Uterine Fibroids And Infertility

One of the many complications that can occur in the female reproductive system are uterine fibroids or fibroids.

Although these growths are benign and often asymptomatic, they can have several negative consequences. Among these is the link between uterine fibroids and infertility.

It is especially this relationship that makes it necessary to take certain precautions.

Detecting and treating uterine fibroids at an early stage can help you avoid complications before, during and after pregnancy.

What are uterine fibroids?

A uterine fibroid is a benign growth that consists of muscle tissue and can develop inside the uterus.

This is quite common: one in five women of childbearing potential will develop uterine fibroids.

Women of reproductive age are also at greatest risk for one of the consequences of uterine fibroids: the effect on fertility.

Causes of fibroids

Although we do not know exactly what causes fibroids, some factors may increase your risk of developing them:

• Genes: The genes responsible for fibroids can be passed on from mother to daughter.
• Hormones: This differs from person to person. Estrogen contributes to the growth of uterine fibroids. This is why in many cases they remain undetected until pregnancy, when progesterone flows through the body.

Where are the uterine fibroids formed?

Uterine fibroids are a type of fibroid, a benign tumor. When a fibroid occurs in the uterus, it is called fibroid.

However, fibroids can develop in different areas of the uterus:

• On the muscle wall of the uterus
• Under the surface of the uterine lining
• Under the outer layer of the uterus
• On a stem or trunk on the outer part of the uterus
• Inside the uterine cavity

Specialists talk about three types of fibroids: subserosal (on the outside of the uterus), intramural (inside the uterine wall) and submucosal (inside the uterine lining)

What are the symptoms?

Uterine fibroids can manifest as any of the following symptoms:

• Heavy bleeding during menstruation. Your period can also last for a longer period of time.
• Bleeding or spotting between periods, including lumps.
• Stomach pain or swelling
• Weight gain
• Intestinal cramps or a constant feeling of being full
• Complications during pregnancy and at birth
• Pain during intercourse
• Frequent urination

It is not always easy to detect uterine fibroids, especially in women who are overweight.

Your doctor may use an ultrasound scan, MRI, hysteroscopy, hysterosonogram or biopsy of the uterine lining to confirm the diagnosis.

The link between uterine fibroids and infertility

Uterine fibroids can sometimes lead to infertility in women who are affected by them.

This usually occurs when the fibroids are large or when the symptoms are particularly intense.

In a situation like this, it is best to remove the uterine fibroids as soon as possible.

Size, quantity and location are key factors in determining whether uterine fibroids will affect fertility.

If there are no complications, surgery to remove the fibroids can make the pregnancy continue as usual and help avoid future fertility problems.

During pregnancy , increased blood supply and increased hormone levels can cause the fibroids to grow in size and this can lead to a higher risk of complications.

This is one of the factors that must be taken into account when it comes to pregnancy.

Apart from the problems in the uterus itself, the fibroids can also cause other complications which in turn can affect the pregnancy:

• Anemia: Due to the heavy bleeding, women with uterine fibroids may suffer from a reduced number of red blood cells.
• Premature birth: The uterus is in an abnormal condition, which reduces the space in the womb. This can cause pain.
• Cesarean section: This is necessary in cases where the uterine fibroids obstruct the birth canal or put the baby in an uncomfortable position.
• Postpartum haemorrhage: This can develop into a postpartum haemorrhage with all the dangers it poses.

Are uterine fibroids treatable?

The most common treatment for this problem is surgery.

There are two types: myomectomy, which means that the fibroids are removed without affecting the uterus itself; or hysterectomy, in which all or part of the uterus is removed.

When it comes to medicines, it is common to use ulipristal, a substance that works by relieving pain and reducing bleeding.

In addition, up to 70% of tumors shrink by up to a quarter. This means that many women can avoid surgery altogether.

Birth control pills can also help overcome the symptoms by reducing bleeding during menstruation.

A hormonal IUD can also be a possibility; it reduces bleeding by gradually secreting hormones.

Similarly, tranexamic acid, iron supplements, painkillers and hormone therapy can be used to control the symptoms for a shorter period.

Only 0.5% of all uterine fibroids are cancerous. However, prevention is better than treatment, especially if your fertility is at risk.

Women who suspect they have uterine fibroids should seek the advice of their doctor, especially if they are of childbearing potential.