Do fibroids cause infertility and, if so, will fertility surgery help increase my chances for getting pregnant? Dr. Mark Rispler with Innovative Fertility Center says, like real estate, location matters. He recommends fertility surgery after evaluating a fibroid tumor’s size and location in the uterus.
With fibroids, you will likely need fertility treatment to address:
- A fibroid tumor found inside the uterine cavity
- A fibroid tumor larger than 6 centimeters in the wall of the uterus
Fibroids, also called myomas or leiomyomas, are often symptomless, benign tumors that grow in and around the uterus, and can change the size and shape of the uterus or the cervix. A fibroid’s location could prevent sperm from maneuvering throughout the cervix and uterine cavity; block fallopian tubes; or affect blood flow to the uterus.
How common are fibroids?
About 20 percent of women will have a fibroid tumor in their reproductive years; 5-10 percent of women experiencing infertility will have fibroids present. If you are African American, your chances increase to 50-80 percent. Fibroid tumors are likely caused by a combination of factors: genetics, environmental elements and hormonal responses.
Many women fear that what they don’t know can hurt their chances for conception. Dr. Rispler reassures women that most fibroid tumors do not cause infertility. If you are over 35 and ready to get pregnant, or suspect that you might have fibroid tumors, contact us for a fertility workup.