Fibroids

Fibroids are relatively common.

You may have difficulty conceiving if you have fibroids in your uterus. Fibroids are benign (not cancerous or malignant) tumors that grow in the uterine wall.

Although fibroids are common, only about 3% of infertility is caused by fibroids.[1] Most fibroids are very small and don't have an impact on the ability to conceive. In some cases, they can cause no symptoms. In others, they can cause abnormal menstrual patterns or difficulty with conceiving.

When fibroids push into the cavity of the uterus, they can make it problematic for the embryo to implant in the uterine wall.

How fibroids are diagnosed.

A healthcare provider may conduct a hysterosonogram to detect if there are any fibroids. During this procedure, the healthcare provider injects a small amount of sterile saline into the uterus by passing a small catheter through the cervix. An ultrasound is then performed. This test is usually done in the healthcare provider's office.

Surgery for fibroids.

If the healthcare provider suspects fibroids to be causing fertility difficulties, he or she may recommend surgery. One procedure is a myomectomy in which the fibroid tumor or tumors are surgically removed. Laparoscopic myomectomy, which is less invasive, is sometimes possible and has a much shorter recovery time.