Fibroids and Fertility: When to Worry and
When Not To
Fibroids are extremely common and often harmless. Some cause no issues; others contribute to heavy bleeding, pain, or infertility. Their effect depends largely on size, number, and location.
What Are Fibroids?
They’re benign muscle growths in the uterus. Submucosal fibroids (those that grow into the cavity) are the most likely to affect fertility.
Do All Fibroids Cause Fertility Issues?
No. Only those that distort the cavity or affect implantation and blood flow typically matter. Many intramural and subserosal fibroids can be safely monitored.
How Fibroids Affect Fertility
They may change the shape of the uterus, hinder implantation, block tubes (rare), increase inflammation, or contribute to miscarriage—especially when involving the cavity.
Evaluation
Ultrasound particularly 3D imaging, MRI, Saline sonography and sometimes hysteroscopy help map fibroids precisely.
When Treatment Helps
Treatment is recommended if fibroids distort the cavity, cause recurrent pregnancy loss, affect IVF outcomes, lead to severe symptoms, or grow quickly. Options include hysteroscopic, laparoscopic, combined or open myomectomy depending on location.
Key takeaway: Not all fibroids need treatment. What matters is how they interact with the uterine cavity and fertility plans.
