I had more than one. But they just kept an eye on them with ultrasounds while I was pregnant. The problem is that fibroids grow with estrogen and when you are pregnant, you make more estrogen so the danger is that the fibroid could grow and keep the baby from growing. I know your Dr. will keep a very close eye on you and they wouldn't do the transfer if they thought there could be problem. I think a lot depends on where the fibroid is located in your uterus.

My biggest problem with the fibroids were the extremely heavy periods.

Good luck Steph. A LOT of women have fibroids and have successful pregnancies.

I am much older than you, I have several BIG fibroids at 40.I opted for a full hysterectomy. However, there are other treatments available. (I didn't know what I had, I just was having extremely heavy cycles.)
I don't know why your fertility specialist would proceed if he thought they would provide a conception problem? Did he discuss this with you? Kathy

OH ya!! I had the largest one our hospital had ever removed, 9 lbs. as well as several others. Had a hysterectemy at 38. There is something that will shrink them, but that's probably not an option in your case.
Good Luck. I'll keep good thoughts for you.

I had five or so removed in 1989 and within six months I had another one the size of my fist. I lived with that one until it grew very large (about the size of a 4-month pregnancy according to my doctor). By that time I was very anemic from heavy periods, and I opted for a hysterectomy at age 39. (The largest one had grown from fist-size to the size of a canteloupe in about 7 years.)

Sorry, I don't have any children, so I can't comment on that aspect. But many women have fibroids throughout their entire lives without any trouble at all. Like jen_tx said, a lot can depend on where the fibroid is located (inside or outside the uterus, or in the wall).

I don't know anything about them, but I think if your fertility doc is willing to proceed then I'd say you will do ok. I did just a quick search and read a little on them. I saw something about Lupron can help either shrink or not grow so fast? But I couldn't find enough to see if its ok to take while pregnant. I'm sure your doctor will know.
I do know its gotta be scary and a concern for you! I think they will just keep a little closer eye on you.

I did find this online, but you may already have discussed this with the doctor, so I am not sure if it will help.

Hang tough sweet gal! You will have lots of KT'ers right by your side!

Here is a link that might be useful: womens health

I have several, one is (or was) the size of a 3 month pregnancy. I don't think I had any when I was pregnant, so I can't offer any advice concerning that.

I also have very bad "ovulation cramps" that last up to a week per month and because of that and the fibroids I was encouraged to have a hysterectomy. I held out for years and now that I have been diagnosed and treated for Hashimotos Hypothyroidism - the cramps have almost went away. Not sure if the fibroids have shrunk.

I found this:
"Uterine Fibroids (Fibromyomas, Leiomyomas)
Fibroids are benign (i.e. non cancerous) masses of the uterine smooth muscle and connective tissue. It is the most common tumor, affecting 40 percent of women under the age of 40. They are round, firm, vary in size and there are usually more than one. Fibroids are estrogen sensitive, meaning that estrogen causes them to grow. As a result they develop after the onset of menstruation, enlarge during pregnancy and decrease after menopause. While half of women with fibroids have no symptoms many may experience pain, pressure or fullness in the lower abdomen, frequent urination, painful menstruation, painful intercourse, heavy flows, bleeding between periods, lower back pain and disturbances in their bowel movements. This condition can also result in infertility, miscarriages and complications during labor. Thyroid function should also be assessed, as there is often a connection between hypothyroidism and fibroids."

Has your doctor ran a full thyroid panel on you? Including antibodies? Just an idea. BTW - Thyroid meds are not harmful at all to the unborn child.

Oh geeze Steph, I hope it does not interfere with your implantation. I'll be keeping you in my prayers.
My story of fibroids had nothing to do with being pregnant so I don't know about the relation to pregnancy, except that estogen does help them grow. I'm sure your Dr will know just what to do, so you can stay on track.. I'll be hoping for the best for you..

I supposedly have several rather large ones. They did scans a few months ago. The doctor said to "let her know if I have any problems."

