Uterine fibroids are among the most common conditions affecting people with a uterus—and they’re frequently diagnosed only after someone has been struggling to conceive. If you’ve been dealing with heavy periods, pelvic pain, or unexplained fertility challenges, fibroids may be worth a closer look.
“The most important thing I tell patients is that having fibroids doesn’t automatically mean you’ll have trouble getting pregnant, but it does mean the evaluation matters,” shares Ian N. Waldman, M.D., fertility specialist at our Jacksonville location. “Knowing exactly what you’re dealing with opens up a lot more options, especially when we’re looking at fibroids and fertility together.”
What are uterine fibroids?
Uterine fibroids—medically called leiomyomas—are noncancerous growths made of smooth muscle that develop in or on the uterus. They vary widely in size, number, and location, and that variation determines both the symptoms they cause and their impact on fertility, which is why fibroids and fertility are so closely evaluated together.
Fibroids are far more common than most people realize. By age 50, more than 70 percent of people with a uterus will develop them. Black women are disproportionately affected—estimates suggest that 8 in 10 Black women will develop fibroids, often at younger ages and with more severe symptoms. That disparity reflects longstanding gaps in early diagnosis and care. Our team is committed to closing that gap and providing clear guidance on fibroids and fertility.
How do fibroids affect fertility?
Not all fibroids affect fertility equally. The location matters most when considering fibroids and fertility.
- Submucosal fibroids grow inside the uterine cavity. These are the most likely to interfere with fertility—they reduce the space available for embryo implantation and can increase the risk of early miscarriage. Removal is typically recommended before attempting conception.
- Intramural fibroids develop within the muscular wall of the uterus. Smaller ones may not require removal, but larger ones can distort the uterine cavity enough to affect implantation rates.
- Subserosal fibroids grow on the outside of the uterus. They’re the least likely to directly affect fertility, though they can cause significant pelvic pressure, pain, and urinary symptoms.
“Fibroids are very common, and in fact, many people have successful pregnancies with them,” shares Dr. Waldman. “The key is understanding where they are, how large they are, and whether they’re in a location likely to affect conception or implantation. That’s what the evaluation is for—and it’s central to addressing fibroids and fertility in a personalized way.”
What symptoms should prompt an evaluation?
Some people with fibroids have no symptoms at all. Others experience:
- Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding—soaking through protection in less than an hour, or periods lasting more than seven days.
- Pelvic pressure or pain, including during intercourse.
- Frequent urination or difficulty emptying the bladder.
- Unexplained difficulty conceiving or early pregnancy loss.
How are fibroids diagnosed?
Fibroids are often identified on a routine ultrasound or pelvic exam. Depending on the findings, additional imaging may include a sonohysterogram, an MRI for surgical planning, or a hysteroscopy—a minimally invasive in-office procedure that allows direct visualization of the uterine lining. These tools help us determine the relationship between fibroids and fertility for your unique case.
What fibroids treatment options are available at IVF Florida?
Not every fibroid needs to be removed. Our approach to fibroids treatment is stepped—starting with the least invasive option that addresses your specific situation and fertility goals, with a focus on optimizing outcomes for fibroids and fertility.
- Hysteroscopic myomectomy removes submucosal fibroids through the cervix using a small camera. No incisions, minimal recovery, and strong evidence for improving implantation rates.
- Laparoscopic myomectomy uses small incisions to remove intramural or subserosal fibroids. Minimally invasive, shorter recovery, uterus preserved.
- IVF—for some patients, in vitro fertilization is the most direct path to pregnancy, either alongside surgical treatment or as a standalone approach.
Start with a $129 Fertility Awareness Checkup
Not sure whether fibroids might be affecting your fertility? Our $129 Fertility Awareness Checkup includes bloodwork assessing AMH, FSH, and estradiol, plus a transvaginal ultrasound. Available to patients ages 21–44, no referral required. It’s a practical first step for anyone wanting clarity about fibroids and fertility.
Have questions about fibroids and fertility in Florida? Our team is here. Schedule a consultation or start with a $129 Fertility Awareness Checkup.
Frequently asked questions: Fibroids and Fertility
Can you get pregnant with fibroids?
Yes. You can get pregnant with fibroids. Whether fibroids are contributing to your fertility challenges depends on their type and location. A pelvic ultrasound and consultation with a reproductive endocrinologist is the most direct way to find out. These steps help clarify the connection between fibroids and fertility for your situation.
Do fibroids always need to be removed before fertility treatment?
No. Fibroids treatment and the need to remove them varies. Small fibroids that aren’t distorting the uterine cavity often don’t need to be removed before attempting conception. Submucosal fibroids—those inside the cavity—are the ones most likely to require removal. Your physician will make that determination based on your imaging, with thoughtful consideration of fibroids and fertility.
Is July Fibroid Awareness Month?
Yes. July is Fibroid Awareness Month—an annual recognition of how common and how underdiagnosed fibroids are, particularly in communities that have historically had limited access to reproductive healthcare. It’s also a reminder of the importance of timely evaluation for fibroids and fertility.