For many people trying to conceive, a fibroid diagnosis can raise difficult questions and concerns. Fibroids, non-cancerous tumors that develop in or on the uterine walls, vary in size and number, so their effect on fertility is different from person to person.
In some cases, fibroids can impact conception by interfering with implantation, disrupting the uterine environment, or causing other reproductive symptoms. Recognizing the connection between uterine fibroids and fertility is a meaningful first step in your fertility journey and fibroid treatment.
Can Fibroids Cause Infertility?
Women can experience infertility due to fibroids, especially if the fibroids are large or growing in areas that impact the uterus or fallopian tubes. However, not all fibroids cause fertility issues, with the impact on infertility varying depending on the individual’s condition. A specialist can help determine if fibroids may be making it harder to conceive.
How Do Uterine Fibroids Affect Infertility?
There are multiple ways fibroids cause infertility, including:
- Fibroids may alter the cervix‘s shape, decreasing the amount of sperm entering the uterus.
- Fibroids may stretch and distort the uterus, interfering with egg fertilization or implantation.
- Fibroids can block the fallopian tubes.
Which Type of Fibroid Causes Infertility?
While not all types of fibroids cause infertility, their location and how they interact with the uterus can significantly influence conception and pregnancy.
There are three common types of fibroids with distinct characteristics and potential implications for reproductive health, making it important to understand how each can potentially play a role.
Submucosal Fibroids
Submucosal fibroids develop inside the uterine cavity, distorting the endometrial lining. These fibroids will most likely cause infertility due to their direct interference with:
- Preventing embryo implantation
- Causing irregular or heavy bleeding, reducing uterine receptivity
- Increasing the risk of miscarriage
Submucosal fibroids may also grow on a stalk, known as pedunculated fibroids, further affecting uterine function. Due to their direct impact on the uterine lining, submucosal fibroids are the primary types of fibroids that cause infertility.
Intramural Fibroids
Intramural fibroids form within the muscular layers of the uterine wall. While these uterine fibroids don’t always lead to infertility, they can still pose challenges by:
- Altering the shape of the uterus
- Disrupting blood flow to the endometrium
- Affecting implantation by changing the uterine environment
Larger intramural fibroids can also cause pain and abnormal menstrual cycles, although smaller intramural fibroids may not significantly impact fertility.
Subserosal Fibroids
Subserosal fibroids grow on the uterus’s outer wall, typically expanding outward, away from the reproductive organs. Since they don’t directly interfere with the uterine cavity or implantation, these fibroids rarely cause infertility. However, they might pressure nearby organs in cases where they grow significantly or become pedunculated, potentially causing discomfort or pregnancy complications.
Can You Still be Fertile with Fibroids?
Even if you have fibroids, it is still possible to be fertile and conceive naturally. Many women have had successful pregnancies, although this success varies from person to person. This variation is because the fibroid’s size and location significantly impact fertility. Additionally, fibroids may increase the risk of pregnancy complications, such as premature birth or the need for a C-section.
If you’re concerned about fibroids and fertility, consult a fibroid specialist. They can assess your symptoms to determine if treatment is recommended before pregnancy.
Diagnosing Uterine Fibroids & Infertility
Fibroids can be asymptomatic, so it is possible to have them without realizing it. If you experience pelvic pain, heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, frequent urination, or difficulty conceiving, it may be due to fibroids.
To assess uterine fibroids and their potential effects on infertility, specialists use imaging techniques, including:
- Ultrasound: Helps detect the size, location, and number of fibroids.
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Provides a more detailed view of fibroids, allowing fibroid specialists to determine their impact on the uterus and surrounding organs.
- Hysteroscopy: This involves inserting a thin, lighted scope into the uterus so the specialist can examine the uterine cavity for fibroids that may affect implantation.
Based on this assessment, the specialist will discuss your fibroid treatment options.
Can Removing Fibroids Cause Infertility?
Specific surgical procedures for fibroid removal, such as a myomectomy or hysterectomy, can cause infertility. However, there are other non-surgical treatments, such as uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), that help preserve fertility while still successfully treating uterine fibroids. Consult a fibroid specialist to determine the best path forward.
Fibroids and Miscarriage
Being pregnant with fibroids can increase the risk of complications during pregnancy, including miscarriage. As the uterus expands in the second and third trimesters, fibroids can press against the baby, which, in some cases, can cause a miscarriage.
Before trying to conceive, visit a fibroid specialist at USA Fibroid Centers for a screening to reduce the risk of these potential pregnancy complications. It is not possible to treat fibroids while pregnant, so it is best to treat them before trying to conceive.
Contact USA Fibroid Centers About Fertility and Fibroids
USA Fibroid Centers offers uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) at our nationwide clinics. This non-surgical procedure mitigates fibroid fertility issues, has a short recovery time, does not require a hospital stay, and provides lasting symptom relief.
If you’re concerned about fibroids and infertility, our specialists at USA Fibroid Centers can help. Contact us today to learn more about UFE by scheduling an appointment online or calling 855.615.2555.