{"id":1285,"date":"2020-10-20T14:45:28","date_gmt":"2020-10-20T14:45:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-care-of-bradenton\/?p=1285"},"modified":"2025-09-24T00:31:32","modified_gmt":"2025-09-24T04:31:32","slug":"uterine-fibroids-and-effects-on-fertility","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-care-of-bradenton\/blog\/uterine-fibroids-and-effects-on-fertility\/","title":{"rendered":"Uterine Fibroids and Their Effects on Fertility"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Uterine fibroids currently occur in 20-50% of women of reproductive age. Although the growths aren&#8217;t cancerous, they can be difficult to deal with in everyday life. They might also have effects on fertility, even without symptoms. Read on to learn more about fibroids and infertility.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Types of Uterine Fibroids<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It&#8217;s unsettling to discover that there are growths inside one&#8217;s uterus. They are also called leiomyomas or myomas, but they&#8217;re not all the same. Here are the three main types of fibroids:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> A subserosal fibroid is in the outer uterine wall (55% of cases).<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> An intramural fibroid is in the uterine wall&#8217;s muscular layers (40% of cases).<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> A submucosal fibroid protrudes into the uterine cavity (5% of cases).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The first question many women ask is &#8220;What exactly are uterine fibroids?&#8221; Simply put, these fibroids are benign (noncancerous) lumps or growths in the smooth muscle tissue of the uterus. That smooth muscle tissue works involuntarily to contract during your menstrual cycle and childbirth. The size, location, and number of fibroids can change the size and shape of the uterus and affect its function.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1287 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-care-of-bradenton\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2020\/10\/Types-of-Uterine-Fibroids.jpg\" alt=\"Types of Uterine Fibroids\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-care-of-bradenton\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2020\/10\/Types-of-Uterine-Fibroids-200x133.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-care-of-bradenton\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2020\/10\/Types-of-Uterine-Fibroids-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-care-of-bradenton\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2020\/10\/Types-of-Uterine-Fibroids-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-care-of-bradenton\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2020\/10\/Types-of-Uterine-Fibroids-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-care-of-bradenton\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2020\/10\/Types-of-Uterine-Fibroids-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-care-of-bradenton\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2020\/10\/Types-of-Uterine-Fibroids-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-care-of-bradenton\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2020\/10\/Types-of-Uterine-Fibroids.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><b>How Uterine Fibroids Affect Fertility<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Since uterine fibroids occur in women during their childbearing years, women naturally want to know whether they will cause fertility issues. Indeed, uterine fibroids increase the risk of infertility and other complications, including pain during pregnancy, miscarriage, or preterm labor. Such risks are alarming for any woman wishing to have children.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Among women facing infertility, about 5-10% have uterine fibroids. For women who are pregnant, 2-12% of women have uterine fibroids, and if they grow, they are most likely to do so during the first trimester.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The connection between fibroids and infertility is strong when the uterine fibroid is larger than 6 centimeters in diameter and especially when the fibroid is submucosal. In such cases, they can change the baby&#8217;s position in the uterus, increasing the risk of preterm birth, cesarean section, or miscarriage. They can also cause placental detachment (abruption), causing bleeding and miscarriage.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Uterine fibroids can affect the function of the reproductive organs when they:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Change the shape of the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Cervix\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">cervix<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, preventing sperm from entering into the uterus<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Alter the shape of the uterus, affecting the movement of the sperm or embryo<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Change the thickness of the uterine lining, which is crucial for conception and pregnancy<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Block sufficient blood flow to the uterine cavity, decreasing successful embryo implantation or development<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Are large enough to block fallopian tubes opening into the uterus, preventing successful embryo implantation<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>How Are Uterine Fibroids Diagnosed?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">About 30-35% of women diagnosed with uterine fibroids have symptoms. Some women discover they have uterine fibroids during an ultrasound or a physical exam. For others, it is when they seek medical attention for such symptoms as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Long, excessively painful, or heavy periods<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Bleeding between periods<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Severe cramps<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Digestive issues, pain, or pressure in the lower abdomen<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Frequent urination or trouble emptying the bladder<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In such instances, an MRI and other tests are necessary for further imaging assessment and diagnosis. Thorough testing helps the doctor determine the number, size, and location of the uterine fibroids and their effects on fertility. The doctor will then discuss treatment options with you to find which ones will work best for your types of fibroids.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Risk Factors for Uterine Fibroids<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Genetics, hormones, and environmental factors all contribute to one&#8217;s risk of having uterine fibroids. The condition is more common among women who are obese, older, have high blood pressure, have a family history of fibroids, or are Black (50-80%). Other factors include having no history of pregnancy, a vitamin D deficiency, excessive estrogen, and consumption of food additives or soybean milk.