How do uterine fibroids impede fertility?
• Uterus distortion subserosal fibroids developing outside the uterus can distort the uterine cavity or compress the fallopian tubes, preventing the sperm from reaching the eggs(1,2).
• Intramural fibroids developing in the cervical region can prevent the entry of the sperm into the uterus (2,3).
• Submucosal fibroids, developing in the lining of the uterus, may block the fallopian tube preventing ovum release and sperm from entering (2,3).
• Both intramural and submucosal fibroids may increase the size of the uterus cavity, forcing sperm to travel a greater distance (2,3).
• Uterine fibroids may also disturb implantation or gestation (1).
Uterine fibroids greater than 5 cm in size, or located near the ostia of the fallopian tubes, are more likely to cause fertility problems (4).
Read about uterine fibroids and pregnancy.
What are common symptoms of uterine fibroids?
References:
1. Bajekal, N., TC Li, Human Reproduction Update, Vol.6, No.6 pp.614-620, 2000
2. Buttram, V.C. Jr and Reiter, R.C. 1981 Uterine leiomata:etiology, symptomatology and management. Fertil. Steril., 36, 433-445
3. Hunt, J.E. and Wallach, E.E. 1974: Uterine factor in infertility: an overview. Clin. Gynecol., 44-64.
4. Ubaldi, F., Tournaye, H., Camus, M. et al. 1995 Fertility after hysteroscopic myomectomy. Hum. Reprod. Update, 1, 81-90

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