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Fibroids
What causes fibroids?
Surprisingly little is known about why fibroids develop. Some research suggests that a predisposition to getting fibroids may be hereditary. There also appears to be a link between fibroid growth and hormonal factors, because fibroids tend to grow during your reproductive years and also can expand rapidly during pregnancy when estrogen levels are highest. Fibroids generally shrink after menopause as estrogen levels decline. Most likely, fibroids are the result of a combination of these and other factors yet to be identified.
What are the symptoms of fibroids, and what problems can they cause?
Most fibroids do not cause any symptoms and you will not even know they are there. But depending on their size, number and location, fibroids can be responsible for changes in the menstrual cycle, pain in the abdomen or lower back, pain during sex, difficult or frequent urination, constipation, miscarriage, problems conceiving or anemia (due to excessive menstrual bleeding). Many women find their symptoms are mild and not hard to cope with. Other women, however, may have more severe symptoms or problems associated with fibroids that may make it worthwhile to consider some form of treatment.
If I have fibroids does that mean I can't get pregnant or will have trouble conceiving?
Although it's rare, some fibroids can make it difficult to conceive naturally if they block the fallopian tubes or otherwise prevent a fertilized egg from becoming implanted in the uterus. Some treatments for fibroids can affect fertility as well.
However, there are
treatment options
for fibroids that can help protect your ability to have children, and advances in infertility treatment also have greatly improved the chance you will get pregnant even if your fibroids are making it difficult.
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