I am starting a new thread because the last discussion about fibroids and IVF on Mumsnet was some time ago - this is my first post and I hope that is okay!
I have a large subserosal fibroid (7x7x6cm approx). I have undergone (unsuccessful) fertility treatment in the past and always received slightly mixed advice about whether I should have this fibroid removed before IVF or not. Because it is not inside the uterus doctors usually say it should not affect falling pregnant/embryo implantation and because of my age I should not delay treatment by having surgery to get it removed.
On the other hand, because it is quite large, specialists often begin their initial consult by noting its size and saying 'you might want to have a myomectomy' and when I ask why, they say that during pregnancy there is no way of knowing if the fibroid will grow or move and in theory this could cause pain or complications. Then again, it could be fine. I know it means a c-section would likely be necessary and I don’t care about that. What I do care about is it causing a miscarriage or excruciating pain in late pregnancy.
I understand these specialists cannot see into the future but in general gynecological surgeons seem to be pro surgery and fertility specialists seem more reluctant to say one way or another. Of course both parties have a different stake in the approach taken in terms of their speciality and the financial side of things.
As life would have it, I am due to have another round of fertility treatment in late May/early June, and I just received notice of the myomectomy scheduled for mid April, after being on the NHS waiting list for a year. I joined the wait list because the doctor said it was so long it will give me plenty of time to decide what to do following advice. I am trying to get said advice but it is proving surprisingly tricky.
At the end of the day I want to do what will support a positive IVF outcome and I cannot tell if that means having the surgery or not. I am also finding it hard to learn how long I would need to wait to have assisted fertility treatment if I do go ahead with the myomectomy. My instinct is not to go messing about with surgery before IVF treatment but I would rather make my decision on something more concrete!
If anyone has any insight, experience or advice about this I would be very grateful to hear it!
With thanks in advance x