A uterine fibroid diagnosis can cause concerns and questions. One of which may be, “what are they?” Uterine fibroids, also called leiomyomas, are benign tumors that develop on the interior or exterior of the muscular uterine wall. Their size ranges from barely perceptible to the size of a melon. Leiomyomas may grow singularly or in clusters.
The size and location of fibroids determine how they will affect pregnancy. Our fibroid specialists can determine if your uterine leiomyomas are preventing conception.
The three most common types of fibroids are:
- Subserosal – Located on the outer wall of the uterus and can be attached by a stalk, called pedunculated
- Intramural – Develop within the muscular layers of the uterine wall
- Submucosal – Grows in the uterine cavity and can also have a stalk
Can Fibroids Cause Infertility?
If you are concerned about family planning, you may wonder if fibroids can interfere with conception. Approximately five to ten percent of women experiencing issues with fertility have fibroids.
There are multiple ways uterine fibroids can reduce fertility. The shape of the cervix can be altered by fibroids growing near it. A misshapen cervix will decrease the amount of sperm successfully entering the uterus. Fibroids can also stretch and distort the uterus, impacting the landscape of the lining, which can interfere with sperm successfully fertilizing an egg or preventing a fertilized egg from implanting. The tumors can also block fallopian tubes.
How Can Fibroids Cause Infertility?
Infertility due to fibroids depends on how and where your fibroids are growing. Many women who have uterine fibroids go on to become pregnant, while others may face difficulty. For example, submucosal fibroids can disrupt implantation and embryo growth, which may lead to infertility or pregnancy complications.
Other ways fibroid tumors can lead to infertility include:
- Changing the shape of your cervix, allowing less sperm to enter
- Changing the shape of the uterus that blocks the movement of sperm or an embryo
- Blocking fallopian tubes
- Impacting the size of the uterine cavity lining
- Reducing blood flow to the uterine cavity, which then won’t allow an embryo to implant
Can Removal of Fibroids Cause Infertility?
You may be concerned that treating your fibroids may also affect your fertility. Unfortunately, many women are told that hysterectomy –– the surgical removal of the uterus –– is their only treatment option. Because hysterectomy results in permanent infertility, it’s not a good option for women that want to get pregnant. USA Fibroid Centers offer a better treatment option that can relieve your fibroid symptoms while allowing your fertility to be preserved.
Infertility Treatment For Fibroid Tumors
At USA Fibroid Centers, we believe that women shouldn’t have to choose between preserving their fertility and treating painful fibroid symptoms. Many of our patients have told us that they avoided seeking fibroid treatment because they didn’t want to go through invasive fibroid surgery like a hysterectomy or myomectomy.
Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is a non-surgical, outpatient procedure that shrinks fibroids, thus alleviating uncomfortable symptoms. UFE can be used to treat fibroids that may be affecting your fertility. Our specialists are experienced in handling fibroid-related fertility issues.
UFE only takes 30-45 minutes and is performed as an outpatient procedure. It involves less risk than fibroid surgery. You can go home the same day and resume normal activities within one to two weeks.
Contact USA Fibroid Centers
If you are concerned about fibroids and infertility, we encourage you to contact USA Fibroid Centers to learn more about Uterine Fibroid Embolization. Our experts can treat your fibroids and assist in your family planning goals.