Fibroids (affectionately called “fireballs” by some of my patients) are benign masses that inexplicably arise in the uterus. According to the Practice Committee of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine and the Society of Reproductive Surgeons, “fibroids occur in 20%–50% of reproductive-age women and can be identified by ultrasound.”
Fibroids (also known as uterine myomas) grow in the presence of estrogen and even progesterone. Thus, if fibroids are present, they will grow during the reproductive years. The Practice Committee states that “whereas most women with uterine myomas are asymptomatic, many may have significant symptoms, including pelvic and abdominal pressure or pain and excess bleeding.” If the fibroids grow large enough, they may also apply pressure upon surrounding organs such as the bladder or rectum.
According to the Practice Committee, only 2%–3% of infertility may be attributed solely to the effects of fibroids even though 5-10% of infertile women happen to have fibroids. The Practice Committee goes on to state that fibroids can adversely affect a woman’s fertility in many ways such as:
1. Displacement of the cervix that may reduce exposure to sperm
2. Enlargement or deformity of the uterine cavity that may interfere with sperm migration and transport
3. Obstruction of the proximal fallopian tubes
4. Altered tubo-ovarian anatomy, interfering with ovum capture
5. Increased or disordered uterine contractility that may hinder sperm or embryo transport or nidation
6. Distortion or disruption of the endometrium and implantation due to atrophy or venous ectasia over or opposite a submucous myoma
7. Impaired endometrial blood flow
8. Endometrial inflammation or secretion of vasoactive substances
If you suspect that you may have fibroids, contact your OB/Gyn. Your doctor may evaluate you using different techniques ranging from a physical exam to ultrasound to MRI. If you are found to have fibroids, your doctor will discuss with you all the options of therapy to remove the fibroid but to preserve your fertility.
Source: Fertility and Sterility, Volume 90, Issue 5, Page S125-30, November 2008, Authors: Practice Committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine.
Dr. Lowell Ku, M.D. is a leading Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility specialist at Dallas IVF, one the nation’s premiere infertility centers. Dr. Ku clarifies the many confusing terms used in the world of Infertility using straightforward explanations.
6 Comments
I had fibroids and had they removed three months ago. My OB/GYN explain to me that it will be hard to come out pregnant because my tubes are kind of clogged. I am looking for a specialist to help me come out pregnant I only have one child
Good luck to you, Evelyn! If you’d like to look through our directory, you can find it here: http://attainfertility.com/clinic
I have been diagnosed with infertility and have had 2 myomectomies to remove fibroids. The first surgery was in may of 2005, where my ob/gyn removed 34 masses from my ovaries and uterus. This was after having several miscarriages. My second surgery was in may 2009 were the fibroids tripled in number and size and I had to be reconstructed. My chances of becoming pregnant are none. I have scheduled a hysterectomy with my doctor in fear of the masses coming back and I don’t want to go through the recovery process of another surgery. I am only 35 years old….
Oh, Stacy, I’m so sorry. That’s just heartbreaking. ((hugs))
Evelyn,
I wish you the best. I recommend looking for an infertility doctor that you feel comfortable with. A great place to start looking for an infertility specialist is at Attainfertility.com
Lowell
Stacy,
I am sorry to hear about your fibroids. I wish you the best!
Lowell