Fibroids - Complications of fibroids

Although most women do not experience any symptoms of fibroids, they can cause significant problems in rare cases.

The likelihood of complications occurring depends on things such as the position of the fibroids and their size. Some main complications are outlined below.

Problems during pregnancy

The presence of fibroids during pregnancy can sometimes lead to problems with the development of the baby or difficulties during labour.

Specifically, women with fibroids may experience tummy (abdominal) pain during pregnancy and there is a risk of premature labour. If large fibroids block the vagina, a caesarean section (delivery through a cut in the tummy and womb) may be necessary. In rare cases, fibroids can cause miscarriage (the loss of pregnancy during the first 23 weeks).

Your GP or midwife will be able to give you further information and advice if you have fibroids and are pregnant.

Infertility

Infertility (the inability to become pregnant) may occur in cases where a woman's fibroids are large. Large fibroids can sometimes prevent a fertilised egg attaching itself to the lining of the womb or prevent sperm reaching the egg, although this is rare.

If you have a submucosal fibroid (which grows from the muscle wall into the cavity of your womb), it may block a fallopian tube, making it harder for you to become pregnant. The fallopian tubes are the tubes that connect the ovaries (where the egg is released) to the womb.