With the right medical support and proactive choices, many women with fibroids go on to have healthy pregnancies. 

If you’re concerned, don’t wait! Call us at 847-755-1111 or use our online booking tool to request an appointment today! We have offices in Arlington Heights and Hoffman Estates, Illinois.