RHS - Uterine Fibroids

Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are benign growths of the uterine muscular wall and occur in 25-50% of women. Fibroids can develop within the uterine wall, on the surface of the uterus or within the uterine cavity itself. Although fibroids occur frequently, they rarely require treatment. The most common symptoms that occur as a result of fibroids are heavy menstrual bleeding and pelvic pressure; however, some women with fibroids have no symptoms. Uterine fibroids can be detected through a pelvic exam and confirmed by a pelvic ultrasound.

Many women who experience infertility may be diagnosed with fibroids during the course of their evaluation. This may lead to a concern about the effect of the fibroid(s) on the woman's ability to conceive and/or successfully deliver a baby. There is no definitive answer to the effect of fibroids on conception and pregnancy outcome. Most women with fibroids do not have difficulties with conception or pregnancy. However, there are certain situations when the location of the fibroid can lead to infertility or miscarriage.

Rarely, the fibroid will be in a location that blocks one or both fallopian tubes. In this situation, there is a physical block to the passage of the egg into the uterus or the sperm into the fallopian tube. Surgical removal of the fibroid may improve the chance of pregnancy. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is an alternative treatment to surgical removal in this situation because the IVF procedure bypasses the need for the fallopian tube both for transport of the gametes as well as for fertilization.

A fibroid that grows into the uterine cavity itself may adversely affect the ability of the embryo to implant in the cavity.Several studies have demonstrated improved pregnancy rates following surgical removal of fibroids that distort the inside of the uterus.

Decisions about the appropriate management of fibroids must be individualized according to the risks of surgical removal and the potential benefit on fertility and pregnancy. The specialists at RHS can counsel you on this decision.

ACOG Practice Bulletin (Nov 16, May 2000)

	Uterine Fibroids Uterine fibroids are benign growths of the uterine muscular wall and occur in 25-50% of women. Fibroids can develop within the uterine wall, on the surface of the uterus or within the uterine cavity itself. Although fibroids occur frequently, they rarely require treatment. The most common symptoms that occur as a result of fibroids are heavy menstrual bleeding and pelvic pressure; however, some women with fibroids have no symptoms. Uterine fibroids can be detected through a pelvic exam and confirmed by a pelvic ultrasound. Many women who experience infertility may be diagnosed with fibroids during the course of their evaluation. This may lead to a concern about the effect of the fibroid(s) on the woman's ability to conceive and/or successfully deliver a baby. There is no definitive answer to the effect of fibroids on conception and pregnancy outcome. Most women with fibroids do not have difficulties with conception or pregnancy. However, there are certain situations when the location of the fibroid can lead to infertility or miscarriage. Rarely, the fibroid will be in a location that blocks one or both fallopian tubes. In this situation, there is a physical block to the passage of the egg into the uterus or the sperm into the fallopian tube. Surgical removal of the fibroid may improve the chance of pregnancy. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is an alternative treatment to surgical removal in this situation because the IVF procedure bypasses the need for the fallopian tube both for transport of the gametes as well as for fertilization. A fibroid that grows into the uterine cavity itself may adversely affect the ability of the embryo to implant in the cavity.Several studies have demonstrated improved pregnancy rates following surgical removal of fibroids that distort the inside of the uterus. Decisions about the appropriate management of fibroids must be individualized according to the risks of surgical removal and the potential benefit on fertility and pregnancy. The specialists at RHS can counsel you on this decision. ACOG Practice Bulletin (Nov 16, May 2000)	Abnormal Menstrual Cycles Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) Endometriosis Uterine Fibroids