Does Removing Fibroids Improve Fertility?
Fibroids are the most common benign tumor found in the uterus and may affect fertility. They may develop within the uterine wall, or they may become attached. Symptoms of fibroids may include increased menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain and frequent urination. Estrogen may stimulate the production of fibroids, as they may begin to show up as women enter their 20s and may not go away until after menopause. Possible risk factors for developing fibroids include being over-weight, never giving birth and the presence of periods beginning before the age of 10. African-American women tend to have fibroids more often than other women, while heredity may also play a role in the development of fibroids. Fertility may not be affected by fibroids that are within the uterine wall and do not change the shape of the uterine cavity, or those that bulge outside of the uterine wall. However, if fibroids change the shape of the uterine cavity or are within the cavity, fertility may be greatly decreased. Fib