The Ways That Uterine Fibroids Affect Fertility
Uterine fibroids, also known as leiomyomas or myomas, are non-cancerous growths that develop in or on the uterus and affect up to 70% of women by age 50. While often benign and symptomless, more severe cases can cause pain and significantly impact reproductive health, particularly fertility. For women trying to conceive, fibroids can cause a host of problems at every step of the way.
The ways that uterine fibroids affect fertility depend on their size, number, and especially their location within the uterus. The primary ways fibroids interfere with conception and pregnancy are:
They Can Change the Shape of the Uterus
Fibroids that grow inside the uterus can distort its shape. This can make it harder for a fertilized egg to implant or stay attached and may increase the risk of miscarriage and breech presentation.
They Might Block the Fallopian Tubes
Larger fibroids or those near the openings of the fallopian tubes can block the pathway between the egg and sperm, preventing fertilization.
They Can Thin or Weaken the Uterine Lining
Some fibroids affect the blood flow to the uterine lining, making it thinner or less healthy. This can reduce the chances of successful implantation.
They May Interfere With Natural Uterine Movements
The uterus makes gentle movements to help sperm reach the egg and to support early pregnancy. Fibroids can disrupt this process, especially if they grow in the muscle wall of the uterus.
They Can Increase the Risk of Miscarriage
Fibroids inside the uterine cavity are linked to a higher risk of early pregnancy loss, likely because they interfere with the embryo’s ability to implant and grow properly.
If you’re trying to conceive and have been diagnosed with fibroids, don’t panic. Not all fibroids cause problems, and many women with fibroids go on to have healthy pregnancies. Still, it’s worth discussing with your doctor to see if treatment could help improve your chances.
Fibroid Treatment with Fertility in Mind
One potential treatment for uterine fibroids is Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE), a minimally invasive procedure that works by blocking the blood flow to fibroids, causing them to shrink. UFE is an alternative to surgeries like hysterectomy or myomectomy and can provide significant relief from symptoms such as heavy bleeding and pelvic pain. While UFE does not significantly impair fertility, and may even improve fertility, there are also potential risks associated with UFE and pregnancy. If preserving or improving fertility is a top priority, it’s essential to talk with both a gynecologist and a fertility specialist to determine if UFE is the right option for your situation.
Memphis Vascular Center offers UFE for fibroids. If you’ve determined that UFE is right for you, or want to learn more about the procedure, please give us a call at 901-683-1890.