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">On the other hand, uterine fibroids are less common among women who exercise regularly, manage their weight, and have a healthy diet. They are also less common after the onset of menopause since they are dependent on estrogen. It doesn&#8217;t mean, however, that they do not occur. Women who have high hormone levels\u2014estrogen, and especially estrogen and testosterone\u2014in mid-life are more likely to have them. Also, women with uterine fibroids tend to have menopause one to three years later than women without them.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Treatment Options<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Uterine fibroids only need treatment when they cause you symptoms and are often too small to be noticeable. You should still get them monitored for any possible growth, however.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">If you plan to conceive after fibroid removal, you need to discuss with your doctor the treatment options that will most allow you to do so. Each treatment removes different numbers and sizes of fibroids and affects your fertility differently. All are surgical and are more or less invasive depending on the type.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Endometrial ablation uses a laser or high-frequency electrical current through a resectoscope to remove the uterine lining. However, it can make conception impossible.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Uterine artery embolization uses tiny particle injection into the uterus to prevent blood flow to fibroids. It can decrease blood flow to the ovaries and their capacity to provide fertile eggs.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Myomectomy is the surgical removal of fibroids using abdominal, laparoscopic, robotic, or hysteroscopic methods. It can cause scarring. However, the LAAM technique (Laparoscopic Assisted Abdominal Myomectomy) allows surgeons to remove fibroids without damaging the uterus.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Hysterectomy is also a possible option, but it is an extreme measure that should be a last resort. You will not be able to conceive, but you might still be able to use your eggs and a surrogate.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">If you have been diagnosed with the condition, <\/span><a href=\"\/womens-care-of-bradenton\/obstetrician-bradenton-florida\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">fertility treatment in Bradenton<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> can help. A less-invasive treatment means less damage to your reproductive organs for a quicker recovery and greater fertility. Ask a specialist about how treatment can increase your ability to get and stay pregnant.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1288 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-care-of-bradenton\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2020\/10\/Treatment-Options.jpg\" alt=\"Treatment Options\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-care-of-bradenton\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2020\/10\/Treatment-Options-200x133.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-care-of-bradenton\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2020\/10\/Treatment-Options-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-care-of-bradenton\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2020\/10\/Treatment-Options-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-care-of-bradenton\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2020\/10\/Treatment-Options-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-care-of-bradenton\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2020\/10\/Treatment-Options-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-care-of-bradenton\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2020\/10\/Treatment-Options-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-care-of-bradenton\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2020\/10\/Treatment-Options.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><b>Why Fertility Matters<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Having the ability to reproduce is important for many women. Reproductive viability is also important for women&#8217;s health in many ways. Even if you decide not to have children, uterine fibroids affect your menstrual cycle, comfort, and quality of life. It is useful to follow your menstrual cycle and keep track of any changes in how you feel.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">If you plan to have children, fertility treatment in Bradenton may be the solution you&#8217;re looking for. While women might not experience any symptoms from uterine fibroids, others could start to have issues while pregnant or trying to conceive. The prevalence of the condition is based on reported cases, meaning women who sought medical attention and received a diagnosis. Hence, many more women could have uterine fibroids and not know it. Some experts believe up to 80% of women have uterine fibroids.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Although fibroids don&#8217;t always need treatment, they do when they affect your daily living and fertility. That&#8217;s why it&#8217;s so important to get regular gynecological exams and especially to seek medical attention if you are experiencing any possible symptoms of uterine fibroids. Early detection and treatment can drastically improve your fertility.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>There Is Hope<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Women&#8217;s Care of Bradenton is there for you if you have questions or concerns about uterine fibroids. We can find the right treatment options to help improve your fertility. Contact us today for the caring, professional medical attention you deserve.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Uterine fibroids currently occur in 20-50% of women of reproductive age. Although the growths aren&#8217;t cancerous, they can be difficult to deal with in everyday life. They might also have effects on fertility, even without symptoms. Read on to learn more about fibroids and infertility.\u00a0 Types of Uterine Fibroids It&#8217;s unsettling to discover that there<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":1286,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[174],"tags":[155,176,175,178,177],"class_list":["post-1285","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uterine-fibroids","tag-fertility-treatment-in-bradenton","tag-fibroids-and-infertility","tag-subserosal-fibroid","tag-types-of-fibroids","tag-uterine-cavity"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-care-of-bradenton\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1285","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-care-of-bradenton\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-care-of-bradenton\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-care-of-bradenton\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-care-of-bradenton\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1285"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-care-of-bradenton\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1285\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-care-of-bradenton\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1286"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-care-of-bradenton\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1285"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-care-of-bradenton\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1285"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-care-of-bradenton\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1285"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}