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What Are Uterine Fibroids? Symptoms, Types, and Fertility Impact

Jane Aherne

Video

11 min

This video explains what uterine fibroids are, outlines the four main types, and discusses common uterine fibroids symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding and irregular cycles. It explores how fibroids can impact fertility through implantation disruption, blocked fallopian tubes, hormonal imbalance, and miscarriage risk. The presentation also highlights diagnosis methods, medical treatment options, and holistic approaches to managing fibroids before and during pregnancy.

Uterine fibroids are one of the most common reproductive conditions affecting women of reproductive age. Many women will develop fibroids at some point in their lives, yet a large number never even realize they have them. For others, symptoms can significantly affect daily life and raise concerns about fertility and pregnancy.

If you are trying to conceive or planning a pregnancy, understanding what uterine fibroids are and recognizing uterine fibroids symptoms early can help you make informed decisions about your reproductive health.

Quick answer: Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in the muscular wall of the uterus. While many women experience no symptoms, others may have heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, or fertility challenges depending on the size and location of the fibroids.

What Are Uterine Fibroids?

Uterine fibroids, also known as leiomyomas, are benign growths that form within the muscle tissue of the uterus. They are not cancerous and in most cases do not increase the risk of uterine cancer.

Although the exact cause of uterine fibroids is not fully understood, they are strongly linked to hormonal imbalances, particularly estrogen dominance. Genetic and environmental factors may also contribute.

Fibroids can vary greatly in size. Some remain very small and undetectable without imaging, while others can grow large enough to distort the shape of the uterus.

Importantly, many women with fibroids conceive naturally and carry healthy pregnancies. However, for some, fibroids can interfere with fertility depending on their type and location.

Types of Uterine Fibroids

There are four primary types of uterine fibroids. Their location plays a key role in determining whether they cause symptoms or affect fertility.

Intramural Fibroids

Intramural fibroids grow within the muscular wall of the uterus. They are the most common type. In many cases, they do not significantly protrude into the uterine cavity, meaning they may not directly interfere with implantation.

However, larger intramural fibroids can alter uterine structure and potentially affect fertility.

Subserosal Fibroids

Subserosal fibroids develop on the outer surface of the uterus. These typically grow outward rather than into the uterine cavity. Because of their position, they are less likely to interfere directly with implantation but can cause pelvic pressure or discomfort.

Submucosal Fibroids

Submucosal fibroids grow into the inner cavity of the uterus. These are often the most impactful when it comes to fertility. Because they protrude into the uterine lining, they can distort the shape of the cavity, interfere with implantation, and increase miscarriage risk.

If you are concerned about this specific type, further details on how location matters are discussed in can uterine fibroids affect fertility.

Pedunculated Fibroids

Pedunculated fibroids grow on a stalk either inside or outside the uterus. Their impact depends on where they are positioned. Some may cause no issues at all, while others can create complications depending on size and placement.

Uterine Fibroids Symptoms to Watch For

One of the challenges with fibroids is that many women experience no symptoms. However, when symptoms are present, they can significantly affect quality of life.

The most common uterine fibroids symptoms include:

Very heavy menstrual bleeding
Prolonged periods
Large blood clots
Pelvic pain or pressure
Pain during intercourse
Irregular bleeding outside normal cycle days

Heavy bleeding is often the most noticeable symptom. Women may find themselves changing pads or tampons frequently, staining clothing or bedding, or experiencing waves of bleeding that subside and return within the same cycle.

If you are experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding, it is important to seek evaluation. A pelvic ultrasound, either abdominal or transvaginal, can typically confirm whether fibroids are present and identify their size and location.

Early diagnosis is especially important if you are planning to conceive.

How Uterine Fibroids Affect Fertility

Understanding how uterine fibroids affect fertility requires examining several mechanisms.

Distortion of Uterine Shape

Large fibroids can alter the structure of the uterus. When the uterine cavity is distorted, implantation may become more difficult. A fertilized egg needs a healthy, receptive lining to attach successfully.

Blocked Fallopian Tubes

In certain cases, fibroids located near the fallopian tubes may block sperm from reaching the egg or prevent the fertilized egg from traveling properly.

Reduced Blood Flow

Fibroids require their own blood supply. Larger growths may draw blood flow away from the uterine lining, potentially reducing implantation potential.

