Can Fibroids Cause Infertility in Women?
Fibroids are typically harmless, non-cancerous growths that can develop in places like the uterus.
Many women have Fibroids, but they remain unaware.
After developing Fibroids, pregnancy can be bothersome in some cases.
Most women with Fibroids can have children.
But can Fibroids cause infertility?
According to a study published by NLM, 5 to 10 percent of women who have been diagnosed with fertility issues are affected by Fibroids.
This article explores whether Fibroids are possibly causing infertility in these women, and if yes, how and ways to get pregnant with Fibroids.
Do Fibroids cause infertility
Fibroids are one of the common, though not widespread, causes of infertility in women.
They can heavily affect the chances of pregnancy in some, particularly when they are located in specific areas.
The different types of Fibroids that can cause infertility are:
- Submucosal Fibroids: These are the most likely types to cause complications during implantation and pregnancy, as they develop within the uterine cavity. They can reduce fertility outcomes by affecting delivery rates by as much as 70% and interfere with normal embryo implantation
- Intramural Fibroids: Occurring within the uterine wall, these may also have an uncertain effect on fertility. However, removing or shrinking intramural Fibroids or reducing the uterine peristalsis (rhythmic contraction and relaxation of the uterine muscles) may improve pregnancy rates
- Subserosal Fibroids: These are located outside the uterus and are less likely to affect fertility. However, their location may cause a miscarriage
Can uterine Fibroids cause infertility
Uterine Fibroids are the most prevalent tumor in women and are frequently found in patients with infertility.
Uterine Fibroids are composed of muscle tissue that protrudes from the uterine wall.
When a fibroid reaches a significant size, it can alter the uterus’s structure and impact the cervix.
Although a single fibroid is possible in certain instances, most women encounter multiple Fibroids.
Some Fibroids may penetrate the uterine cavity, although most stay attached to the uterine wall.
Uterine Fibroids can cause infertility, particularly when they are located in specific areas, such as Submucosal Fibroids, which grow from the muscle wall into the cavity of the womb.
These Fibroids are the most common type to affect a woman’s chances of conceiving and are sometimes associated with recurrent miscarriages due to Fibroids.
Therefore, any Fibroids can make it impossible to get pregnant, but submucosal Fibroids are most likely to make it hard to implant and get pregnant.
You can try using ovulation tests to predict fertile days, which might help facilitate attempts at pregnancy.
How do Fibroids cause infertility
Typically, Fibroids only affect fertility if they invade the uterine cavity or grow to a significant size.
Uterine Fibroids can cause infertility through several mechanisms:
- Blocking fallopian tubes: Submucosal Fibroids, which grow into the uterine cavity, can block the fallopian tubes, making it harder for a fertilized egg to reach the uterus
- Impairing sperm transport: Fibroids can alter the shape of the uterus and cervix, which can affect the movement of sperm and embryos
- Reducing embryo implantation: Fibroids can alter the size and form of the uterine cavity, affecting the ability of an embryo to implant
- Affecting blood flow to the uterine cavity: Fibroids can decrease blood flow to the uterine cavity, which can reduce the ability of an embryo to implant or develop
Can removing Fibroids cause infertility
Getting rid of Fibroids can actually make you more fertile, so surgery is a choice for getting a healthy pregnancy.
For some women, removing Fibroids with uterus-sparing treatments may improve fertility.
However, any uterus-sparing technique has the potential for fibroid recurrence.
It is critical to consult a reproductive endocrinologist (fertility specialist) to rule out other causes of infertility.
Tips on getting pregnant with Fibroids
Consider these lifestyle changes that may help increase the chances of getting pregnant with Fibroids:
- Maintaining a healthy weight: Obesity can negatively impact hormone levels and may lead to irregular ovulation. Exercising regularly, including fiber-rich, unprocessed foods, consume foods low in saturated fat may help in weight regulation
- Quitting or limiting alcohol consumption: Quitting or limiting alcohol consumption can be beneficial when trying to get pregnant with Fibroids. Alcohol can impact fertility and pregnancy, so reducing or eliminating alcohol intake may improve your chances of conceiving
- Limiting caffeine: Limiting caffeine intake can be beneficial when trying to get pregnant with Fibroids. High levels of caffeine have been linked to pregnancy complications, such as low birth weight and miscarriage, so it’s advisable to reduce your daily caffeine intake
- Practicing stress management techniques: Too much stress can affect fertility. Reduce stress through relaxation techniques like Yoga or Tai-chi to alleviate fibroid symptoms
- Prioritizing quality sleep:Poor sleep can affect physical and mental health and may also affect fertility. Sufficient rest is essential to reduce stress and fatty acid levels linked to fibroid growth
It’s important to note that these lifestyle changes alone may not be enough to help you conceive if you have Fibroids.
In some cases, treatment may be necessary, along with things like eating foods that shrink Fibroids.
Consult your doctor to determine the best course of action for your situation.
What is the uterine Fibroids infertility treatment
Fibroids only need to be treated if it is proven that they are making it impossible to get pregnant.
Fibroids infertility treatment can help couples achieve pregnancy successfully after a diagnosis.
Treatment options for Fibroids and infertility include:
- Medications: Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) agonists can be used to shrink Fibroids. Low-dose birth control pills and Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) may help control menstrual bleeding and relieve pain
- Myomectomy: This surgical method removes the Fibroids while keeping the uterus, making it a popular option for women who want to protect their fertility.
- Minimally invasive treatments: These include uterine artery embolization, focused ultrasound surgery, and radiofrequency ablation. They are linked with faster recovery times and fewer complications compared with traditional open surgery
- Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART): For women with infertility due to Fibroids, ART such as In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) may be considered to improve the chances of conception
Conclusion
While most women with Fibroids can conceive children, Submucosal Fibroids are more likely to create difficulties during implantation and pregnancy.
These types of Fibroids can reduce fertility by as much as 70% and interfere with normal embryo implantation.
Intramural Fibroids, which occur within the uterine wall, may also have an uncertain effect on fertility.
However, removing Fibroids can improve pregnancy rates.
Fibroids can cause infertility through several mechanisms, such as blocking fallopian tubes or reducing embryo implantation.
It is important to consult a reproductive endocrinologist to rule out other causes of infertility before undergoing any treatment.
Potential treatment options include medications, Myomectomy, minimally invasive procedures, and Assisted Reproductive Technology.
Furthermore, lifestyle adjustments such as keeping a healthy weight, stopping smoking, and limiting alcohol and caffeine intake may enhance the likelihood of becoming pregnant with Fibroids.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Fibroids make you infertile?
Whether or not Fibroids can cause infertility depends on various factors, including their size, number, and location within the uterus. Fibroids affect fertility differently in each woman. Some women may have no issues despite having Fibroids, while others may experience difficulty conceiving or maintaining a pregnancy.
Which Fibroids cause infertility?
Submucosal Fibroids are the type of Fibroids that most commonly cause infertility. They grow into the uterine cavity and can distort the shape of the uterus, interfering with normal embryo implantation and reducing fertility. Intramural Fibroids, which develop in the uterus’ muscle wall, can also affect fertility.
Can Fibroids be treated without affecting fertility?
Yes, treatment options for Fibroids exist that aim to preserve fertility. Minimally invasive procedures like myomectomy or uterine artery embolization can remove Fibroids while preserving the uterus for future pregnancies.
How can women with Fibroids manage their symptoms?
Women with Fibroids can control their symptoms by altering their lifestyle to include regular exercise, stress management, and weight maintenance. Medications may also be prescribed to help regulate hormones and reduce fibroid size.
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