Blocked tubes / fibroids

[VenusStarr]

I've been ttc for a year with no success so we've just started tests. I'm ovulating and my cd1-5 have all come back normal. However I had an ultrasound this morning and the sonographer saw multiple fibroids. He said mostly they are in places that wouldn't affect pregnancy but he said there may be some that could be obstructing my tubes. But the scan doesn't allow him to see the tubes in detail.

So although I have nothing definite, I am starting to think perhaps this could explain our lack of success. I'm guessing the next step is to see the GP to discuss and a likely referral to gynecology or would it be straight to fertility clinic? That was where we thought we'd head after the preliminary tests anyway. I'm 35 so don't have lots of time on my side. Still waiting for dh's sperm analysis on January.

Just wondered if anyone is going through similar or has experienced this?

[Clearthinking]

I believe they would like to remove the fibroids/polyps/endometriosis so you have a "clean slate". If they do that you could ask them to check tubes are open. So a lap and dye. Very straight forward op, improves fertility conception and they ask you to try for another 6 months if you are ovulating ok and partner sample ok

[VenusStarr]

Thank you for your reply @Clearthinking

[physicskate]

They may or may not suggest removing any fibroids. In many cases, it can do more harm than good (by increasing risk of uterine scarring or bursting in a resultant pregnancy).

They can check your tubes in one of several procedures. The risks of any procedure should not outweigh any possible rewards. A surgeon and fertility specialist are much better placed to make clinical decisions about this than us on mumsnet (who don't have access to all of your medical records.

[Clearthinking]

No problem. I'm in the same boat. 35 but been trying 3 years! Wish I hadn't suffered in silence. You should get refered to gynaecologist who will rule out everything you need to do. Good luck!

[VenusStarr]

Sorry to hear you're in a similar position @Clearthinking, it sucks. What's your next step?

Thanks @physicskate, I've booked to see the GP to discuss but can't get in until mid-January, then I have to wait for a gyne appt, plenty of thinking time and catastrophising! I think I want to be as prepared as possible. I've tried looking for nice guidance on this but it's not that clear. A lot of tube issues are actual blockages from fluid.

Am due to ovulate any day, so hopeful that if everything is OK with dh and it is a blockage then we could still bypass this issue with ivf as my hormone levels all seem OK and all that seems to work.

[physicskate]

That's what ivf was designed to do: bypass tubes.

Unfortunately, infertility = time.

[VenusStarr]

Thank you

[Botanica]

My consultant recommended removal to give IVF the best possible chance.

So I've had three resection surgeries before each round of IVF. Unfortunately each time they did grow back, most likely stimulated by the IVF drugs.

I've had all three types - on the outer wall, in the muscle and in the cavity. It's only really those in the cavity, near the tubes, or anything distorting the shape of the uterus that they are concerned about.

I was successful on my second round of IVF but the pregnancy hormones stimulated the fibroids again and it was possibly the cause of my miscarriage at 11 weeks.

I wish you better luck ahead! Remember many many people do fall pregnant and carry to term with fibroids, and most people don't even know they have them, unless they have the cause for a scan which shows them up.

Good luck with your next steps!

[VenusStarr]

Thank your for your message @Botanica, I am so sorry to hear of your miscarriage

I had a scan a few years ago and they found 2 small fibroids and at the time I was concerned about fertility but was dismissed. In just over a year off the pill I have grown multiple fibroids of significant size. I'm just hoping I can get to see a consultant soon. Everything seems to be taking a long time. Dh SA has been pushed back to March due to low staffing.

I have been looking into mild / limited meds ivf - I appear to be ovulating but I don't know the ins and outs so just guessing in the dark really.

Have you decided on your next steps? Sending gest wishes x

[cliffdiver]

Hi, I had/have multiple fibroids.

One of which was obstructing my cervix (iirc) meaning I would have been extremely unlikely to get pregnant.

Had an operation to remove it November 2010 and was told I could start TTC after first period. Period on 25 December 2010, started trying and DD1 was conceived mid Jan 2011.

I also have some in my cervix which could not be removed. I was monitored throughout both pregnancies and the fibroids were no problem.

Good luck

[VenusStarr]

Congratulations on your dd @cliffdiver :) Thank you for sharing. Glad to hear the fibroids didn't cause you an issue during your pregnancy

I just wish there was a window so we could know what is going on! I have had discomfort on my left side each month so wonder if the issue is on that side. I ovulated from my right ovary this month (could see on the scan) so there is a tiny part of me that is hopeful that I have a chance.

Thank you for the luck 🍀