The connection between fibroids and fertility
Have you and your partner tried to conceive without success? David T. Vandermolen MD, MS, our Northern Louisiana fertility doctor, is dedicated to helping our patients have the families they desire. Advanced training and medical expertise enable Dr. Vandermolen to diagnose and treat common female infertility problems, including issues with fibroids and fertility.
What are uterine fibroids?
Also called leiomyomas, fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in the uterus. An estimated 20% of women 25 to 45 years old will be diagnosed with fibroids. The number and severity of fibroids vary from person to person. Some fibroids are too small to see with ultrasound, while others can grow to the size of a grapefruit or larger.
While they very rarely are cancerous, there is a proven link between fibroids and fertility. Fibroids can produce female infertility concerns for women trying to have a baby, but effective treatment is available.
Understanding common causes of fibroids
One specific reason patients develop fibroids is usually not found, certain factors can play a role.
- Genetic changes that cause fibroids to develop, such as genetic variants of the HMGA2 gene.
- The hormones progesterone and estrogen, which encourage fibroid growth.
- Irregular cell division resulting in fibroids.
Managing fibroid symptoms
Although fibroids aren’t usually critically dangerous, they can cause pain and lead to heavier periods. In some cases, fibroids can create problems with the bladder and bowel.
Of course, fibroids can also make becoming pregnant more of a challenge. In patients who may have fibroids, Dr. Vandermolen will perform a physical exam and an ultrasound to assess the potential implications of fibroids and fertility.
The link between fibroids and fertility
Most women with fibroids won’t experience infertility. For patients with uterine fibroids, the size and location of the growths has a direct impact on fertility. Typically, submucosal fibroids, those inside the uterine cavity, and very large fibroids, greater than 6 cm in diameter, are the ones that result in issues related to female infertility.
There are several ways that fibroids can affect a woman’s ability to conceive and carry a pregnancy.
- Changing the shape of the cervix and limiting the number of sperm available to fertilize the egg
- Blocking the fallopian tubes so sperm can’t reach the egg
- Disrupting the ability of the fertilized egg to implant in the uterus
- Disturbing the uterine lining development
Knowledge is power. Dr. Vandermolen and the team at ArkLaTex Fertility want to ensure that our patients understand the relationship between their fibroids and fertility. Contact our office for more information about female infertility or to schedule an appointment with our Northern Louisiana fertility doctor.