Everything You Need to Know for Peace of Mind

How Fibroids Affect Your Body and Fertility

Are you worried about how Fibroids might affect your ability to start a family?
Fibroids, or uterine leiomyomas, often lead to symptoms like heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, or anemia, which can complicate fertility. However, many women with Fibroids are still able to conceive and carry pregnancies successfully.

Early consultation with healthcare professionals, such as our specialists at The Bahamas Fibroid & Interventional Clinic, is crucial to managing your symptoms and maintaining your fertility.

Understanding Symptoms That May Impact Your Reproductive Health
Fibroids can cause compressive symptoms such urinary and bowel issues which include frequent urination, urinary urgency and constipation. These compressive or bulk symptoms may raise concerns about the potential impacts of your Fibroids on your fertility. While these bulk symptoms in and of themselves can be distressing, they do not necessarily affect your ability to conceive. However, they may suggest the underlying risk posed by your Fibroids to your fertility.

Managing these compressive symptoms effectively is key to preserving your reproductive health. If you are experiencing these symptoms, our team led by Dr. Mikhail C.S.S Higgins can offer treatments that manage Fibroid-related complications without compromising your fertility.

Did you know?

These statistics shed light on the relationship between Fibroids and Reproductive health.

20-
80%

Fibroids can affect 20-80% of women, possibly impacting fertility.

3-
10%

Fibroids contribute to 3-10% of infertility cases.

70%

Submucosal Fibroids can decrease fertility by 70%.

50%

Intramural Fibroids can decrease fertility by 50%.

10-
25%

Fibroids can increase risk of miscarriage by 10-25%.

10-
5%

Fibroids can reduce pregnancy rates by 10-25%.

Sources: National Library of Medicine 1, 2, 3

Many women with Fibroids ask

"Will I still be able to start a family?"

The answer is often yes
Can women with Fibroids still conceive? The answer is often yes. While Fibroids present challenges, many treatments, including Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE), are focused on preserving fertility. If you’re considering pregnancy, it’s crucial to discuss your intentions with a healthcare provider. Dr. Mikhail Higgins can customize treatments to support both your desire to manage your Fibroids and your fertility goals, ensuring you receive care that aligns with your future plans.

 

Gentle Relief with Uterine Artery Embolization
Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE) is favored at The Bahamas Fibroid & Interventional Clinic for its dual benefits. It not only significantly reduces the distressing symptoms associated with Fibroids but also conserves the uterus, a critical advantage for women who aim to conceive. This method also provides a refreshing alternative for those concerned about having more invasive surgeries, like a hysterectomy, which conclusively ends the possibility of future fertility.

 

UAE: Supporting Your Fertility Journey
For women hesitant about surgical options that could impair their fertility, UAE emerges as a logical choice. It allows symptom relief while keeping the door open for future pregnancy. Even in cases where a woman is unable to have a viable pregnancy due to her Fibroids, UAE can often restore fertility in such women post-procedure. Our clinic prioritizes treatments like UAE that offer both effective symptom management as well as restoration of one’s reproductive potential, in turn increasing most women’s chances of pursuing motherhood.

Minimally Invasive Treatment

Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE)
is Minimally Invasive and Fertility-Conscious

Effective, Holistic, Non-surgical Fibroid Treatment Options for Women wanting to have a Family

 

At The Bahamas Fibroid & Interventional Clinic, Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE) offers a promising solution for women with Fibroids who wish to preserve their Fertility. Unlike surgeries like hysterectomy, which end fertility, UAE alleviates Fibroid symptoms while keeping the uterus intact. Dr. Higgins employs advanced, patient-centered techniques to ensure safety and minimize discomfort, making UAE a favorable option for managing Fibroids effectively.

  • Non-surgical approach: UAE is a minimally invasive procedure that doesn’t involve surgery, reducing the risks associated with traditional surgery.
  • Preserving the uterus: UAE aims to shrink the Fibroids by cutting off their blood supply, often preserving the uterus and its functionality.
  • Shorter recovery time: Compared to surgery, UAE has a considerably shorter recovery period. Individuals usually return to their daily activities sooner, in days versus weeks or months.
  • Resolution of symptoms: UAE can help alleviate and resolve symptoms associated with Fibroids, such as heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and pressure.
  • Less scarring: The procedure involves only a small incision which is usually the size of a grain of rice, resulting in minimal scarring compared to surgery.
  • Option for those who want to avoid hysterectomy: For individuals who wish to avoid a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus), UAE can be a refreshing alternative.
LEARN ABOUT UAE

Navigating Fertility Challenges with Fibroids

The Reality About Fibroids and Pregnancy Potential

INDIVIDUAL VARIABILITY

Every patient with Fibroids is different, and the impact on one’s fertility can vary from person to person. It’s crucial to have a thorough discussion with your treating interventional radiologist who specializes in Fibroid care, in order to understand the potential risks and benefits based on your specific condition. Generally Fibroids can distort the uterus, fallopian tube and embryo, impairing fertillity by it's impact on conception, implantation or the growth of the unborn fetus.

