Can Uterine Fibroids Affect Fertility: What Every Woman Should Know

When Clara was 34, she started noticing subtle changes in her body: heavier periods, bloating, and a dull pressure in her lower abdomen. She blamed stress, until an ultrasound revealed a cluster of uterine fibroids.

“I’d never even heard of them before,” she recalls. “My first question was: Is this dangerous? Will it affect my fertility?”

For many women, Clara’s story feels familiar. Fibroids are extremely common and often go unnoticed until symptoms begin to interfere with daily life or fertility goals. These benign growths affect up to 70% of women by age 50, and while most are harmless, some can influence the ability to conceive or carry a pregnancy, leading many to ask the same question: Can uterine fibroids affect fertility?

Quick Answer: Yes, uterine fibroids can affect fertility, depending on where they grow and how large they are. Fibroids inside the uterine cavity can block embryo implantation or increase miscarriage risk. Those within the uterine wall may disrupt blood flow or uterine contractions.

Fibroids on the outer surface usually don’t impact fertility but can cause discomfort. According to Human Reproduction Update (2017), fibroids are linked to about 5–10% of infertility cases.

Understanding the connection between uterine fibroids and fertility helps women make informed choices about treatment, lifestyle, and when to seek fertility support.

What Are Uterine Fibroids?

Uterine fibroids, or leiomyomas, are noncancerous growths that develop in the muscular wall of the uterus. They vary in size and number and are driven by hormones, especially estrogen and progesterone the same hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle.

Fibroids typically grow during a woman’s reproductive years and tend to shrink after menopause. While genetics influence risk, research also points to the role of metabolism, inflammation, and hormonal detoxification in how fibroids form and grow.

Fibroids and Fertility: Understanding the Connection

Not all fibroids lead to fertility problems, but some can interfere with embryo implantation or early pregnancy development. The key factors are:

• Submucosal fibroids: Found inside the uterine cavity, these can distort the lining and hinder implantation.
• Intramural fibroids: Located within the uterine wall, they may affect uterine contractions or blood flow.
• Subserosal fibroids: Positioned outside the uterus, these rarely impact fertility but can cause pelvic pressure or pain.

Even when conception occurs, fibroids can increase miscarriage rates or reduce success with IVF. Studies show they may alter uterine signaling, trigger inflammation, and disrupt the balance of estrogen and progesterone that supports implantation.

If you’re preparing for fertility treatment or considering pregnancy, it’s helpful to understand how fibroid management and lifestyle optimization can work together.

Lifestyle: The Overlooked Factor in Fibroid Management

For many years, fibroids were treated purely as a mechanical issue, often through surgery. But growing evidence shows they are hormonally and metabolically influenced, meaning that lifestyle changes can affect their growth and symptoms.

Diet, physical activity, stress levels, and even vitamin D status all influence hormone regulation and inflammation, both of which are central to fibroid behavior. These findings give women practical ways to reduce risk and support fertility naturally.

What the Science Says: Evidence on Lifestyle and Fibroids

Research on lifestyle and fibroids continues to evolve. While not all factors are equally supported, several show consistent associations with fibroid risk and growth.

Lifestyle Factor	Evidence Strength	Mechanism / Findings	Key Sources
Body weight & obesity	Strong	Higher BMI raises estrogen and insulin, both promoting fibroid growth.	Baird et al., Am J Clin Nutr, 2018; Wise et al., Hum Reprod Update, 2019
Diet (red meat ↓, greens & fiber ↑)	Moderate	Red meat raises risk; fruits, vegetables, and fiber improve estrogen metabolism.	Chiaffarino et al., Obstet Gynecol, 1999; Wise et al., Am J Clin Nutr, 2011
Alcohol	Moderate	Alcohol increases circulating estrogen; frequent drinkers have higher fibroid prevalence.	Marshall et al., Epidemiology, 1998
Vitamin D deficiency	Strong emerging	Vitamin D downregulates fibroid cell growth; deficiency raises risk.	Halder et al., Biol Reprod, 2013; Ciavattini et al., Reprod Sci, 2016
Physical activity	Moderate	Exercise lowers estrogen and inflammation, reducing fibroid risk up to 40%.	D’Aloisio et al., J Women’s Health, 2021
Stress & cortisol dysregulation	Emerging	Chronic stress increases cortisol and inflammation, disturbing hormonal balance.	Laughlin-Tommaso et al., Fertil Steril, 2020
Environmental endocrine disruptors	Emerging but plausible	Chemicals in plastics and cosmetics mimic estrogen effects.	Ho et al., Environ Health Perspect, 2021

In short, lifestyle doesn’t cause fibroids, but it can influence their development and symptoms offering a valuable path for prevention and control, especially for women trying to conceive.

