Can You Get Pregnant if You Have Fibroids?

Understanding Fibroids and Their Types

Fibroids vary in size, location, and number. Some women may have small, symptomless fibroids, while others experience larger or multiple fibroids that lead to more pronounced symptoms. The location of a fibroid in the uterus is critical in determining whether it will affect fertility or pregnancy outcomes. There are three main types of fibroids based on their location:

• Subserosal Fibroids: These grow on the outer surface of the uterus and generally do not interfere with pregnancy, as they do not affect the uterine cavity where the baby develops.
• Intramural Fibroids: These develop within the muscular wall of the uterus. Depending on their size and placement, they can sometimes cause problems by distorting the uterine cavity or affecting the blood flow to the lining of the uterus, which is critical for implantation and pregnancy maintenance.
• Submucosal Fibroids: Located just beneath the lining of the uterine cavity, these fibroids have the most significant impact on fertility. They can alter the shape of the uterine cavity, leading to implantation problems or increasing the risk of miscarriage.

How Fibroids Affect Fertility

Fibroids can interfere with fertility in several ways, depending on their size, location, and the extent of distortion in the uterine anatomy. Here’s how fibroids might affect conception:

• Blocked Fallopian Tubes: Large fibroids can block or distort the fallopian tubes, preventing the egg from reaching the uterus or stopping sperm from reaching the egg for fertilization.
• Disrupted Blood Flow: Fibroids, especially intramural and submucosal types, may disrupt the blood supply to the uterine lining. This can affect the implantation of a fertilized egg, reducing the chances of conception.
• Changes in Uterine Shape: Submucosal fibroids may distort the uterine cavity, making it more challenging for an embryo to implant successfully. Even if implantation occurs, the irregular shape can lead to early pregnancy loss or complications during pregnancy.
• Hormonal Imbalances: Although fibroids are not directly responsible for hormonal changes, they can be linked to higher estrogen levels, which may impact ovulation and overall reproductive health.

Despite these potential complications, many women with fibroids can conceive naturally, especially when the fibroids are small or located in areas that do not significantly interfere with reproductive function.

Can You Get Pregnant with Fibroids?

The answer is yes—many women with fibroids can and do get pregnant. However, the ability to conceive and carry a pregnancy to term largely depends on the size, number, and location of the fibroids, as well as the individual’s overall health and reproductive history.

For some women, fibroids may pose minimal to no threat to fertility. In these cases, pregnancy may proceed without significant complications. For others, fibroids can cause more serious fertility issues or pregnancy complications, such as:

• Difficulty Conceiving: Fibroids that block the fallopian tubes or interfere with the uterine lining can make it more difficult for a woman to conceive.
• Increased Risk of Miscarriage: Women with submucosal fibroids, in particular, may have a higher risk of miscarriage due to the changes in the shape and function of the uterine cavity.
• Preterm Birth: Fibroids can increase the risk of preterm labor by causing uterine contractions or reducing the space available for the growing baby.
• Placental Issues: In some cases, fibroids can interfere with the placement or function of the placenta, increasing the risk of placental abruption (when the placenta separates from the uterine wall before birth) or placenta previa (when the placenta covers the cervix).

Fibroids and Pregnancy Complications

While many women with fibroids experience uneventful pregnancies, others may encounter complications due to the presence of fibroids. Some of the most common pregnancy-related complications may include:

• Pain: As the uterus grows during pregnancy, fibroids may also increase in size due to hormonal changes, leading to pelvic pain or discomfort. Fibroids can outgrow their blood supply, causing degeneration and significant pain.
• Restricted Fetal Growth: Large fibroids, especially those located inside the uterine cavity, can restrict the amount of space available for the baby to grow, leading to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).
• Abnormal Fetal Positioning: Fibroids may cause the baby to settle in an abnormal position, such as breech, which can complicate delivery and increase the chances of needing a cesarean section (C-section).
• Postpartum Hemorrhage: Women with fibroids may be at higher risk for excessive bleeding after childbirth due to the uterus not contracting properly.

The Outlook for Women with Fibroids

While fibroids can complicate pregnancy in some cases, many women with fibroids go on to have healthy pregnancies and babies. Early diagnosis, proper management, and discussing treatment options with a healthcare provider can help improve pregnancy outcomes for women with fibroids.

For those experiencing fertility challenges due to fibroids, seeking the advice of a reproductive specialist can provide valuable insights into treatment options and help improve the chances of conception.

Treatment Options

For women with fibroids who are planning to conceive, there are various treatment options to consider. The treatment approach will depend on the size, number, and location of the fibroids, as well as the severity of symptoms. .

If you are diagnosed with fibroids, there are several treatment options to consider. Your age, health, and fertility goals should all be taken into account when deciding what to do.

If you want to remain fertile, the right approach might be medication therapy or a minimally invasive procedure such as the UFE. It can help preserve your ability to conceive and deliver a baby naturally if that’s something you want to consider.

While some women with fibroids are able to have healthy pregnancies, other cases require treatment to improve chances of pregnancy.  The good news is that we can offer you an option for treatment of fibroids that maintains the possibility of a pregnancy in the future.The first step is to have a thorough evaluation to determine what is causing your infertility. If fibroids are contributing, we can help you create a treatment plan that keeps your ability to conceive. Contact us today.