The Relationship Between Uterine Fibroids and Infertility
Uterine fibroid symptoms can be disruptive, painful, and exhausting. They can cause intense cramping, lengthy menstrual periods, bloating, and even changes to your physical appearance. However, one of the most distressing complications of fibroids is infertility.
At Dallas Fibroid Center, our compassionate team of specialists understands the devastating impact of fibroid tumors, particularly when building a family.
Fortunately, there are highly effective, advanced treatment solutions that not only resolve fibroid symptoms but also preserve the uterus and enhance your chances of achieving a successful pregnancy.
If you’re experiencing fibroid symptoms, have fertility challenges, or have been diagnosed with uterine fibroids, it is critically important to review all possible treatment options. If fibroids are inhibiting your fertility, there are advanced procedures that deliver excellent outcomes.
Let’s take a look at the connection between fibroids and infertility.
What is Infertility?
According to the CDC, a person is considered infertile if they are unable to achieve pregnancy after engaging in unprotected sex for more than one year.
Because successful conception involves numerous stages, any disorder or abnormality can inhibit pregnancy. Approximately 1 in 5 women in the United States between ages 15 and 49 struggle with fertility. From 5% to 10% of fertility-challenged women were diagnosed with uterine fibroids.
While not the most common cause of infertility, fibroids may contribute.
Can Uterine Fibroids Cause Infertility?
In some cases, yes.
Many women experiencing fibroids can achieve healthy pregnancies. However, women with large or numerous fibroid tumors can have difficulties conceiving due to several potential issues, including:
- Blockage of fallopian tubes
- Changes in uterine cavity size
- Changes in cervical shape, an issue that can influence the volume of sperm that can access the uterus
- Changes in the shape of the uterus that can impact the egg’s ability to attach to the sperm and adhere to the uterine wall
- Reduction in blood flow to the uterus, causing difficulties for the embryo to attach to the wall of the uterus
Before attempting pregnancy, you should speak with a reproductive specialist if you have been diagnosed with fibroids or are experiencing fibroid-like symptoms.
UFE: An Innovative Medical Intervention for Fibroid-Related Infertility
When dealing with infertility caused by fibroids, new medical treatments offer hope for success.
One common option is uterine fibroid embolization (UFE). This non-surgical method helps with fibroid symptoms and reduces fibroid size without invasive surgery.
Many women who've had UFE have gone on to have successful pregnancies. If you hope to become pregnant after treating fibroids, it's essential to talk with a fertility or fibroid specialist to explore all your options carefully.
Advanced Fibroid Treatment in Dallas
At Dallas Fibroid Center, we recognize the detrimental effects fibroids can have on fertility.
There is a solution for fibroids. Talk to a fibroid specialist about your uterine health and learn whether fibroid treatment is right for you.
For more information about fibroid care or to book an appointment, please contact us today.
