Pregnancy after UFE
Today, uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), a rapid and successful non-surgical method for eliminating uterine fibroids, can solve many problems for women with fibroids who desire to become pregnant and carry full-term.
Many women with uterine fibroids are concerned about the impact fibroids may have on future pregnancy and childbirth. Some common doubts like, “Is pregnancy after uterine artery embolization possible?” or “Can I have a successful pregnancy after UFE?” have puzzled women about the aftermath of the procedure including questions like, “How soon can I get pregnant after UFE?
Read on as we shed light on everything you should know about the UFE procedure and pregnancy afterward, including addressing the question, “How soon can I get pregnant after UFE?” and what factors may influence your chances of a successful pregnancy.
Fertility After Uterine Fibroid embolization
There are various reasons why fibroids can make it difficult for a woman to bring a pregnancy to term.
Fibroids can interfere with conception by blocking sperm from reaching the eggs. Fibroids near the cervix or within the uterine cavity are more likely to obstruct the passage of sperm.
Fibroids can potentially obstruct the implantation process. When a fertilized egg (zygote) travels down the fallopian tubes and into the uterus, it must adhere to the uterine lining. If fibroids are present in the uterine cavity or near the fallopian tubes, they can obstruct the zygote’s route and hinder pregnancy.
One of the most common ways fibroids interfere with fertility is by changing the shape of the uterus. Depending on the location and size, fibroids can cause the uterus to become malformed or enlarged. This can interfere with the uterus’s ideal function, jeopardizing a fertilized egg’s capacity to implant or a pregnancy’s ability to thrive and grow.
One of the key concerns for individuals who have undergone UFE is the potential impact on fertility. Dr. Sandeep emphasizes that the procedure generally does not affect fertility, and many women have successful pregnancies. It is important to consider individual health factors and consult a professional for personalized guidance.
Navigating the Journey to Pregnancy
- Preconception Counseling: Individuals are encouraged to schedule a preconception counseling session with their healthcare provider before attempting to conceive. This provides an opportunity to discuss concerns, assess overall health, and receive guidance on optimizing fertility.
- Monitoring Menstrual Cycles: Keeping track of menstrual cycles becomes particularly important after UFE.
- Consultation with a Fertility Specialist: Individuals with concerns about fertility post-UFE may benefit from consulting a fertility specialist. These experts can provide tailored advice and explore potential fertility-enhancing interventions.
Pregnancy after embolization
Researchers determined that UFE can be recommended as a therapy option for women suffering from fibroids to restore fertility.
According to recent studies, the frequency of pregnancy problems in women who had UFE to treat fibroids was not significantly different from healthy women without fibroids.
Furthermore, the complication rate was significantly lower in women with fibroids who did not treat their fibroids or chose solely medicine as a treatment approach. For those wondering, How soon can I get pregnant after UFE? the research is promising, showing that successful pregnancy is possible after UFE for those who choose not to have surgery.
Successful pregnancy is possible after UFE for those who choose not to have surgery.
Women with fibroids who wish to become pregnant should be counseled about their choices (laparoscopic myomectomy vs uterine fibroid embolization). The Number, extent and location of fibroids are important considerations to decide appropriate treatment options and understanding how soon you can get pregnant after UFE.
Preserved ovarian function after UFE:
- UFE does not impair ovarian function.
- Markers of ovarian function (follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2), and Anti- Mullerian hormone (AMH), are not affected after UFE, especially in younger patients (under 40 years).
Early Menopause is rare after UFE:
- Patients older than 45 years may achieve early onset of their menopause after UFE.
- Early menopause is uncommon in women younger than 40 years, as UFE does not compromise blood supply of the ovary or uterus.
Fertility Sparing Protocol:
Dr. Sandeep, is an expert in UFE treatment and he utilizes following “Fertility sparing protocol” in all his patients to achieve the goal:
- Use of micro-catheter: Allows distal catheterization of uterine artery, sparing of cervico-vaginal branches of uterine artery.
- Use of larger size of embolic agent: Larger size of uniformly calibrated microspheres (500-700 mic) do not cross utero-ovarian circulation and ovaries blood supply are preserved.
- End-point: Only peri-fibroid arterial plexus are occluded, preserving uterus (myometrium) blood supply.
Consult Dr. Sandeep for guidance on pregnancy after uterine fibroid embolization
If you are contemplating pregnancy after undergoing uterine fibroid embolization, seeking guidance from a qualified healthcare professional is crucial for personalized advice.
Dr. Sandeep, a specialist in fibroid embolization, can provide end-to-end guidance based on your medical history and specific circumstances including answering the important question, How soon can I get pregnant after UFE?
Understanding the potential impact of the procedure and exploring tailored options for achieving a successful pregnancy after UFE is vital.