I don't have pain; my periods are still coming but they're starting to be unpredictable again. Of course, I'm not planning on getting pregnant, either. I really don't want a hysterectomy since I've made it this far through menopause.

I'm hoping they can eventually remove just the tumors through a naval lascropsy (sp). They've removed several of ovarian cysts from me throughout the years. I've had so many of those procedures I think I could do one on myself with no problem.

Thanks everyone, I appreciate all the info.

widbeykathy, my doctor did discuss it with me, of course. She explained where it was and how it could impact things. But because it's so small, it's likely that it wont cause problems but obviously she couldn't make any guarantees. She said she personally wouldn't decide to cancel my cycle but based on what I knew, she wanted me to be aware of the ramifications of having one and let me make an educated decision on how I wanted to proceed. I am already mentally and physically prepared for the transfer next week so I chose to give it a shot. If I dont get pregnant, we'll just try again. If I use all my frozen embryos, we'll start fresh. I really dont have anything to lose by trying.

Connie, interesting about the Lupron. I've been on it since the 16th of December (this is what gives me the horrible headaches).

I do know that the fibroids are Estrogen induced and I've also been taking Estrogen for a couple weeks so I'm sure that doesn't help matters.

I'm going to see my regular OB also next week who delivered Grant and whose opinion I value greatly to get his thoughts on it also.

Again, thanks everyone.

Oh, I forgot to answer lydia.

Yes, they have run a full thyroid panel on me. I'm actually ok in terms of everyday thyroid values but for infertility and pregnancy, I was a couple points higher than my doctor wanted me to be so I'm on a thyroid medication right now. Have been for a couple months.

Steph-It's always something isn't it!! I'm sorry to hear there may be a complication. My friend just had a baby girl in Dec and I know she was on Thyroid meds the whole time, but I'm not sure if it was due to fibroids or not?

I'm sure your doc will give you an honest assesment of whether you should proceed or not. Your attitude sounds great-very positive! Good Luck!! I wish you the best!

I had two D&Cs to remove clusters of small fibroids (about walnut size) then a few years old, a total hysterectomy to remove a grapefruit size tumor. All were non-cancerous, as they usually are, but they made for some miserable periods.

Lori

When I was pregnant with baby #2 the DR mentioned early on that I had a fibroid the size of a tennis ball!! I had no idea. She didn't seem concerned about it. I had no unusual events during the pregnancy or labor. As a matter of fact it was the easiest labor of the 3. The DR mentioned it should go away after pregnancy-I don't know if it did or not...I guess so. I went on to have another baby after that. It sounds to me if the embryo implants, then everything else should be fine. Make sure we know the day and time so we can assist with KT power!

Steph, it sounds like you are getting excellent medical care, I didn''t mean to immply otherwise! I meant that surely the implantation wouldn't take place if the fibroids were that major of a complication..
Did I ever tell you I had surgery at 18 and they told me I'd have a very hard time concieving? My Mom had taken DES; I was so upset. 5 kids later I had my remaining tube tied LOL! Kathy

I had some....not while pregnant though. I was 47 and started bleeding for long periods at a time. The last period was heavy and lasted 6 weeks. The last one I ever had...never had problems after that with fibroids. I hope all goes well for you, sounds like you have great care and careful monitoring.

Steph,
Keep the positive thoughts going. Don't even think about the fibroids. There is a little special person waiting to met you.

Special thoughts and prayers going your way.

Gayle

I have a good friend who has very large fibroids and had a very successful pregnancy. She was able to conceive without the use of a fertility specialist. I hope that all goes well, we'll be crossing our fingers for you!

sending good thoughts & lots of prayers that everything will go OK

Hi Steph, I developed a fibroid with my first pregnancy. They noticed it at my 8 week ultrasound. By 20 weeks, they couldn't see it anymore. I was told it's common with pregnancy because of all the hormones. I would think it's likely to go away once everything calms down a bit. The unfortunate part for you is the implantation next week.

We wish you all the best!
Audrey