What effect to fibroids have on fertility and the chances of success with in vitro fertilization?
Fibroids are the commonest tumour found in the human body. They are round muscle growths which occur in the wall of the uterus. They are almost always non-cancerous and harmless. They start as small pea-sized lumps but grow steadily during the reproductive years. They may or may not cause symptoms. Some of the common symptoms include heavy, painful periods and pressure on the bladder and rectum. They can also uncommonly cause pain if they undergo rapid change. Fibroids that grow into the cavity of the uterus (submucous fibroids) can definitely interfere with fertility. Such fibroids should be removed prior to embarking on in vitro fertilization. Fibroids that grow within the wall of the uterus but do not displace or impact on the cavity of the uterus (the endometrial cavity) can potentially also interfere with the chances of conception. This is a very controversial area. Generally speaking, if fibroids are less than 5 centimetres in size and not impacting on the cavity we do not recomm
