Whether a fibroid affects the egg freezing process is entirely dependent on its size and location.
First, What’s a Fibroid?
A fibroid is a benign (non-cancerous) overgrowth of the uterine muscle wall. They are a common diagnosis for women in their 20s, 30s, and 40s, and may or may not cause symptoms depending on their size and placement within the uterus.
Possible Symptoms
Fibroids can range from the size of a grain of rice (tiny!) to the size of a grapefruit or even a melon (substantially larger). For women with large fibroids, multiple fibroids, or fibroids that press on other organs, the experience can be uncomfortable to say the least. These women can experience long, heavy periods; irregular menstrual bleeding; pain or pressure in the pelvis, back, or legs; frequent urination; constipation; or other symptoms that affect their health and quality of life.
Fibroids and Fertility
Fibroids can also have a potential impact on future fertility. Some examples in which a fibroid may make achieving pregnancy more difficult involve but are not limited to:
1. Distortion of the uterine cavity which can make it more difficult for a fertilized egg to implant or grow appropriately.
2. Interference with blood supply/flow to the uterus, affecting the ability of the uterus to maintain a pregnancy.
3. Obstruction of the fallopian tubes, preventing the egg from reaching the uterus and decreasing chances of successful fertilization.
Will They Impact The Egg Freezing Process?
Typically, most fibroids will not impact the egg freezing process and women who may need any procedures to remove their fibroids in the future should actually consider freezing their eggs beforehand. This is because many of the treatments for fibroids may inadvertently damage the eggs in the process.
However, if the fibroid is especially large or impacts the ability of the provider to visualize and/or access the ovary during the egg retrieval, it is not recommended to undergo egg freezing until the fibroid has been surgically removed. This can be identified during a pelvic ultrasound.
Women who are considering egg freezing and who have been diagnosed with fibroids should consult with a healthcare provider who specializes in reproductive medicine to discuss their individual situation and treatment options. The healthcare provider may recommend additional testing or procedures to assess the impact of the fibroids on the egg freezing process.
Valerie Shafran, MSN, FNP-C is an empathetic board certified nurse practitioner who is passionate about educating women regarding their reproductive health and their future options surrounding fertility. Valerie has been with Extend Fertility for over 4 years and has an extensive background in women’s health. She has worked within the postpartum and OBGYN settings and has dedicated her career to providing exceptional and personalized care to each of her patients. She completed a bachelor’s degree in nursing from George Washington University in 2017 and received her Masters Degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner from SUNY Downstate Medical Center in 2021.
Learn more about Extend Fertility’s egg freezing practice on Freeze.
This article was written in collaboration with Dr. Joshua Klein who also answered, “Can I Be On Birth Control If I Want To Freeze My Eggs?”
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