Fibroids and Infertility
Is There An Association?

Fibroids and infertility are considered to be associated if you suffer from this condition and have been unable to conceive. They may be benign muscle tumours that can form anywhere in the uterine wall. This can be attributed to common causes of infertility, in some instances. As a result the uterus can become misshapen and may compress either or both of the fallopian tubes.

Fertility can be affected by this condition. If the fibroids are near the surface of the uterine lining, they could interfere with the normal implantation of the embryo in the uterus. If they are occur near the junction of the uterus and the fallopian tubes, they may prevent the fertilized egg from successfully reaching the uterus to implant.

Diagnosing fibroids

Some women with fibroids experience pelvic pressure, heavy bleeding, during periods (menstral cycle) and pain. Many woman may not know about them until they are diagnosed during routine pelvic exams. Ultra sound may be used to determine the extent of the condition.

Fibroids are common in women over the age of 35. By age 40, about 40% of women have them.

Causes

Fibroids may occur in woman as a family condition. Studies have shown that they are also affected by oestrogen levels in the body. Uterine fibroids may occur during pregnancy and could cause a premature labor.

Signs and symptoms

Woman who do have symptoms may experience the following:

• abdominal selling, from a large fibroid

• heavy menstrual bleeding or bleeding between periods - this occurs if the fibroids push against the endometrium, (the lining of the uterus)

• Anemia - from extra blood loss

• Pain - backache, painful sex and painful periods - this occurs from pressure from the fibroid pressing against an internal organ.

Treatment options

In most cases, no treatment is required. They may be small, harmless and painless. However if excessive bleeding is experienced due to this condition and no conception has taken place, your physician may advise they may be surgically removed. An operation called a myomectomy will be performed.

An alternative procedure called a laser myomectomy involves burning the fibroids instead of cutting them. This results in less bleeding while preserving more of the normal tissue. In both instances, it is a successful procedure, which leaves theuterus and ovaries intact.

During your infertility phase, it is best performed by an experienced surgeon, who is aware of your desire to conceive.

Preventative measures

As recommended through out these pages, a change to your life style may be required. The infertility diet provides links to more details about these recommendations. In summary:

• Reduce fat and sugar and increase whole grains in your diet

• Reduce red meat and poultry consumption, unless they are hormone free - Animal feed generally contains a derivative of estrogen

• Eat foods that promote healthy liver function: beets, garlic as well as foods rich in vitamin B6 and magnesium.

• Keep alcohol and coffee consumption to a minimum

• Exercise regularly and maintain a normal body weight

Fibroids and infertility may be a temporary and treatable condition.

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