Infertility is the failure to conceive even after doing unprotected sexual intercourse for more than one year. There are multiple reasons behind infertility, but fibroid is identified as the sole factor responsible for infertility in almost 2.4% of women. Uterine fibroid are muscle tissue tumors caused by the growth of single muscle cells on the uterus wall. These fibroid are responsible for the change in the shape and size of the uterus and sometimes the cervix (uterus lower part). The exact reason for the fibroid’ formation is still unknown, but most experts believe that patients’ genes and hormones are the culprits for these tumors. The size and location of fibroid determine whether the patient will experience any symptom or not.
The size of Uterine fibroid may range from a rice grain to grapefruit size, and these tumors can be formed in any part of the uterus. Fibroid found outside the uterus are termed as serosa, those found on the muscular wall of the uterus are termed as ‘intramural fibroid,’ and fibroid present inside the interior lining are called as ‘submucosal fibroid.’
Fibroid can get attached to the uterus through stalk or stick to the nearby ligament or organs like bowel and bladder. These tumors are rarely found outside the pelvic cavity.
For getting more consultation about fibroid, you can visit Progen, a leading infertility treatment center in Thane.
Effect of fibroid on fertility
Approx 5-10% of infertility is caused because of fibroid. However, their size and location determine whether they will interrupt the fertility or not. Most women with fibroid are fertile. Before treating fibroid for boosting fertility, both woman and her partner must be evaluated thoroughly for determining other causes of infertility. A fertility specialist will let you know whether the tumor is hampering your fertility or not, and he or she may suggest the possible fertility treatment for safe pregnancy.
How fibroid can result in infertility
Below are some reasons responsible for infertility because of this tumor
- The count of sperm may vary because of the change in the shape of the cervix.
- The change in shape can interrupt the sperm movement or embryo.
- Fibroid can block the fallopian tube
- These tumors can disturb the blood flow to the uterine cavity, which can reduce the embryo’s ability to stick with the uterus.
The connection of fibroid with fertility
Fibroid may have an impact on fertility. However, the location of this tumor decides whether they should be removed surgically or not. Usually, submucosal and intramural fibroid can have a negative impact while trying for a baby.
Submucosal fibroid
In normal conditions, the embryo sticks with the uterine line through the placenta, where it gets blood supply through uterine muscles. Because of submucosal fibroid, the embryo may not attach properly and may result in miscarriage.
Intramural fibroid
These fibroid can block the fallopian tube, thus making it difficult for a woman to become pregnant. Such blockage will restrict the embryo from passing through the uterine cavity, where it can implant on the endometrial lining.
Impact of fibroid on pregnant women
Usually, fibroid are found in approx 2-12% women, but not all these tumors can have much impact on your pregnancy cycle. In case if it grows, you will get its symptoms right in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
The most significant risk involved during pregnancy is whether the fibroid will increase the chance of premature baby or miscarriage. In some situations, these tumors can outgrow, which results in severe pain, and the patient may need hospitalization. Also, these fibroid can change the position of the baby in the uterus. Such a situation may accelerate the chances of preterm delivery, miscarriage, and cesarean section. How such a situation will be handled depends entirely on your doctor’s suggestion and fibroid’ location. Surgery may be a need in rare situations.
In case a woman conceives after fibroid removal from the uterus, she should discuss the same with the obstetrician as cesarean may be required in such a situation.
Few Takeaway
Uterine fibroid are common and can affect your pregnancy in many ways. They can impact sperm and egg meet, embryo implantation, continuation of pregnancy, and even the growth of the baby. Your doctor may recommend the treatment based on the severity of the case. Everything depends on the symptoms of fibroid. How this tumor will be treated solely depends on its severity and doctor’s suggestion.
With regard to submucosal fibroid, Hysteroscopy excision is considered by most of the doctors. At the same time, the treatment of intramural fibroid are done depending on its relation with the uterine cavity. The subserosal fibroid have fewer chances of impacting the pregnancy cycle.
Hence, it is always better to have a body checkup before planning a baby to avoid complications during pregnancy.