Exclusive: Doctor Explains How To Prepare Yourself For Pregnancy After Myomectomy In 40s, Risks And Benefits

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While it is true that fertility tends to decline with age, and pregnancy after 40 does carry an increased risk of complications, it is still possible to have a successful pregnancy.

If you are 40 and have had a myomectomy and are considering a baby, you are not alone. Many women in their 40s consider having a baby. With advances in fertility treatments and reproductive technologies, it is often possible for women in this age group to become pregnant successfully. While pregnancy after a myomectomy may carry a slightly higher risk of complications, it is still possible to have a healthy pregnancy and deliver a healthy baby.

Whether you are just starting to think about having a family or are actively trying to conceive, educating yourself and making informed decisions about your reproductive health is essential.

In an exclusive interview, Dr Hrishikesh Pai, Consultant Gynaecologist & Infertility specialist, Lilavati Hospital, Mumbai, and Fortis hospitals, shares the potential risks and benefits of pregnancy at this age, and the resources and support available.

What Is Myomectomy?

A myomectomy is a surgical procedure that removes fibroids, also known as uterine leiomyomas, from the uterus. Fibroids are benign (non-cancerous) tumors that can grow in the uterus and are common among women of reproductive age.

Myomectomies can be performed through various approaches, including laparoscopic surgery, abdominal surgery, and hysteroscopy surgery. The type of surgery chosen will depend on the size, location, number of fibroids, and the patient's overall health and fertility goals.
The goal of a myomectomy is to remove the fibroids whilst preserving the uterus so that the patient can potentially become pregnant in future. However this carries some risks which include bleeding, infection and a possibility of regrowing fibroids.

Pregnancy After Myomectomy In Your 40s
Seeking pre-pregnancy counseling to raise chances of a healthy pregnancy is the first step.

In addition, it may be helpful for women to receive preconception care which involves medical care and making lifestyle changes before becoming pregnant to increase the chances of a healthy pregnancy.

Factors That Affect Pregnancy After Myomectomy
Several factors can affect the success of pregnancy after a myomectomy. These factors include:

Type Of Myomectomy: The type of myomectomy performed can affect pregnancy outcomes. For example, women who have had a laparoscopic myomectomy may have a lower risk of complications than those who have had an abdominal myomectomy.

Number And Size Of Fibroids: Women who have had a more significant number or larger size of fibroids removed may be at a higher risk of complications.

Location Of Fibroids: Fibroids that are located within the uterine cavity (submucous fibroids) may be more likely to cause problems during pregnancy compared to fibroids that are located outside of the uterine cavity (subserosal fibroids).

Age: As mentioned earlier, fertility tends to decline with age, and pregnancy after 40 does carry an increased risk of complications.
Overall health: Women with other medical conditions, such as diabetes or hypertension, may be at a higher risk of complications during pregnancy.

Fertility Goals: Women of any age considering pregnancy after fibroids treatment should be prepared to receive additional treatment or procedures to increase chances of a successful pregnancy along with medical care and monitoring during pregnancy

Preparing For Pregnancy After Myomectomy

Here are a few things you can do to prepare for pregnancy after a myomectomy.

1. Follow your doctor's instructions: It is essential to follow your doctor's instructions for post-surgery care, including any medication and activity restrictions.

2. Get your body ready: Eat a healthy diet and get regular exercise to help prepare your body for pregnancy.
Discuss your concerns: If you have any concerns about your ability to get pregnant or the health of your pregnancy, be sure to discuss them with your doctor.

3. Consider fertility treatment: If you have difficulty getting pregnant after a myomectomy, your doctor may recommend fertility treatments
Lifestyle changes: Making healthy lifestyle changes, such as eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and reducing stress, can improve your overall fertility and increase the chances of a successful pregnancy.

4. Medications: Your doctor may prescribe prenatal vitamins to strengthen your body and other medications to help regulate your menstrual cycle and improve your chances of getting pregnant.

As every woman if different ,the best course of action will depend on your specific circumstances.

Success Rate Of Pregnancy After Myomectomy

1. It is difficult to give a general success rate for pregnancy after a myomectomy in women aged 40. Some of these factors include the woman's overall health, the presence of any underlying medical conditions, the number and size of the fibroids, the specific surgical technique used, and the woman's individual fertility.

2. In general, fertility tends to decline with age, and the chances of getting pregnant naturally decrease as a woman gets older. However, this decline is not a linear process, and many women in their 40s are still able to get pregnant naturally or with the help of assisted reproductive technologies.

What Are The Risks Associated With Advanced Maternal Age?

There are several risks associated with advanced maternal age, defined as being over 35. These include an increased risk of.

• Miscarriage: The risk of miscarriage increases with age, especially after age 40.
• Chromosomal abnormalities: The risk of chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down syndrome, increases with maternal age.
• Preterm birth: Women over 35 are more likely to have a preterm birth (before 37 weeks of pregnancy).
• Complications during pregnancy: Older mothers are more likely to have complications, such as gestational diabetes and high blood pressure.
• C-section: Women over 35 are more likely to have a c-section delivery. Nevertheless these risks can be mitigated with proper prenatal care.

Recovering from a myomectomy is a personal journey that encompasses physical healing, emotional adjustments, and lifestyle changes. By understanding what to expect and taking proactive steps towards recovery, you can navigate this period effectively. Remember to stay in close contact with your healthcare provider, seek support when needed, and focus on your long-term health. With the right approach, you can emerge from this experience stronger, with a renewed sense of well-being and prepare yourself for pregnancy.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.