EFFECTS OF UAE ON FERTILITY

The UAE procedure aims to reduce and eliminate Fibroid symptoms, eliminating the need for major surgery. Like all procedures that treat Fibroids, there is a small implication on one’s fertility. This includes a minimal risk of affecting the blood supply to the ovaries if they are involved in providing blood supply to the Fibroids. Of note, this is a very low risk for most patients. Generally, fertility rates for patients treated with UAE mirror fertility rates for women based on age in the general population.

UAE IMPACT ON THE UTERUS

After undergoing Uterine Artery Embolization at The Bahamas Fibroid & Interventional Clinic, it is crucial that you allow your body and now Fibroid-treated uterus ample time to fully heal. Dr. Mikhail Higgins recommends that patients prioritize rest in the first week post-procedure. This helps to minimize complications by avoiding physically demanding activities, sexual intercourse, swimming, sitting in pools of water like bath tubs and jacuzzis, tampon use or heavy lifting. This in turn supports optimal recovery and the unlocking of each patient's remarkable treatment gains.

Dr. Mikhail Higgins: A Pioneer in Minimally Invasive Fibroid Treatment

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Chegera Pople

Michelle Sands

Nassau, The Bahamas

“Before visiting Dr. Higgins, I suffered for over 10 years with uterine Fibroids, experiencing severe cramps, heavy bleeding, stomach pains, and anemia. After a referral and consultation, Dr. Higgins recommended Bilateral Uterine Artery Embolization—a procedure that doesn’t require surgical incisions and offers a quick two-week recovery. The procedure went smoothly, and by the second week, I was already feeling fantastic. Six months later, my energy levels soared, and my periods became notably lighter, transforming my quality of life. I am immensely grateful to Dr. Higgins and his team for their exceptional care and support. Thank you for changing my life.”

Shaniska Hanna

Nassau, The Bahamas

“Battling Fibroids since 23, I faced worsening symptoms over the years. Initially advised to undergo a hysterectomy, I sought natural remedies and later, a myomectomy, which provided temporary relief. The symptoms returned, leading me to Dr. Mikhail Higgins in Nassau for a minimally invasive procedure, despite skepticism from my gynecologist. In my forties, post-procedure, my life has transformed: no more heavy bleeding or painful periods. I advocate for this treatment, highlighting my journey to freedom.”

Rochelle Moss

Nassau, The Bahamas

“In 2023, I endured excruciating stomach pain leading to a gallbladder removal and a fibroid diagnosis. After consulting with doctors, I underwent a less invasive Uterine Fibroid Embolization by Dr. Mikhail Higgins, addressing symptoms like heavy periods and bloating. The procedure significantly improved my quality of life, including lighter periods and reduced pain. I strongly recommend this treatment for fibroid sufferers, emphasizing the importance of following post-operative instructions for optimal recovery.”

Keeshan Fowler

Nassau, The Bahamas

“In December 2022, I had a Uterine Artery Embolization by Dr. Mikhail Higgins, a compassionate expert. His care and thoroughness throughout made the experience comforting. The procedure, enhancing convenience by being local, led to significant health improvements—easier periods, less cramping, and a smaller waist. Grateful for the life-changing results, I highly recommend Dr. Higgins for Fibroid issues and aim to raise awareness to help others.”

Asia Saunders

Nassau, The Bahamas

“Facing worsening Fibroids and severe discomfort, I sought treatment to avoid scarring from traditional surgery. In The Bahamas, Dr. Higgins offered an alternative solution, providing professional, empathetic care and a virtually scarless outcome. This transformative experience from consultation to recovery led to a significant improvement in my quality of life. Dr. Higgins is highly recommended for his ability to listen, understand, and deliver outstanding clinical results.”

Tamisha Knowles

Nassau, The Bahamas

“Thank you to Dr. Higgins and the entire team. To God be all the Glory. To all the women that will read this, I just want to encourage you to call Dr. Higgins at Family Medicine Center today and book a consultation. I promise you it will change your life forever. I did not have to get a hysterectomy that would have triggered early menopause.”