Nutrition for Hormonal Balance and Fertility

1. Support Estrogen Metabolism

Fibroids thrive in estrogen-dominant environments. To help the body process estrogen efficiently:

• Eat cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, kale, and cabbage
• Add flaxseed, rich in lignans that bind excess estrogen
• Increase fiber and hydration
• Limit alcohol

These foods support the liver and gut, the body’s main hormone detoxification systems. For more on the male side of hormone balance, you can read how men can play a central role in the fertility journey.

2. Focus on Anti-Inflammatory Foods

Chronic inflammation contributes to fibroid growth and pain. Helpful foods include:

• Fatty fish, olive oil, turmeric, and ginger
• Fresh fruits and vegetables, especially berries
• Limited processed foods, sugar, and red meat

Studies in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2018) show that women with higher antioxidant intake have lower fibroid risk.

If you’re also interested in how inflammation affects reproductive health, you may find testosterone, stress, and male fertility relevant.

3. Balance Blood Sugar and Insulin

Insulin resistance increases estrogen levels and inflammation. Eat balanced meals with protein, fiber, and healthy fats to stabilize blood sugar. Even small improvements in insulin sensitivity can promote hormonal equilibrium.

For more insight into hormonal regulation and fertility, explore how do you know If you have PCOS.

Movement and Fibroid Health

Exercise helps regulate insulin, lower estrogen, and reduce inflammation all factors linked to fibroid prevention and symptom control.

Aim for:

• 150 minutes of moderate activity weekly (walking, yoga, cycling)
• 2–3 strength sessions weekly
• Mind-body practices like yoga or stretching to reduce cortisol

Women who exercise regularly have a 30–40% lower fibroid risk (J Women’s Health, 2021). For men and partners involved in fertility journeys, regular activity can also enhance sperm quality and quantity.

Stress and Sleep: The Hormonal Reset Buttons

Sleep

During deep sleep, the body reduces inflammation and balances hormones. Aim for 7–9 hours nightly in a dark, cool environment. Irregular sleep disrupts estrogen and insulin cycles, potentially worsening fibroid symptoms.

Stress

Cortisol, the body’s stress hormone, competes with progesterone and influences estrogen production. Mindfulness, meditation, and breathing exercises can lower cortisol and support menstrual regularity. Even 10 minutes daily can make a measurable difference.

Environmental Estrogens and Hormone Health

Synthetic chemicals known as xenoestrogens are found in plastics, cosmetics, and some cleaning products. Over time, they can amplify hormonal imbalance and worsen fibroid activity.

Simple swaps:

• Choose glass or stainless-steel containers
• Avoid microwaving in plastic
• Opt for fragrance-free personal care products
• Select natural cleaning agents

Medical and Integrative Treatment Options

While lifestyle plays a foundational role, some fibroids require medical or surgical treatment. Common options include:

• Medications: Hormonal therapy or progesterone modulators
• Minimally invasive procedures: Uterine artery embolization or focused ultrasound
• Surgery: Myomectomy, especially for women planning pregnancy

Lifestyle measures often improve recovery and reduce recurrence after these treatments. They also complement fertility-focused approaches like IVF treatment.

How Conceivio Supports Women with Fibroids

At Conceivio, we believe women deserve clarity about their hormonal health, not just symptom relief. Our science-based fertility care integrates nutrition, stress management, and hormonal profiling to help women understand what drives their fibroid growth.

Personalized Hormone Profiling

We analyze your hormonal and metabolic patterns to reveal what’s fueling fibroid development, giving you data-driven insights instead of generic advice.

Nutrition for Hormonal Detox

Our fertility experts create anti-inflammatory, estrogen-balancing meal plans that support your liver and gut health for efficient hormone metabolism.

Stress, Sleep, and Cycle Coaching

We combine evidence-based mind-body tools with personalized guidance to improve sleep, lower cortisol, and promote hormonal balance.

Integration with Clinical Care

Whether you’re managing fibroids naturally or recovering after surgery, we help you align your lifestyle and medical treatment with your fertility goals.

The Bigger Picture

Fibroids don’t define your health they reveal where your body needs support. Understanding how hormones, metabolism, and lifestyle connect allows women to make informed, empowering choices.

Clara says it best:

“Once I learned what triggered my fibroids, I stopped feeling like a victim of them. Changing how I ate and managed stress made my body feel lighter, calmer — more mine again.”