Hormonal Imbalances

Many women with fibroids also experience estrogen dominance and progesterone insufficiency. Balanced estrogen and progesterone are essential for maintaining a healthy uterine lining and supporting early pregnancy.

Hormonal imbalance can compound fertility challenges, especially if fibroids are already affecting uterine structure.

More detailed guidance about fertility considerations can be found in can uterine fibroids affect fertility, where specific implantation and pregnancy risks are explored further.

Fibroids and Pregnancy Complications

Even if conception occurs, fibroids may increase the risk of complications during pregnancy.

These can include:

Increased risk of miscarriage
Abnormal placental positioning
Pain as the uterus expands
Increased likelihood of cesarean delivery

Some women with fibroids may not be candidates for vaginal delivery depending on the size and placement of the fibroids.

However, it is important to emphasize that many women with fibroids have completely healthy pregnancies and deliveries.

Diagnosis and Early Detection

If you suspect fibroids based on uterine fibroids symptoms such as heavy bleeding or irregular cycles, early evaluation is recommended.

Diagnosis typically involves:

Pelvic examination
Ultrasound imaging
Transvaginal ultrasound
Occasionally MRI imaging

Early detection allows you to assess:

Number of fibroids
Size
Location
Potential impact on fertility

If you are planning pregnancy, understanding this information ahead of time helps you make informed decisions.

Treatment Options for Uterine Fibroids

Treatment depends on symptoms, fertility goals, and fibroid size and location.

Medical Treatments

Gynecologists may recommend:

Hormonal therapies
Intrauterine devices
Surgical removal
Myomectomy
Uterine artery embolization

Medical and surgical routes should always be discussed thoroughly with a specialist.

Holistic and Nutritional Support

Some women choose to explore lifestyle and nutritional approaches to manage symptoms and support hormonal balance.

Hormonal regulation through diet can play a role in reducing estrogen dominance. You can explore more detailed dietary strategies in nutrition for treating uterine fibroids, which outlines nutritional considerations for hormone balance.

Supplement strategies are also commonly explored. Certain supplements may support hormonal balance and inflammation reduction. A deeper look at this approach can be found in supplements for managing uterine fibroids, which explains evidence-based supplementation guidance.

Additionally, emerging research highlights the importance of reproductive tract health. The uterine microbiome may influence implantation and fertility outcomes. You can learn more about this connection in uterine microbiome and fertility, which explores how microbial balance may support reproductive health.

Natural Remedies Versus Medical Intervention

There is no universal answer to whether medical or holistic treatment is best. Each woman’s situation is different.

Factors to consider include:

Severity of symptoms
Fertility timeline
Size and type of fibroids
Overall hormonal balance
Personal preferences

Some women experience symptom improvement with dietary changes and targeted supplementation. Others may require surgical intervention to protect fertility.

The key is informed decision-making.

Can You Get Pregnant With Uterine Fibroids?

Yes, many women with fibroids conceive naturally.

However, it is important to:

Identify fibroid type
Understand location
Assess hormonal balance
Monitor bleeding patterns
Seek early diagnosis

With appropriate support, fertility outcomes can improve significantly.

Final Thoughts

What are uterine fibroids? They are common, non-cancerous growths that may or may not impact your fertility depending on their size and location.

Recognizing uterine fibroids symptoms such as heavy bleeding and irregular cycles is essential for early intervention. While fibroids can affect implantation, blood flow, and pregnancy outcomes, many women successfully conceive and carry healthy pregnancies.

Understanding your body is empowering. Early diagnosis, informed treatment decisions, and balanced hormonal support can significantly improve both fertility outcomes and overall reproductive health.

