“Doctor, last week the doctor confirmed that I have fibroids. Could this be the cause of my fertility problems?”
There are women who experience fibroids and fertility problems. They may want to know a bit about how to handle these issues. However, first and foremost, it is important to understand the basic information about your uterus and fibroids.
Basic Information About Your Uterus
The Uterine Wall Consists of 3 Layers:
- Endometrium: The innermost layer. This is where a fertilized egg will ‘implant’ into this layer. This layer will also shed and fall as menstruation along with an unfertilized egg if pregnancy does not occur
- Myometrium: The middle layer of the uterus. It consists of muscles that expand and contract.
- Perimetrium: The outermost layer of the uterus. It functions as an outer protective layer of the female uterus.
Basic Information About Fibroids
- It is also known by the name leiomyoma
- Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that occur in the muscular layer of the uterine wall.
- It is estimated that 20-30% of women in the reproductive age range have fibroids in their uterus.
- 5-10% of women who have fertility problems have fibroids
Symptoms of Women Who Have Fibroids
This depends on the size of the fibroid, the number and location of the fibroids
- No direct symptoms. Fibroids are detected through pelvic ultrasound imaging
- Heavy and prolonged menstrual bleeding
- Cramping
- Pressure symptoms caused by fibroids pressing on the bladder, abdominal wall lining, or intestines.
- Fertility problems
- Problems during pregnancy: Miscarriage, abnormal baby position, bleeding during delivery
Where Can Fibroids Occur?
- 55% of fibroid location is subserosal, which is the outer layer of the uterine wall
- 45% of fibroid location is intramural, which is the middle layer of the uterine wall
- 5% of fibroid location is submucosal, which is the innermost layer of the uterine wall
Intramural fibroids that are large >5cm and cause a change in uterine shape and submucosal fibroids can cause more health problems for women compared to subserosal fibroids.
Follow the next blog post, can fibroids affect your fertility?
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