Fibroids

What are fibroids?

Fibroids are common benign lumps made up of uterine cell tissue that are not harmful to your health but may make it more difficult to conceive.

Fibroids may be in the uterine wall (intramural fibroids), on the outer surface of the uterus (subserosal fibroids), or protruding into the cavity of the uterus (submucosal fibroids).

Symptoms & diagnosis

Some symptoms that may indicate the presence of fibroids include:

• Heavy and painful periods
• Lower back pain
• Pelvic pain
• Iron deficiency

Fibroids can be diagnosed by a simple ultrasound.

Effect on fertility

Whether or not fibroids affect fertility depends on their location and size. If you are having trouble conceiving and the fibroids are located on the inside of the uterus, obstructing the uterine cavity or blocking the fallopian tubes, a specialist may recommend they be removed.

Treatment

Fibroids can generally be removed through a keyhole surgical procedure. Removal of small fibroids located entirely within the uterine cavity is normally straightforward and can be done as a day surgery through a hysteroscopy (where a thin telescope is inserted into the uterus via the vagina), or a laparoscopy (a keyhole operation performed through a small incision in the navel).

If you are trying to conceive please book an appointment with one of our fertility specialists who can assess whether fibroids are affecting your fertility. Call 1800 111 483 or request an appointment online.