Answer:

Uterine fibroids (uterine myomas) are benign growths originating from the muscular layer of the uterus, commonly found in women of reproductive age. Most fibroids do not develop into cancer and do not significantly affect the ability to conceive. However, in some cases, these growths can cause infertility, increase the risk of miscarriage, or impact quality of life. The decision to intervene depends on the fibroid's location, the degree of uterine cavity distortion, the patient's symptoms, and reproductive history.

Among these, submucosal uterine fibroids (types 0, one, two according to the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics - FIGO classification system) are the group most affecting fertility. Even if only two to three cm in size, these fibroids can cause menorrhagia, metrorrhagia, distort the uterine cavity, and hinder embryo implantation, thereby reducing the chance of conception or increasing the risk of early miscarriage. These cases often consider myomectomy before pregnancy or before undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Even if only two to three cm in size, these fibroids can cause menorrhagia, metrorrhagia, distort the uterine cavity, and hinder embryo implantation, thereby reducing the chance of conception or increasing the risk of early miscarriage. These cases often consider myomectomy before pregnancy or before undergoing IVF.

Intramural or subserosal uterine fibroids usually have less impact on pregnancy if they are small and do not distort the uterine cavity. Many women can still conceive naturally or have successful embryo transfers without surgery.

Master, Doctor Phan Ha Minh Hanh performs an ultrasound for a patient to find the cause of infertility. Photo illustration: IVF Tam Anh

For women undergoing infertility treatment, the decision to remove fibroids requires careful consideration. Surgery can improve the chances of pregnancy in appropriate cases, but it also carries risks such as uterine scarring, and even intrauterine adhesions, which can affect future pregnancies.

At the Assisted Reproduction Center, Tam Anh General Hospital - District 8, doctors thoroughly examine the uterine cavity using ultrasound and hysteroscopy when necessary. This determines the exact location, size of the fibroid, and its impact on embryo implantation, allowing for individualized treatment for each patient.

Not all cases of detected uterine fibroids require surgery. Doctors typically consider intervention when the fibroid distorts the uterine cavity, is large enough to affect the uterine space, causes prolonged menorrhagia leading to anemia, or compresses adjacent organs causing patient discomfort. For intramural fibroids, especially those 4-5 cm or larger with signs of affecting the uterine cavity, surgical indication is based on the patient's condition and family planning goals.

If you are diagnosed with a uterine fibroid during infertility treatment, you should discuss the fibroid's location, current symptoms, and family planning goals with your doctor. The ultimate goal is not to remove every fibroid, but to choose the most suitable treatment option that ensures safety and optimizes fertility.

Master, Doctor Phan Ha Minh Hanh

Assisted Reproduction Center

Tam Anh General Hospital - District 8