Hi Judie,

I have two children. My first pregnancy and delivery were completely normal, as was my second pregnancy. However, 2 weeks before my second child was born I learned that I had a superficial benign myxoid tumor in my birth canal, which was removed 6 weeks post-partum. My OB-GYN said that it was a rare situation.

My second child is now almost 3.5 years old and I am incredibily hesistant about having another child, in fear that the tumor would not only re-appear but perhaps earlier in the pregnancy which would alter the course of the pregnancy. I broached this topic with my OB-GYN and he said that while he would be cautious during the pregnancy, that it would be impossible to fortell the future and whether a new one would appear.

Is this a time when NFP should be exercised for the duration of our child-bearing years? Thank you.

Dear Lucia

I asked Anthony Dardano, M.D. to respond to your question and following is his advice:

Myxoma or myxoid tumors are benign growths which when removed usually do not recur. They are very uncommon and are seen in the lower female genital tract as well as other places in the body (cardiac myxomas for example). Since yours was removed and I presume benign (as they almost always are) I would simply forget about it. Even if it did recur it simply would be re-excised. I doubt very much if it could interfere with the birth process. Remember also that if and when the natural birth canal is compromised for whatever reason, Cesarean section would by-pass the problem entirely. My best advice, put this in the back of your mind. Both you are your physician are cognizant of your history and that's all that is necessary. Should you and your husband wish to have another child, don't let this in any way interfere with your wishes for it most likely will not present any problem.

May God bless you.

Anthony N Dardano, MD, FACOG, FACS

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