Which fibroids cause infertility

The most common way your doctor will determine if you have fibroids and assess their size, number and location is through a physical exam and ultrasound. In some cases, additional imaging tests such as an MRI may be required. Fibroids that are very large — greater than 6 centimeters in diameter — and those located inside the uterine cavity are examples of situations where fibroids may affect your ability to get pregnant and deliver a healthy baby.

Studies show that in most cases, it is only submucosal fibroids which protrude into the uterus that may affect fertility. There are exceptions including large fibroids that block the openings of fallopian tubes into the uterus.

Most women who have fibroids will not face infertility as a result. If there are problems, a woman and her partner should find out if there are other factors involved prior to seeking treatment for fibroids. Your fertility specialist can evaluate whether fibroids may be an issue and whether any treatment is needed. Uterine fibroids can affect your fertility in several different ways based on how their size and location changes your uterus, cervix or fallopian tubes.

Treatment for fibroids should be based on your individual situation such as the severity of your symptoms and whether there may be other explanations for your infertility. For women experiencing difficulty with uterine fibroids and infertility, there are treatment options that may help. Here at Mayo Clinic, we offer all available options ranging from medications to non-invasive treatments and surgery.

Based on your goals and symptoms, this might change. Most women who are concerned about future fertility do choose to do fibroid removal surgery, or it's also known as myomectomy. That said, I recommend seeing a fibroid specialists to help you to choose the best available treatment. For more information about our fibroid clinic, please go to MayoClinic. How long do I have to wait after a fibroid treatment to try to get pregnant? The time needed for healing of the uterus after fibroid treatment depends on the treatment type and extent.

For example, for a myomectomy, the suggested waiting time could be as short as two weeks or up to three to six month before attempting to conceive. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products.

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A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Subserosal Fibroids — This type of fibroid begins in the muscle wall but later protrudes into the pelvis. Submucosal Fibroids — These are fibroids which grow into the uterine cavity, often causing fertility problems.

When to seek treatment Removal treatment may be recommended for women with submucosal fibroids who are struggling to conceive, either naturally or through IVF. Share on Facebook Share. Share on Twitter Tweet.

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