Planning for a family is an exciting time, but it can also bring up questions about your reproductive health. If you have uterine fibroids, you might wonder how these noncancerous growths could affect your ability to conceive.
It's completely normal to feel anxious, but learning the facts can help you feel more confident.
At Desert Star Institute for Family Planning in Phoenix, Arizona, DeShawn Taylor, MD, FACOG, provides compassionate, personalized gynecologic care to help you navigate your fertility journey.
We’re here to help you understand your body and make informed decisions about your reproductive future. Our goal is to empower you with the resources and support you need.
The short answer is: Yes, you can absolutely get pregnant and have a healthy pregnancy if you have uterine fibroids.
The vast majority of women with fibroids conceive naturally and carry their pregnancies to term without needing any surgical treatment. These growths don't automatically mean you will face infertility.
Uterine fibroids are incredibly common muscular growths. The National Institutes of Health reports that between 20% and 80% of women develop these benign tumors by age 50. They are especially prevalent among Black women, who are two to three times more likely to develop them at younger ages.
While most women have normal pregnancies, the size, number, and location of the fibroids can sometimes create challenges.
These growths might alter the shape of your uterus or block your fallopian tubes, making it harder for an embryo to implant. In other cases, they might affect how the fetus grows.
During pregnancy, fibroids can sometimes grow larger due to increased hormone levels. This can occasionally lead to complications like localized pain, or increase the likelihood that you might need a cesarean delivery. That's why having a trusted team monitor your health is so important.
If you are struggling to conceive or have large fibroids that cause severe symptoms, you have several treatment options.
For women who want to preserve their fertility for future pregnancies, a surgical procedure called a myomectomy is often the preferred approach because it removes the fibroids while keeping the uterus intact.
We work closely with you to evaluate your symptoms, discuss your family planning goals, and design a personalized care plan. Whether you need close monitoring or a referral for specialized treatment, we support you at every step. We believe in providing patient-centered care that respects your timeline and choices.
You don't have to navigate your fertility questions alone. If you are planning a pregnancy or want to address symptoms like heavy bleeding or pelvic pain, we’re here to help. Contact our office in Phoenix, Arizona, today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Taylor.
