What are uterine fibroids and how can they impact fertility?
Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths in the muscle layer of the uterus. They can be as small as a pea or grow several centimeters wide, appearing inside the cavity, within the wall, or on the outer surface. Many women notice no symptoms, but some experience heavy periods, pelvic pressure, or discomfort. When fibroids change the shape of the uterine cavity or affect blood flow to the lining, they can make it harder for an embryo to implant and raise the chance of miscarriage.
Why did it take me 10 years to conceive despite multiple treatments?
“My husband and I married young—I was almost 20—and decided to wait before starting a family. When we tried to get pregnant naturally, nothing happened. An ultrasound showed ovarian cysts, so I started contraceptive pills as part of the treatment plan, and we scheduled our first insemination that November.”
“I was 23 and hoped for success, but after six inseminations, we still had no baby. Every appointment ended in tears. I kept asking the doctors what was wrong, but I never got clear answers.”
How did IVF with fibroids lead to success on the first transfer?
“In 2016 we tried IVF at another clinic with two embryos, but it didn’t work. In 2019, we found this institute. They saw small fibroids on the outside of my uterus and reassured me they wouldn’t interfere. In September they transferred one embryo—and on the first try, it stuck. I cried tears of joy when the doctor called to say I was pregnant. After almost ten years of waiting, it finally happened.”
What was my pregnancy and birth experience like after fibroids?
“My pregnancy went smoothly. On May 17, 2020, my water broke early in the morning and by 7 a.m., our daughter Angelina was born. It was so fast! When they placed her in my arms, I felt like I was dreaming—tiny fingers, tiny toes. My husband was by my side, talking and kissing my belly all through pregnancy. That pure love carried us through every moment.”
“All those years of frustration melted away the moment we met her. She completed our family.”
What should you know before starting fertility treatment with fibroids?
Never self-medicate. If you’re thinking about fertility treatments, talk to a reproductive specialist first. Fibroid size, position, and type vary greatly, and only a personalized assessment can determine the best plan for you.
To read more success stories, visit “I had uterine fibroids and became a mother with IVF” or “I have endometriosis and got pregnant after 10 years”.
FAQ
1. Can small fibroids outside the uterus really not affect IVF success?
Yes. Subserosal fibroids—those on the outer uterine wall—usually don’t change the shape of the cavity or interfere with implantation if they’re under 3 cm and asymptomatic. Specialists use ultrasound or MRI to check size and location. Always discuss your individual case to decide if surgery is needed or if you can go straight to IVF.
2. What are common treatments for fibroids when trying to conceive?
Treatment depends on fibroid type, size, symptoms, and your fertility goals. Medical options include short-term GnRH agonists or antagonists to shrink fibroids, with possible side effects like hot flashes. Surgically, myomectomy can be done by hysteroscopy (for inside-cavity fibroids), laparoscopy (small outer fibroids), or open surgery (large or multiple fibroids). Recovery before trying pregnancy ranges from 1 to 6 months, depending on the approach.
3. How does the IVF protocol change for women with fibroids?
Ovarian stimulation is similar—gonadotropins to grow around 10–20 follicles with estradiol (E2) monitors in pg/mL. The main adaptation is ensuring the transfer catheter navigates any contour changes in the uterus, often using ultrasound guidance. Many women with small, non-distorting fibroids proceed with a standard protocol and achieve great results.
4. What follow-up care is recommended after giving birth post-IVF with fibroids?
After delivery, track your menstrual cycle and fibroid growth with regular exams and pelvic ultrasounds every 6–12 months. If heavy bleeding (>80 mL per cycle) or pain returns, discuss medical or surgical options. Maintaining a healthy weight (BMI 18.5–24.9), a fiber-rich diet, regular exercise, and supplements like vitamin D and omega-3s may help slow fibroid growth.
References
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2021). Uterine Fibroids. https://www.acog.org
- MedlinePlus. (2022). Uterine Fibroids. https://medlineplus.gov/uterinefibroids.html
- Pritts, E. A., Parker, W. H., & Olive, D. (2020). Fibroids and infertility: an update. Obstet Gynecol, 135(4), 28S–34S. doi:10.1097/AOG.0000000000003722
- Somigliana, E., Vercellini, P., Parazzini, F., et al. (2019). Fibroids and ART outcomes: systematic review. Hum Reprod Update, 25(1), 130–142. doi:10.1093/humupd/dmy035
Stay hopeful: every journey is unique. If you’re facing fibroids and fertility challenges, reach out to a specialist in assisted reproduction. You don’t have to go through this alone.