Fibroid Awareness Month: Understanding the Connection Between Fibroids and Fertility
July is Fibroid Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to talk about a condition that affects millions of women and often goes undiagnosed for years. Uterine fibroids are incredibly common, yet many women don't realize they may be contributing to symptoms such as heavy periods, pelvic pressure, or even fertility challenges.
If you've recently been diagnosed with fibroids or are wondering whether they may be affecting your ability to conceive, you're not alone.
What Are Fibroids?
Fibroids are noncancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus. They can range in size from tiny, seed-like growths to larger masses that can alter the shape of the uterus. While many women have fibroids without experiencing symptoms, others may deal with significant discomfort and reproductive concerns.
Common symptoms include:
-
Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
-
Pelvic pain or pressure
-
Frequent urination
-
Lower back pain
-
Pain during intercourse
-
Abdominal bloating
-
Difficulty getting pregnant
Can Fibroids Cause Infertility?
The answer is yes, but not always.
Many women with fibroids conceive naturally and have healthy pregnancies. However, certain fibroids can interfere with fertility depending on their size and location.
Fibroids may impact fertility by:
-
Blocking the fallopian tubes
-
Distorting the uterine cavity
-
Preventing embryo implantation
-
Increasing miscarriage risk
-
Affecting blood flow to the uterus
The good news is that treatment is available, and many women successfully become pregnant after addressing fibroids.
When Should You See a Fertility Specialist?
If you've been trying to conceive for several months and have known fibroids, it may be time to speak with a fertility specialist.
Advanced imaging and fertility evaluations can help determine whether fibroids are contributing to fertility challenges. In some cases, treatment isn't necessary. In others, removing or managing fibroids can improve reproductive outcomes.
Every woman's situation is different, which is why personalized care is so important.
You Don't Have to Navigate Fibroids Alone
One of the biggest challenges surrounding fibroids is that many women spend years normalizing symptoms that deserve medical attention.
If heavy periods, pelvic pain, or fertility concerns have become part of your daily life, Fibroid Awareness Month is a reminder that you shouldn't have to suffer in silence.
At Reproductive Biology Associates, our team works closely with patients to understand how fibroids may be affecting fertility and develop individualized treatment plans that support family-building goals.
Take the Next Step
If you have fibroids and are planning for pregnancy, scheduling a fertility evaluation can help you understand your options and create a path forward with confidence.