Many women are surprised to learn they have uterine fibroids during a routine scan — especially while planning pregnancy. If that’s you, the next question is often:
“Will this affect my fertility?”
The answer? Not always.
Fibroids can impact fertility in some cases, but not all. The key is understanding how fibroids behave, where they’re located, and what treatment options make sense — especially if you’re trying to conceive.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the relationship between fibroids and fertility, including when to worry, what tests to consider, and how to preserve your chances of a healthy pregnancy.
📌 First: What Are Uterine Fibroids?
Uterine fibroids (also called leiomyomas) are non-cancerous growths of the uterus that can vary in size from a few millimeters to the size of a grapefruit — or more.
They’re incredibly common: up to 70–80% of women may develop them by the age of 50. But not all fibroids affect fertility.
👶 Can Fibroids Impact Fertility?
Yes — but it depends on location, size, and number.
🔹 Types of Fibroids and Their Impact:
| Type | Location | Fertility Impact |
| Submucosal | Just beneath uterine lining | High – can interfere with implantation |
| Intramural | Within the muscular wall | Moderate – may distort uterine cavity |
| Subserosal | Outer surface of uterus | Low – rarely affects fertility |
How They Can Affect Conception:
- Block the fallopian tubes
- Distort the uterine cavity (affecting embryo implantation)
- Alter blood flow to the endometrium
- Increase risk of miscarriage
📋 When Should You Get Evaluated?
If you’re trying to conceive or planning pregnancy and have:
- A known fibroid
- Irregular periods or heavy bleeding
- History of miscarriage
- Unexplained infertility
…you should definitely get a pelvic scan. In many cases, an ultrasound or MRI can help determine if the fibroids are affecting your reproductive health.
💡 Dr. Parul Garg, interventional radiologist in Delhi, uses high-resolution imaging to evaluate fibroid positioning and fertility implications — helping patients make clear, safe choices.
🔬 Diagnostic Tests to Consider
- Pelvic Ultrasound
First-line, non-invasive, detects size/location of fibroids - Saline Infusion Sonography (SIS)
To assess distortion of the uterine cavity - MRI Pelvis
High accuracy in mapping multiple or large fibroids - Hysteroscopy
Direct visualization for submucosal fibroids - Hysterosalpingography (HSG)
X-ray test to check for blocked fallopian tubes or uterine abnormalities (especially helpful in fertility planning)
💡 Treatment Options When Fertility Is a Priority
✅ Myomectomy
- Surgical removal of fibroids
- Preserves the uterus
- Recommended especially for submucosal fibroids
- Can be hysteroscopic (no incision) or laparoscopic/open depending on size/location
✅ Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) – Fertility Considerations
UFE is a non-surgical, uterus-sparing procedure that blocks blood supply to fibroids, causing them to shrink.
But is it safe if you plan to get pregnant?
Here’s what we know:
- Pregnancy after UFE is possible, but not guaranteed
- Studies show mixed outcomes — some women conceive successfully post-UFE
- If you have multiple fibroids or are not a surgical candidate, UFE may be worth exploring
Important: UFE is usually best for women who want to preserve the uterus, but are not actively planning pregnancy right away.
🩺 A detailed evaluation with an expert like Dr. Parul Garg is essential to determine if UFE is appropriate based on your anatomy, fibroid type, and fertility goals.
🤰 Fertility FAQs About Fibroids
Q: Can fibroids stop me from getting pregnant?
A: Only in some cases — especially if they distort the uterine lining or block fallopian tubes.
Q: Can I carry a pregnancy to term with fibroids?
A: Yes, many women with fibroids have successful pregnancies. However, larger fibroids may increase risk of preterm labor or cesarean delivery.
Q: Should all fibroids be removed before IVF?
A: Not always. Only fibroids impacting the cavity or large fibroids distorting the uterine shape need intervention.
🩺 How Dr. Parul Garg Helps Women Navigate This
As an interventional radiologist, Dr. Parul Garg brings both diagnostic expertise and advanced treatment options to help women find clarity.
She offers:
- Advanced imaging (MRI, ultrasound)
- Fertility-focused consultations
- Uterus-sparing treatment when appropriate
- Honest, referral-based guidance when surgery is more suitable
Her goal? Help women make informed decisions that align with their life and family planning goals.
✨ Final Takeaway
Fibroids don’t always mean the end of your fertility journey. With the right information and expert guidance, many women go on to conceive and carry healthy pregnancies — even after fibroid treatment.
Whether you’re trying to conceive now or planning ahead, the key is a personalized, clear evaluation.
📅 Ready to Understand Your Options?
🔍 Schedule a fertility-focused fibroid consultation with Dr. Parul Garg
🔗 https://drparulgarg.com/uterine-artery-embolisation/