Uterine fibroids are benign tumours or growths that affect the uterus (womb) and they are extremely common in women of reproductive-age.
Fibroids have different names depending on their position in the uterus. The most common type of fibroid is those that develop within the muscle wall of the uterus, which are called intramural fibroids. Fibroids that grow just under the inner lining of the uterus (endometrium) are called submucosal fibroids. Fibroids that grow on the outside of your uterus are called subserosal fibroids and cervical fibroids develop in the neck of the uterus (cervix).
Submucosal and intramural fibroidsand have been shown to reduce the chance of getting pregnant by up to 50%. However, infertility problems and recurrent pregnancy loss can often be resolved by expert surgical intervention to remove the fibroids.
Consultant Gynaecologist Mr Adrian Lower specialises in the treatment of fibroids and fertility problems. He states: “It is known that uterine fibroids can affect fertility. Appropriate treatment is likely to lead to an improvement in fertility and a greater chance of becoming pregnant.”
