Can Uterine Fibroids Cause Infertility? I Golden Gate KL Fertility Center

Introduction

Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in the muscle tissue of the uterus. While many women experience uterine fibroids without any noticeable symptoms, for others, fibroids can cause complications, including infertility. If you are dealing with uterine fibroids and are concerned about your fertility, it is essential to understand the different types of fibroids, their symptoms, treatment options, and the potential impact on fertility and pregnancy. At Golden Gate KL Fertility & Gynaecology Centre, our experts at Golden Gate KL Fertility Center can guide you through understanding uterine fibroids and how they affect your chances of conceiving.

Types of Uterine Fibroids and Their Impact on Fertility

Uterine fibroids can vary in size, number, and location. The main types of fibroids include:

1. Submucosal Fibroids
   These fibroids develop just beneath the lining of the uterine cavity and can distort the shape of the uterus. Submucosal fibroids are the most likely to affect fertility since they can block the fallopian tubes or interfere with embryo implantation.
2. Intramural Fibroids
   Located within the muscular wall of the uterus, intramural fibroids can impact fertility by changing the shape of the uterus, potentially causing difficulty in sperm reaching the egg or disrupting embryo implantation.
3. Subserosal Fibroids
   These fibroids grow on the outer layer of the uterus and typically don’t interfere directly with fertility unless they become large enough to affect the uterine cavity or other surrounding organs.
4. Pedunculated Fibroids
   These fibroids are attached to the uterus by a stalk, and they can cause fertility issues if they obstruct the fallopian tubes or uterine cavity.

The type, size, and location of fibroids are critical factors in determining whether they will impact fertility. However, it’s important to note that not all fibroids cause infertility, and many women with fibroids can conceive successfully.

Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids

While some women with uterine fibroids experience no symptoms, others may have the following:

• Heavy menstrual bleeding or prolonged periods
• Pelvic pain or pressure
• Pain during intercourse
• Urinary issues (e.g., frequent urination or difficulty emptying the bladder)
• Constipation
• Lower back pain

Even in the absence of these symptoms, fibroids can still impact fertility, particularly if they alter the shape of the uterus or obstruct the fallopian tubes.

Treatment Options for Uterine Fibroids

If uterine fibroids are diagnosed and are causing fertility issues, there are several treatment options to consider:

1. Medications
   Hormonal treatments can be prescribed to reduce the size of fibroids or manage symptoms. However, these do not remove fibroids and are usually a temporary solution.
2. Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)
   This minimally invasive procedure involves blocking the blood supply to fibroids, causing them to shrink. UFE is effective for symptom relief but may not be the best option for women trying to conceive, as it may affect the uterine lining.
3. Myomectomy
   A myomectomy is a surgical procedure in which fibroids are removed from the uterus. This option is recommended for women who wish to preserve their fertility. It is important to work with an experienced fertility specialist to ensure the procedure is done safely and effectively.
4. Hysterectomy
   In extreme cases, when other treatments are not successful or if a woman has completed her family, a hysterectomy may be recommended. This procedure removes the uterus entirely, which obviously eliminates the possibility of pregnancy.

Your fertility specialist at Golden Gate KL Fertility Center can help determine the best treatment option based on the type and location of your fibroids and your fertility goals.

Fertility After Uterine Fibroid Treatment

The impact of uterine fibroid treatment on fertility depends on the type of treatment used. If a woman undergoes a myomectomy to remove fibroids, her fertility may improve, especially if the fibroids were obstructing the fallopian tubes or altering the shape of the uterus. However, the recovery time and success rates vary from patient to patient. Most women can conceive after myomectomy, although there may be an increased risk of miscarriage or preterm labor.

Women who undergo less invasive procedures, like UFE, may face challenges with pregnancy, as the treatment can affect the uterine lining. It’s crucial to consult with your fertility doctor at Golden Gate KL Fertility & Gynaecology Centre for tailored advice on improving your chances of conceiving.

Pregnancy After Uterine Fibroid Treatment

After fibroid treatment, many women are able to conceive and carry a pregnancy to term. However, pregnancy with uterine fibroids can be more complicated than in women without fibroids. Depending on the size and location of the fibroids, pregnancy risks may include:

• Miscarriage
• Preterm labor
• Breech presentation
• Placental abruption

Close monitoring by a fertility specialist, especially at Golden Gate KL Fertility Center, is essential for women who are pregnant after fibroid treatment. Regular ultrasounds and assessments will ensure the pregnancy is progressing healthily.

Pregnancy with Uterine Fibroids

Women who are already pregnant but have uterine fibroids may experience complications, such as:

• Pain or pressure from the fibroids
• Heavy bleeding during early pregnancy
• Risk of preterm delivery
• Problems with the positioning of the baby (e.g., breech position)

However, many women with fibroids are able to carry their pregnancy to full term with proper care and monitoring. Fertility experts at Golden Gate KL Fertility & Gynaecology Centre can provide support for managing these challenges.

Multiple Fibroids vs. Single Fibroid

Women with multiple fibroids are more likely to experience fertility problems than those with a single fibroid. This is because multiple fibroids can distort the shape of the uterus, block fallopian tubes, or create an unfavorable environment for embryo implantation. However, some women with multiple fibroids may still be able to conceive naturally with the right treatment and care.

Endometrial Thickness

The endometrium, or the lining of the uterus, plays a crucial role in supporting embryo implantation. If fibroids grow inside the uterine cavity or affect the blood supply to the uterus, they can cause a thinning or thickening of the endometrial lining. A thin endometrium can reduce the chances of successful implantation. However, as long as the fibroids are not directly affecting the uterine cavity, many women can still conceive and carry a pregnancy to term.