Large fibroid - safe to get pregnant?

[rachelg1974]

I've been diagnosed with secondary infertility by CRGH in London. AMH is 0.8, all other levels are within range. I'm 42. I also have a large fibroid (13 x 13 cms approx) and have been referred to a specialist to find out whether I should have it removed before we continue trying or have any treatment. The doctor was pretty negative about our chances of conceiving (he didn't think IVF would work, 10% chance with insemination or natural cycle batching) and so suggested egg donation as our best option.

My son was conceived naturally after 3 months, only 2 years ago. The NHS did an ultrasound and HSG recently on the fibroid and said that it would not stop us conceiving or carrying a baby to term. I don't know if the private doctor was just being ultra cautious but he's basically telling us not to even try until we see a specialist in case it's dangerous for me to get pregnant. My fibroid has grown since my last pregnancy, when it was 11x12 cms.

Has anyone had experience of getting pregnant with a large fibroid? With my age I'm reluctant to wait to have it removed and go through recovery before we can try again. I can't decide if we're foolhardy to try this month, before we see the specialist. The HSG (which was only done last month) clears out your tubes, which increases chances of conception for the following 3 months, so each month really matters right now.

In terms of my AMH, are there any London clinics who specialise in low levels and might be more positive about my options? Also does anyone have experience of taking DHEA or any other supplements that might help increase my levels?

Thanks for reading such a long post and any advice would be much appreciated!

[Chattycat78]

I don't know anything about fibroids, but I do know that the lister in London specialises in treatment for people with low amh. Dhea has had a lot of positive things said about it- but it can't increase your amh levels- that's impossible. You need to be working on egg quality and I think dhea is meant to help with that, but it's had some negative side effects, so proceed with caution.

[PericardiumOne]

Is your fibroid inside or outside the uterus? Is it the only one?

In theory, you don't have to have a fibroid removed before you get pregnant. But you need to be aware that fibroids grow with oestrogen, so if/when you get pregnant it will grow more rapidly and after reaching a certain size (to be honest, yours is quite big really), they start degenerating because of insufficient blood supply.