Can Uterine Fibroids Cause Infertility?
Uterine fibroids affect 5-10% of women who are infertile. A single muscle cell in the uterine wall multiplies and grows into a noncancerous tumor. This is a uterine fibroid. They are also known as myomas or leiomyomas. These growths can change the size or shape of the uterus. They may also affect the cervix. There are cases where a woman may have only one fibroid, but typically, there are more than one. The location, size, and number of fibroids can affect a woman’s ability to conceive.
Fibroids affect fertility by:
- Changing the shape of the cervix so that the number of sperm entering the uterus is reduced
- Changing the shape of the uterus so that the movement of the sperm or embryo is impaired
- Blocking the fallopian tubes
- Impacting the size of the lining of the uterine cavity, impacting the blood flow to the uterine cavity, so that the embryo cannot properly implant on the uterine wall and develop
