Uterine Fibroids and Fertility Options at the Fertility Institute of Hawaii

Ask the Docs: Uterine Fibroids and Fertility from Fertility Institute of Hawaii on Vimeo.

Dr. John Frattarelli, Dr. Anatte Karmon, and Dr. Emily Goulet have evaluated and treated many women in Hawaii and elsewhere for uterine fibroids associated with infertility.  They have given several invited lectures detailing the current research and treatment options regarding uterine fibroids.

Uterine fibroids, also known as leiomyoma, are noncancerous growths that develop in or on the uterus.

Saline Sonohysterogram –a procedure where sterile water is placed into the cavity of the uterus while performing a transvaginal ultrasound.  This procedure is used to evaluate the size and location of uterine fibroids.

Uterine fibroids develop from the smooth muscle cells of the uterus and can grow inside or outside of your uterus. Fibroids can interfere with pregnancy in many ways. The ones that grow on the inside wall of your uterus can cause changes in the endometrial tissue, making it difficult for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterine wall. Fibroids that develop outside your uterus can interfere with pregnancy by compressing or blocking the fallopian tubes, thereby preventing the sperm from reaching the egg.

How fibroids are diagnosed

Your medical history and a pelvic exam are necessary in diagnosing fibroids. Listed below are tests that may also be used to confirm the diagnosis:

• Ultrasound – a scan that uses high frequency sound waves to detect fibroids in and around the uterus and cervix.
• Hysterosalpingogram – a procedure that uses x-rays and a special dye to detect fibroids on the inside of your uterus and to see if your fallopian tubes are open.
• Hysteroscopy – a procedure in which your doctor uses a narrow fiberoptic telescope inserted into the uterine cavity to look for and sometimes remove fibroids.
• Laparoscopy – a procedure in which your doctor uses a narrow fiberoptic telescope inserted through an incision near your navel to look for and sometimes remove fibroids.