Fibroids and infertility
Uterine fibroid symptoms can be disruptive, painful and exhausting. They can cause intense cramping, lengthy menstrual periods, bloating and even changes to your physical appearance. However, one of the most distressing complications of fibroids is infertility.
At Texas Endovascular, our compassionate team of specialists understands the devastating impact of fibroids, particularly when building a family.
Fortunately, there are highly effective, advanced treatment solutions that can resolve fibroid symptoms and enhance your chances of achieving a successful pregnancy.
If you’re experiencing fibroid symptoms, have fertility challenges or have been diagnosed with uterine fibroids, it is critically important to review all your treatment options. If fibroids and infertility are affecting your life, we have advanced procedures that deliver excellent outcomes.
What is infertility?
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), a person is considered infertile if they are unable to achieve pregnancy after engaging in unprotected sex for more than one year.
Approximately 1 in 5 women in the United States between the ages of 15 and 49 struggle with fertility. And from 5% to 10% of fertility-challenged women were diagnosed with uterine fibroids.
While not the most common cause of infertility, fibroids may contribute.
Can fibroids cause infertility?
In some cases, yes.
Many women experiencing fibroids can achieve healthy pregnancies. However, women with large or numerous fibroid tumors can have difficulty conceiving due to several potential issues, including:
- Blockage of the fallopian tubes
- Changes in uterine cavity size
- Changes in cervical shape, which can influence the volume of sperm that can access the uterus
- Changes in the shape of the uterus, which can affect the egg’s ability to attach to the sperm and adhere to the uterine wall
- Reduction in blood flow to the uterus, which can interfere with the embryo’s ability to attach to the wall of the uterus
Before attempting pregnancy, you should speak with a reproductive specialist if you have been diagnosed with fibroids or are experiencing fibroid-like symptoms.
UFE: An innovative medical intervention for fibroid-related infertility
When dealing with fibroids and infertility, new medical treatments offer hope for success. One common option is uterine fibroid embolization (UFE). This non-surgical method helps with fibroid symptoms and reduces fibroid size without invasive surgery.
Many women who've had UFE have gone on to have successful pregnancies. If you hope to become pregnant after treating fibroids, it's essential to talk with a fertility or fibroid specialist to explore all your options carefully.
Advanced and minimally invasive fibroid treatment
At Texas Endovascular, we recognize the detrimental effects fibroids can have on fertility.
There are treatments for fibroids, though. Talk to a fibroid specialist about your uterine health and learn whether non-surgical fibroid treatment is right for you.
For more information about fibroid care or to book an appointment at one of our convenient locations, please contact us today.