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Your Questions Answered

Frequently Asked Questions 
on Fibroids and Fertility

Can Fibroids prevent me from getting pregnant?

Many women with Fibroids can still conceive naturally. While Fibroids are present in 5-10% of patients that are infertile, they may be the sole reason for infertility in 1-2.4% of women. Fibroids may provoke miscarriages, the need for cesarean section, premature labor, malpresentation of the fetus, postpartum hemorrhage, abruption of the placenta as well as less common complications such as pelvic pain due to red or carneous degeneration of the fibroid, low Apgar (ie. wellness) scores in the neonate, renal failure, fetal limb anomalies, and hypercalcemia. As such, managing and treating Fibroids early and effectively is essential to minimize their impact on fertility and pregnancy outcomes.

Source:
Guo XC, Segars JH. The impact and management of fibroids for fertility: an evidence-based approach. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am. 2012 Dec;39(4):521-33. doi: 10.1016/j.ogc.2012.09.005.

Cook H, Ezzati M, Segars J, et al. The impact of uterine leiomyomas on reproductive outcomes. Minerva Ginecol. 2010;62:225–36.

What is the best Fibroid treatment if I want to preserve my fertility?

The literature demonstrates that the annual fertility rate for women intending to conceive after UAE is 62.5%, which compares favorably with the 40-61% fertility outcomes after myomectomy. 


Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29628616/

Torre A, Fauconnier A, Kahn V, Limot O, Bussierres L, Pelage J P. Fertility after uterine artery embolization for symptomatic multiple Fibroids with no other infertility factors. Eur Radiol. 2017;27(07):2850–2859. – https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00330-016-4681-z

Am I too old to manage Fibroids and still maintain fertility?

Fertility typically declines as you get older and is most compromised once you enter menopause. While you can manage Fibroids at any age it is usually recommended to treat them earlier in your premenopausal journey. Discuss your treatment options with your interventional radiologist.

After UAE, how soon can I try to conceive?

After undergoing Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE), it’s generally recommended to wait 3 to 6 months before trying to conceive to allow the uterus to heal.

Will I be able to have a natural birth if I have been treated for Fibroids?

It is possible to have a natural birth after being treated for Fibroids. This depends on your specific presentation, the type of surgery or procedure you have had in the past, and the size, location and the number of Fibroids successfully treated. A 2017 study in the journal Radiology noted that among 359 women with Fibroids who were previously unable to get pregnant, 149 were able to have a successful pregnancy after receiving a UAE. This study supported the understanding that UAE restores fertility in many women who are unable to become pregnant or bring their pregnancy to term because of their Fibroids.

Sources:
Spontaneous Pregnancy with a Live Birth after Conventional and Partial Uterine Fibroid Embolization (Published Paper)

Is UAE safe for women who still want to have children?

Yes, UAE is safe for women who still want to have children. The literature demonstrates that the annual fertility rate for women intending to conceive after UAE is 62.5%, which compares favorably with the 40-61% fertility outcomes after myomectomy. A 2017 study in the journal Radiology noted that among 359 women with Fibroids who were previously unable to get pregnant, 149 were able to have a successful pregnancy after receiving a UAE. However, given that fertility decreases with age, pregnancy outcomes post-UAE also decrease with age.

Source:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29628616/

Torre A, Fauconnier A, Kahn V, Limot O, Bussierres L, Pelage J P. Fertility after uterine artery embolization for symptomatic multiple Fibroids with no other infertility factors. Eur Radiol. 2017;27(07):2850–2859. – https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00330-016-4681-z

Spontaneous Pregnancy with a Live Birth after Conventional and Partial Uterine Fibroid Embolization (Published Paper)

What should I do if I'm pregnant and discover I have Fibroids?

If you discover you have Fibroids during pregnancy, monitor them closely with your healthcare provider to manage symptoms and assess any risks to your pregnancy.

Post pregnancy, you may consider a consultation with your Interventional Radiologist Fibroid specialist to explore minimally invasive non-surgical treatment for your Fibroids.

Do Fibroids affect fertility?
Book Your Fibroid Treatment
Consultation with Dr. Mikhail C.S.S. Higgins

If Fibroids are affecting your plans to start a family, The Bahamas Fibroid & Interventional Clinic is here to help. Under the expert guidance of Dr. Mikhail C.S.S Higgins, we specialize in treating Fibroids while preserving your fertility. Whether you’re ready to become a mother now or later, we’re committed to supporting your journey. If you have Fibroids, contact us today to see how we can help you restore or preserve your fertility and fulfill your dreams of motherhood.

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