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What Are Uterine Fibroids? Symptoms & Fertility Impact

Video Transcript

00:00:00 Hello everyone, thank you so much for joining me to watch this video. Today I'm going to be talking about uterine fibroids and how they can impact fertility. Now these are very common amongst women of reproductive age and understanding uterine fibroids and what they do within the body is really crucial for those who are trying to conceive. So what are uterine fibroids? So uterine fibroids or lyomeomas are non-cancerous growths that develop in the muscle tissue within lyomeomas are non-cancerous growths that develop in the muscle tissue within

00:00:32 the uterus. Like many reproductive conditions we actually don't know for certain what causes them but they're usually to do with hormonal imbalances and kind of genetic factors attached to them as well and possibly maybe some environmental factors also. Uterine fibroids are extremely common with some women never even knowing that they had them at all. A lot of women don't have any symptoms and might find out later that they have uterine fibroids and many symptoms and might find out later that they have uterine fibroids and many

00:01:00 women also conceive naturally and have safe healthy pregnancies while still having uterine fibroids. However I would recommend an early diagnosis if you do have any symptoms because sometimes they can cause complications while trying to conceive. So there are four different types of uterine fibroids. Some will have more of an impact on fertility and others might not cause any symptoms and won 't have such a strong impact on fertility but again early diagnosis is important.

00:01:26 have such a strong impact on fertility but again early diagnosis is important. So these four types are and the first one is intramural and as you can see I've written here and if you look at the diagram it's pointing to the fibroids you need to pay attention to so they tend to grow within the muscle wall. Again they don't cause major protrusions and don't necessarily interrupt the lining of the uterus not always anyway. Then you have sub-serosal and if you see them they

00:01:51 tend to develop on the outer surface of the uterus so not necessarily again within the cavity and then you have sub-mucosal. These again can cause perhaps within the cavity and then you have sub-mucosal. These again can cause perhaps more issues because they do protrude into the cavity changing the lining in the shape of the uterus and can cause blockages. So sometimes when you have sub-mucosal these can definitely cause issues while trying to conceive. And can maybe impact your pregnancy so again early diagnosis is really important. And then the last one you have pedunculated which tend to grow on a

00:02:25 stalk if you look at the diagram either inside or outside of the uterus. So stalk if you look at the diagram either inside or outside of the uterus. So again some may be not posing any major concern when it comes to conce- conception but some will. However if you do have any symptoms and I'll go through those in the next slide please do try and get checked out and see if five boys are an issue for you. So quickly just before I move on to symptoms to look out for so that you can get an early diagnosis just to quickly go

00:02:53 through the effects on fertility. So as I discussed in the last slide the size of the fibroid and where it's located in the uterus can alter the actual shape of the fibroid and where it's located in the uterus can alter the actual shape of a uterus and again in the second point it can cause blockages particularly if they block the fallopian tubes this of course will cause issues with conception. It

00:03:13 can also stop implantation from happening depending on where the fibroid is and also reduce the blood flow because obviously this is a growth and needs blood flow as well so it can actually be calling on the blood flow to the uterus. So this is where fibroids can cause issues. And lastly hormonal uterus. So this is where fibroids can cause issues. And lastly hormonal imbalances. Many women myself included who suffer from uterine fibroids content to have an estrogen dominance and can also suffer with progester and insufficiencies and these are really important hormones that need

00:03:45 to be at a good balanced state whilst trying to conceive. So moving on now to symptoms to look out for to get an early diagnosis because you do not want these things affecting your chances of conception. So symptoms and diagnosis the main thing you want to look out for is are you suffering from very heavy and main thing you want to look out for is are you suffering from very heavy and also irregular menstrual bleeding. So if you find that during your period you are going through you know maybe on day two and day three possibly day four.

00:04:12 Lots and lots of pads lots of tampons you're experiencing pain also. Quite thick blood clots that are coming out during these days during your period. You're staining your clothes because the pads not enough perhaps staining bedland as well at night and also at different stages during your period you might have well at night and also at different stages during your period you might have heavy days they tend to subside and then they come back again and also out of your sort of seven-day window when you normally have your period. If you're

00:04:42 finding on say day 14 and at random times you'll suddenly have a big heavy bleed or even sort of a bit of spotting that leads to proper red blood that is a definite sign that you could possibly have uterine fibroids. The best thing to do is to go and get checked out and that is usually via ultrasound. Can usually do is to go and get checked out and that is usually via ultrasound. Can usually be on the surface area or in the kind of stomach or around the pelvis or it can be a transvaginal pelvic ultrasound and they will be able to detect if you have

00:05:10 fibroids you might not but it's a good indication if you're having the heavy bleeding that is possible and they'll be able to say how many you have where they are within the uterus and how you can treat that. As I said before earlier many women never suffer with any symptoms because they have fibroids and they can go undetected but if you have any inkling and just want to be on the they can go undetected but if you have any inkling and just want to be on the safe side if you do want to invest in having an ultrasound and because you are planning to conceive and you just want to make sure there's nothing going

