Can Fibroids Affect My Fertility or Pregnancy?
If you’ve been diagnosed with fibroids and you’re dreaming of becoming a mother read below…
The first thing you need to know is this:
Having fibroids does not mean you can’t get pregnant.
And it doesn’t mean you won’t have a healthy, beautiful pregnancy either. But depending on the size, location, and type of fibroids you have, they can definitely impact your fertility and pregnancy. And knowing how they can impact fertility, is key to advocating for yourself.
So let’s break it all down.
How Fibroids Can Affect Fertility
Not all fibroids cause fertility issues. In fact, many women with fibroids get pregnant naturally without even realizing they have them!
However, when fibroids do interfere, it’s usually because:
They distort or block the fallopian tubes, preventing the sperm from reaching the egg
They change the shape of the uterus, making it harder for an embryo to implant
They restrict blood flow to the uterus, affecting embryo development
They create an inflammatory environment that makes conception tougher
The biggest culprits?
Submucosal fibroids (those growing inside the uterine lining)
Large intramural fibroids (within the wall of the uterus)
These types are more likely to affect your chances of getting or staying pregnant but it’s still not a hard no. Every body is different.
How Fibroids Can Affect Pregnancy
If you get pregnant with fibroids (and many women do!), some risks to be aware of include:
Higher chance of miscarriage (especially if the fibroid is inside the uterine cavity)
Preterm birth
Placenta problems (like placental abruption)
Baby growing in an unusual position (like breech)
More discomfort or pain during pregnancy due to the fibroid size
Most of the time, doctors monitor fibroids during pregnancy with ultrasounds to keep an eye on their size and any potential complications.
Again, many women carry to term without any issues!
Treatment Options If You’re Planning on Getting Pregnant
If you’re trying to conceive and you know you have fibroids that might interfere, there are several paths to explore:
Myomectomy: Surgical removal of fibroids while preserving the uterus. (Common choice for women wanting future pregnancies.)
Medication: Temporary shrinking of fibroids with hormonal therapy before trying to conceive. (Usually not a long-term fix.)
Lifestyle and Diet Changes: Reducing inflammation, balancing hormones naturally, and minimizing growth triggers.
Fertility Treatments: In some cases, IVF or other reproductive assistance may be recommended depending on fibroid location and other factors.
Every healing journey is different. Your plan should be as unique and beautiful as you are. But just know, fibroids don’t automatically mean infertility. You got this sis!