Frequently Asked Questions About Uterine Fibroids and Fertility

Can fibroids stop you from getting pregnant?

Fibroids can make pregnancy more difficult in some women, depending on their size, number, and location. Fibroids that grow inside the uterine cavity may block the fallopian tubes or prevent the embryo from implanting. Others may not affect fertility at all. A specialist can determine whether fibroids are impacting your chances of conception.

Which type of fibroid causes infertility?

Submucosal fibroids, which develop inside the uterine cavity, are most strongly associated with infertility and miscarriage. They can distort the uterine lining, disrupt blood flow, and interfere with embryo implantation. Intramural fibroids within the uterine wall may also contribute to reduced fertility if they become large enough to alter uterine function.

Can getting pregnant reduce fibroids?

In some cases, pregnancy can slow fibroid growth because hormone levels and uterine blood flow change during gestation. However, fibroids can also enlarge temporarily during pregnancy due to increased estrogen and progesterone. Regular monitoring through ultrasound is important to track changes and ensure both maternal and fetal wellbeing.

What happens if I don't remove fibroids?

If fibroids are small, symptom-free, and not affecting fertility, treatment may not be necessary. However, untreated fibroids that continue to grow can lead to heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, anemia, or pressure on nearby organs. In women planning pregnancy, certain fibroids may increase the risk of miscarriage or preterm labor.

At what age do fibroids usually develop?

Fibroids most commonly develop during the reproductive years, typically between ages 30 and 50. They are rare before puberty and tend to shrink after menopause when estrogen levels drop. Hormonal fluctuations and family history can influence when fibroids appear and how they grow.

What damage can fibroids do to your body?

While fibroids are noncancerous, they can cause significant discomfort. Symptoms may include pelvic pressure, back pain, constipation, and frequent urination. Large fibroids can also distort the uterus, affect fertility, and in severe cases, lead to anemia from chronic heavy bleeding.

What organs can fibroids push on?

Large fibroids can press on nearby pelvic organs, including the bladder, rectum, and intestines. This can cause frequent urination, constipation, or bloating. The degree of pressure depends on the size and location of the fibroid within the uterus.

How to stop fibroids from growing?

Fibroid growth is influenced by hormones and lifestyle factors. Maintaining a healthy weight, eating a high-fiber, anti-inflammatory diet, getting adequate vitamin D, and exercising regularly can help slow growth. Managing stress and avoiding endocrine-disrupting chemicals in plastics and cosmetics also supports hormonal balance.

Can fibroids turn cancerous if left untreated?

Fibroids are almost always benign. The risk of cancer (known as leiomyosarcoma) is extremely low, estimated at fewer than 1 in 1,000 cases. However, any fibroid that grows rapidly after menopause or causes severe new symptoms should be evaluated by a doctor to rule out malignancy.

How much vitamin D to take to shrink fibroids?

Vitamin D plays an important role in regulating fibroid growth. Research suggests that maintaining adequate blood levels (30–60 ng/mL) can help slow fibroid development. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting supplements, as dosage depends on your individual vitamin D status and overall health.

Can an ultrasound tell if a fibroid is cancerous?

An ultrasound can identify fibroids, measure their size, and detect changes over time, but it cannot definitively distinguish between benign and malignant growths. If a fibroid appears unusual or grows rapidly, further imaging such as MRI or a biopsy may be needed for accurate diagnosis.

When to worry about uterine fibroids?

You should see a doctor if you experience heavy or prolonged bleeding, severe pain, bloating, or fertility challenges. These symptoms may indicate that fibroids are affecting your reproductive or overall health. Early evaluation helps determine whether treatment or monitoring is best for you.

Conclusion

Uterine fibroids are not just physical growths; they reflect the broader hormonal and metabolic balance that influences fertility. While some women conceive easily with fibroids, others face challenges tied to uterine shape, inflammation, or hormonal regulation. The encouraging news is that evidence-based lifestyle strategies can play a meaningful role alongside medical treatment.

Maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, getting adequate sleep, managing stress, and optimizing vitamin D levels can all help reduce fibroid-related symptoms and support a healthier uterine environment for conception. These approaches complement, not replace, clinical care and they empower women to take an active role in their reproductive health.

At Conceivio, we take a science-driven, compassionate approach to fertility care. Our experts combine personalized hormone profiling, nutrition guidance, and cycle coaching to help women understand and manage fibroids effectively.

If you’re navigating fibroids or planning pregnancy, Conceivio can help you make informed, evidence-based decisions tailored to your body and goals. Contact our team to start your personalized fertility plan today.