00:05:41 on inside that could cause you any issues it can be a good idea to just get a checked out because I say many women do not have any signs so do be on the lookout for symptoms. I'm just going to briefly touch on some of the treatments available. I have them listed on the slide so do take a look at what I've written and if you are suffering with uterine fibroids discuss these with written and if you are suffering with uterine fibroids discuss these with your gynecologist and what they would recommend. I mentioned earlier when I said myself included I am someone who suffers with uterine fibroids. I did have

00:06:14 a decision to make on whether or not I wanted to undergo surgery or have the marina coil or certain hormonal therapies. I chose to go down the well-being holistic supplement route that is not for everyone however it did seem to work holistic supplement route that is not for everyone however it did seem to work for me in terms of shrinking the fibroids and also having the symptoms subside substantially. So I will be doing more videos about this about my journey and what I went through but also nutritional considerations being a nutritionist that you could incorporate into your lifestyle to help you deal

00:06:53 with uterine fibroids and also supplements the ones that I use and can be used to help balance your hormones and naturally allow the fibroids to shrink and also help balance your hormones and naturally allow the fibroids to shrink and also increase chances of conception. But the therapies that I've listed beside me here I would rather you seek out the support of a gynecologist if that's the route you want to take but again look out for more videos I will be doing further information and insight into how you can holistically treat fibroids

00:07:25 and their symptoms. So I've already discussed uterine fibroids and how they can their symptoms. So I've already discussed uterine fibroids and how they can affect fertility and lower your chances of conception. However as I also said many women do concede naturally and have healthy pregnancies and while having uterine fibroids. However some women have uterine fibroids that go undetected wind up pregnant and they can cause complications. So it does

00:07:53 increase the risk of miscarriage and other complications during pregnancy if you have fibroids. So again early diagnosis and detection is important. Also even have fibroids. So again early diagnosis and detection is important. Also even if the fibroids don't cause miscarriage or other complications later on as the baby grows and the fibroids are still there it might be necessary when it comes to giving birth to actually have a cesarean section instead of having a

00:08:19 natural birth. Whether that's something obviously most women would rather have a natural birth but again cesarean is something that many women have to go through. I myself had to have a cesarean section my baby is still 11 years of through. I myself had to have a cesarean section my baby is still 11 years of allish and I don't have any more but very very healthy but yes it can mean having uterine fibroids means that a natural birth isn't possible when it comes to that. But as I said before and I'll say it again many women do

00:08:46 conceive naturally but just be aware that if you have uterine fibroids there might be other considerations when you are pregnant so you might want to think about how you're going to manage those before you actually get pregnant. So to about how you're going to manage those before you actually get pregnant. So to conclude your final thoughts for the day yes uterine fibroids can affect fertility and conception however said it already a few times but worth saying again you can still get pregnant even if you have uterine fibroids but there are

00:09:14 some considerations and I hope this video has helped to describe them and made you more aware what you need to be looking out from what you need to consider moving forward if you have uterine fibroids or if you think you have uterine fibroids and are wanting to get pregnant soon. Natural remedies versus uterine fibroids and are wanting to get pregnant soon. Natural remedies versus medication I've put this in almost as a two-week continued I do intend to make more videos and inform people about what I went through in order to manage my symptoms of uterine fibroids and actually manage to shrink them and lower

00:09:47 them so the protrusion wasn't as significant as it was before and the symptoms I had to experience not just on a physical level but also on a emotional level and so I do want to delve more into that so do look out for emotional level and so I do want to delve more into that so do look out for that if you're more interested in taking a holistic side if you just want to go through more medical side please see a gynecologist and that's fine if that's your chosen route and but those who are looking for supplements nutrition or the remedies please stay tuned and I will have more information on that coming

00:10:21 soon and then early diagnosis set up before I'll say it again the earlier you know what you have to contend with and on your fertility journey the better so know what you have to contend with and on your fertility journey the better so please be on the lookout for symptoms that you feel shouldn't be happening regularly during your menstrual cycle go to a doctor and see how you can you know rectify these things either naturally or with medication and just be clear on what's going on inside your body and what might be affecting your fertility so thank you so much for listening and I look forward to being

00:10:56 in touch again