Once you’ve been diagnosed with uterine fibroids, your first question might be, “Can fibroids cause infertility?” Because the location of your uterine fibroids may be a factor, it’s important to recognize the symptoms of uterine fibroids so you and your doctor can decide on a treatment plan.
If you are experiencing fertility issues, keep an eye out for these common signs of fibroids:
- Heavy and prolonged menstruation between or during your periods
- Anemia, which can lead to fatigue
- Pain during intercourse
- Frequent urination
- Constipation and/or bloating
- Pain in your pelvis or lower back
- Increased menstrual cramping
- Stomach swelling
Your next question may be, “Can removal of fibroids cause infertility?”
The answer to this questions depends on the method of fibroid treatment you choose. At USA Fibroid Centers, you have options. We’ve got answers to all your questions about uterine fibroids, fibroids and infertility, and fibroid treatment.
Can Fibroids Cause Infertility?
You may be concerned that fibroids cause infertility. The vast majority of women with fibroids are able to get pregnant and deliver a healthy baby. So, although it is possible for fibroids to impact fertility, this is not a common issue. Beyond that, infertility due to fibroids is rarely permanent. However, here’s why it may be a problem for some.
Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that form in your uterus. Also known as myomas or leiomyomas, fibroids come in different shapes, sizes, and locations. Some women may only have one fibroid, while others have many. There are also different types of fibroids based on where they’re found in the uterus or cervix.
Fibroid location is what determines whether infertility can occur. The types include:
- Subserosal: Found in the outer wall of the uterus
- Intramural: Found in the muscular layers of the uterine wall
- Submucosal: Found in the uterine cavity
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. Fortunately, we offer a better treatment option that can relieve your fibroid symptoms while allowing your fertility to be preserved.
Fibroid Tumors Infertility Treatment
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 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 with 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 send you on your way towards a fertile future. We look forward to helping you!