Can fibroids cause infertility?
Can fibroids cause infertility?
Nowadays several couples have encountered challenges with infertility. Both male and female factors are significant contributors to this issue, particularly in women where various factors can impact their ability to conceive and carry a healthy pregnancy. These factors include ovulation disorders, fallopian tube damage or blockage, pelvic adhesion, and endometriosis, an abnormal growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus. Notably, one of the primary causes of female infertility is uterine fibroids, benign growths in the uterus that can obstruct the fallopian tubes or hinder the implantation of a fertilized egg. Furthermore, the presence of large fibroids may restrict fetal growth due to limited space within the uterus.
If you have faced this challenge, you must visit the IVF hospital in Ludhiana to discuss your issues with the expert team. In this post, we will provide each and every detail about fibroids.
Know everything about fibroids and infertility
Uterine fibroid & its types
Uterine fibroids, also known as leiomyomas, are noncancerous growths consisting of uterine muscle and other tissues. They are commonly located in or around the uterus and occasionally in the cervix. There are three types of fibroids based on their location:
- Subserosal: Located in the outer wall of the uterus.
- Intramural: Situated in the muscular layers of the uterine wall.
- Submucosal: Found in the inner lining of the uterus and may extend into the uterine cavity.
Uterine fibroid- Causes
While the exact causes of uterine fibroids remain unclear, clinical research suggests that hormones, heredity, and obesity are significant factors to consider.
- Estrogen is essential for promoting the growth of the uterine lining in preparation for pregnancy during each menstrual cycle. This hormone appears to significantly contribute to the development of uterine fibroids.
- Additionally, the increased risk associated with obesity due to higher levels of circulating estrogen is also one of the causes of fibroids.
Uterine fibroid- Symptoms
- There are some cases where women with fibroids may not exhibit any symptoms. On the other hand, some women have severe symptoms that can be affected by the location, size, and quantity of fibroids.
- The main symptoms of uterine fibroids encompass heavy menstrual bleeding, the presence of menstrual clots, prolonged menstrual periods exceeding a week, pelvic pressure or abdominal discomfort during menstruation, irregular bleeding between menstrual cycles, and frequent urination.
Uterine fibroid- Complications
- Uterine fibroids are mostly considered a non-serious condition. However, if they are situated in specific locations or persist in growing larger, they can result in various complications such as impaired fertility, severe pelvic pain, and heavy bleeding leading to anaemia.
- Particularly in pregnant women, untreated fibroids may result in miscarriage, preterm delivery, fetal malpresentation, and postpartum haemorrhage.
Uterine fibroid- Diagnosis
- For the diagnosis of uterine fibroids at IVF hospital near me, experts recommended tests include a pelvic exam, lab tests, and imaging tests.
- Imaging procedures, such as abdominal ultrasound, vaginal ultrasound, and hysteroscopy, are utilized to detect any abnormalities in the uterus.
- During a hysteroscopy, a hysteroscope is inserted through the cervix into the uterus to allow for a thorough examination of the uterine walls and fallopian tube openings after the injection of saline to expand the uterine cavity.
- In some special cases, additional imaging tools like MRI may be necessary for a more comprehensive evaluation.
Uterine fibroid- Treatment
- Medications for uterine fibroids target hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle to address symptoms like heavy menstrual bleeding. While these medications do not eradicate fibroids, they may reduce their size.
- Laparoscopic gynecologic surgery is a minimally invasive technique that allows for the safe removal of uterine fibroids without the need for open surgery.
- This approach involves the use of specialized instruments, such as a laparoscope, to visually assess the gynecologic organs before precisely and safely removing the fibroids.
- The minimally invasive nature of laparoscopic surgery results in decreased pain, enhanced safety, and reduced post-operative complications, including infections, blood loss, and fibrosis formation.
After discussing the causes, symptoms, complications and treatment of uterine fibroids, the next question that comes to mind is—Can fibroids cause infertility.
The answer is the presence of fibroids may have various impacts on fertility, including
- Blockage of the fallopian tubes,
- Changes in cervix shape affecting sperm entry,
- Alterations in uterus shape hindering sperm movement or embryo implantation,
- Impact on uterine lining thickness,
- Disruption of blood flow to the uterine cavity.
Fibroids and pregnancy
- The presence of fibroids during pregnancy can potentially impact the growth and development of your baby, as well as your ability to carry the pregnancy to full term.
- Approximately 12% of women experience fibroids during pregnancy, with complications being rare. However, if fibroids do grow, it typically occurs in the first trimester.
- The growth of fibroids requires a consistent blood supply, which can deprive both the uterine lining and the developing baby of essential nutrients and oxygen.
- This may lead to the risk of miscarriage or pre-term labor. Additionally, larger fibroids can influence the positioning of the baby, potentially necessitating a Cesarean delivery.
Conclusion
Uterine fibroids are a common condition that can impact fertility in various ways. These include hindering the meeting of sperm and egg, preventing embryo implantation, disrupting pregnancy progression, and influencing fetal growth and positioning.
The approach to treatment of uterine fibroids is highly personalized, based on identifying individual symptoms. The decision of how to treat fibroids varies with the particular symptoms and their seriousness— it must be guided by a qualified healthcare provider.
If you have any doubts regarding this issue, we suggest you book an appointment with specialists at IVF hospital in Ludhiana.