Fibroids and Fertility: Can You Still Get Pregnant?

July is National Fibroid Awareness Month, a time to learn more about a common gynecological problem that’s still often subject to myth and misunderstanding. Uterine fibroids are one of the most common benign growths in women that may have no symptoms but can also cause pain, heavy bleeding, and, in some cases, infertility.

John A. Whitfield, MD, of Fort Worth, Texas, diagnoses and treats fibroids and their complications. This month, we’ll take a deeper look at the relationship between fibroids and fertility to help you understand your options.  

Fibroid basics

Uterine fibroids often grow in the walls of the uterus during women’s reproductive years. In many cases, you may have fibroids without knowing because they don’t always cause symptoms. 

Fibroids can, however, be the source of pelvic pain, heavy or irregular bleeding. Symptoms vary widely between women. They aren’t cancerous, and having fibroids won’t increase your chances of developing uterine cancer. 

When symptoms appear, these usually take the form of: 

• Painful periods that may last longer or occur more frequently
• Heavy menstrual flow
• Spotting between periods
• Feelings of pelvic pressure
• Urinary symptoms like frequent urges or problems passing urine
• Painful sex
• Constipation
• Growing lower abdomen

Fibroids may affect your ability to get pregnant, and this may happen even when you have no other fibroid symptoms. 

Can I still get pregnant with fibroids? 

In many cases, fibroids have no impact on your ability to become pregnant. Sometimes, though, fibroids can cause infertility or increase the risk of a difficult pregnancy. 

Submucosal fibroids, those that form just under the uterine walls and bulge into the uterus, are the most common type of fibroid to interfere with fertility and pregnancy. Fortunately, these only account for about 5% of all fibroids. Fibroids that are larger than about 2 inches in diameter are more likely to interfere with fertility. 

When fibroids affect fertility, they do so in several potential ways. 

• Limited blood flow: Fibroids can affect the blood supply to the uterine walls, preventing the implantation of an embryo
• Uterine lining changes: The size of the uterine cavity lining may be altered by the presence of fibroids
• Physical barriers: Fibroids can block fallopian tubes, preventing sperm or egg passage, or the shape of the cervix may alter, preventing the free passage of sperm

Treatment of fibroids depends on many factors and is usually decided on a case-by-case basis. Working with Dr. Whitfield and his team develops a clearer picture of how fibroids affect your ability to get pregnant, as well as how likely fibroids are to interfere with a pregnancy. 

For an evaluation and discussion of your treatment options, contact Dr. Whitfield’s office at 817-927-2229 to schedule your appointment with our Fort Worth office today.