Effect of uterine fibroids on fertility

The article is professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Nguyen Thi Hong On - Obstetrician and Gynecologist - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Phu Quoc International General Hospital.

Uterine fibroids are a common gynecological disease in women of childbearing age. Although this is a benign disease, it may or may not require treatment, but in some cases, fibroids cause complications, affecting a woman's ability to become pregnant and give birth.

Fibroids are benign (non-cancerous) tumors that form due to an overgrowth of cells. The exact cause of uterine fibroids is still unknown, experts theorize that genes or hormones may be involved in tumor growth. For women with large fibroids, multiple fibroids, or fibroids pressing on other organs, menstrual periods may last longer than usual; irregular menstrual bleeding; pain or pressure in the pelvis, back, or legs; frequent urination; constipation ; or other symptoms affecting their health and quality of life.
In addition, women with uterine fibroids during pregnancy can cause premature birth, abnormal fetal position, placenta in an abnormal position (placenta placenta, placenta previa), prolonged labor pain and bleeding , which can even cause amniotic fluid embolism at birth.

About 5% - 10% of female infertility cases are related to fibroids. Their size and location determine whether fibroids affect fertility. Very large fibroids - larger than 6cm in diameter - and those located in the uterine cavity are examples of fibroids that can affect your ability to have a healthy pregnancy and birth.
However, most women with fibroids will not face infertility. If having difficulty conceiving, a woman and her partner should find out if other factors are involved before seeking treatment for fibroids. You'll need to see a specialist to be evaluated for whether fibroids are a problem affecting your ability to get pregnant and if treatment is needed.

Fibroids can affect your fertility in different ways based on how their size and location changes your uterus, cervix or fallopian tubes.
Changes in the shape of the cervix can affect the amount of sperm that can enter the uterus. Changes in the shape of the uterus can interfere with sperm or embryo movement. Fallopian tubes can be blocked by fibroids. Fibroids can affect the thickness of the uterine lining. Blood flow to the uterine cavity may also be affected. This can reduce the ability of the embryo to implant in the wall of the uterus or develop.

In general, most fibroids do not affect a woman's fertility. Most patients with fibroids are discovered incidentally during ultrasound and the vast majority of cases are asymptomatic and require no treatment. The important aspect is whether the fibroids deform the uterine lining.
For most fibroids, no treatment is needed; if treatment is needed, surgery is usually the best option. If a woman is still trying to conceive, surgery to remove the fibroids is usually done.
In summary, fibroids are common and can affect fertility in many ways. The choice of treatment is decided on a case-by-case basis. It builds on the symptoms of fibroids and can improve overall fertility. How and whether you need treatment for fibroids depends on the severity of your symptoms and your doctor's recommendations.
In order to help customers detect and treat other gynecological diseases early, Vinmec International Hospital has a basic gynecological examination and screening package, helping customers detect early inflammatory diseases Easy, inexpensive treatment. Screening detects gynecological cancer (cervical cancer) early even when there are no symptoms.

Basic gynecological examination and screening package for female customers, has no age limit and may have the following symptoms:
Abnormal vaginal bleeding Having menstrual problems: period abnormally long periods, irregular menstrual periods Abnormal vaginal discharge (smell, different color) Vaginal pain and itching Female clients have several risk factors such as poor personal hygiene, Unsafe sex system, abortion, ... Female customers have other symptoms such as: Abnormal vaginal discharge, itching, pain in the intimate area, abnormal vaginal bleeding.

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