Uterine Fibroids
Uterine fibroids are benign (noncancerous) growths that develop in or around the uterus. While many people with fibroids experience no symptoms, these growths can sometimes interfere with fertility by affecting the uterine environment, fallopian tubes, or the ability of an embryo to implant.
Fibroids are very common and highly treatable. With expert care, most patients can successfully conceive and carry a healthy pregnancy—even if fibroids are present.
What are uterine fibroids?
Fibroids form when muscle and connective tissue in the uterine wall grow abnormally, creating firm, rubbery nodules that vary in size and number. They can be as small as a pea or as large as a grapefruit.
Fibroids are classified by where they grow:
- Submucosal fibroids: Grow just beneath the inner lining of the uterus and may protrude into the uterine cavity
- Intramural fibroids: Grow within the uterine wall
- Subserosal fibroids: Grow on the outer wall of the uterus
Not all fibroids impact fertility. The size, location, and number of fibroids help determine whether treatment is recommended before trying to conceive.
While DOR is more common after age 35, it can occur at any age and often comes with no obvious symptoms. In some cases, it’s only discovered through fertility testing.
What causes fibroids?
The exact cause of fibroids isn’t known, but several factors may increase the likelihood of developing them:
- Hormones: Estrogen and progesterone promote fibroid growth
- Genetics: Fibroids often run in families
- Race: Fibroids are more common and may grow more aggressively in Black women
- Age: Fibroids become more common during the reproductive years, particularly in your 30s and 40s
Fibroids are not caused by lifestyle choices, and many people are unaware they have them until testing is done for other reasons.
How fibroids affect fertility
Fibroids can impact fertility in several ways, depending on their size and location:
- Distorting the uterine cavity can interfere with embryo implantation
- Blocking the fallopian tubes may prevent egg and sperm from meeting
- Affecting blood flow to the endometrium may impact the ability to support a developing embryo
- Causing inflammation or uterine contractions may contribute to early pregnancy loss
Even large fibroids don’t always need to be removed—but when they do affect fertility, treatment is available.
Treatment options for fibroids
Not all fibroids require treatment before trying to conceive. If intervention is recommended, options may include:
- Myomectomy: A surgical procedure to remove fibroids while preserving the uterus. Can be done laparoscopically or with an abdominal incision, depending on the fibroids’ size and location.
- Medication: Hormonal therapies may temporarily shrink fibroids but are not used long-term for fertility patients.
- In vitro fertilization (IVF): In some cases, IVF may be recommended to bypass anatomical challenges.
Your care team will consider all factors—including your age, symptoms, reproductive timeline, and response to prior treatment—before recommending next steps.
IVF Florida specializes in personalized fertility care for patients with fibroids. We’re here to help you move forward with clarity, confidence, and the support of a trusted medical team.
How fibroids are diagnosed
Fertility specialists use a combination of imaging and evaluation to determine whether fibroids may be contributing to infertility. These may include:
- Transvaginal ultrasound to assess fibroid size and location
- Saline sonohysterogram (SIS) to evaluate the uterine cavity more clearly
- MRI in some cases, for detailed imaging before surgery
A clear diagnosis helps your provider develop a targeted treatment plan based on your fertility goals.
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