If you've been trying to get pregnant and struggling...
If you've had a miscarriage and no one can tell you why...
If your doctor mentioned fibroids but didn't explain how they might be affecting your fertility...
This is for you.
Because the truth is:
Fibroids can absolutely affect your ability to get pregnant and carry a baby to term.
But not all fibroids do.
And understanding which ones matter most could change everything.
Not all fibroids affect fertility equally.
The location of your fibroids matters more than the size.
More than the number.
Location is everything.
The Three Types of Fibroids (And Which Ones Affect Fertility Most)
Fibroids are categorized based on where they grow in or around your uterus.
1. Submucosal Fibroids (The Biggest Fertility Threat)
These grow inside the uterine cavity.
They protrude into the space where a baby would implant and grow.
And they cause the most fertility problems.
Here's why:
When you're trying to conceive, a fertilized egg needs to implant into the uterine lining.
But if a submucosal fibroid is taking up that space?
The egg can't attach properly.
Or if it does attach, it might not get the blood supply it needs.
Research shows that submucosal fibroids significantly reduce implantation rates.
They also increase the risk of:
• Early miscarriage
• Recurrent pregnancy loss
• Failed IVF cycles
Even small submucosal fibroids can cause big problems.
Because they're literally in the way.
2. Intramural Fibroids (It Depends)
These grow within the muscular wall of the uterus.
They can affect fertility, but it depends on:
• How large they are
• How close they are to the uterine cavity
• Whether they're distorting the shape of the uterus
If an intramural fibroid is large enough to push into the uterine cavity or change its shape?
It can interfere with implantation just like a submucosal fibroid.
But smaller ones that aren't distorting the cavity may not affect fertility at all.
3. Subserosal Fibroids (Usually Not a Problem)
These grow on the outer wall of the uterus.
They point outward, away from the uterine cavity.
In most cases, subserosal fibroids do not affect fertility.
They're not in the way of implantation.
They don't distort the uterine cavity.
They might cause other symptoms like bloating or pressure.
But they typically don't prevent pregnancy.
How Fibroids Interfere With Getting Pregnant
So how exactly do fibroids (especially submucosal ones) make it harder to conceive?
Here are the main ways:
1. They Block Implantation
The fertilized egg can't attach to the uterine lining if a fibroid is in the way.
Even if everything else is perfect, implantation fails.
2. They Distort the Uterine Cavity
Large fibroids can change the shape of your uterus.
This makes it harder for sperm to reach the egg.
And harder for an embryo to find a good spot to implant.
3. They Reduce Blood Flow
Fibroids can interfere with blood flow to the uterine lining.
If the lining doesn't get enough blood, it can't support a pregnancy.
4. They Create Inflammation
Fibroids trigger chronic low-level inflammation in the uterus.
This inflammatory environment makes it harder for an embryo to implant and thrive.
5. They Affect Uterine Contractions
Your uterus naturally contracts to help move sperm toward the egg.
Fibroids can interfere with these contractions.
Making it harder for sperm and egg to meet.
Fibroids and Miscarriage Risk
If you do get pregnant with fibroids, the risks don't necessarily end there.
Research shows that fibroids (especially submucosal and large intramural fibroids) increase the risk of:
Early miscarriage – particularly in the first trimester
Recurrent pregnancy loss – multiple miscarriages
Placental abruption – when the placenta separates from the uterine wall too early
Preterm labor – going into labor before 37 weeks
Fetal growth restriction – the baby doesn't grow as expected
Again, location matters.
Submucosal fibroids pose the highest risk.
Subserosal fibroids typically don't increase miscarriage risk.
Fibroids and Pregnancy Complications
Even if you successfully get pregnant and make it past the first trimester, fibroids can still cause complications during pregnancy.
These include:
Placenta previa – when the placenta covers the cervix
Breech position – baby positioned feet-first instead of head-first
Cesarean delivery – fibroids can block the birth canal or cause other issues requiring a C-section
Postpartum hemorrhage – heavy bleeding after delivery
Not every woman with fibroids will experience these complications.
But the risk is higher.
Especially with larger fibroids or multiple fibroids.
What About IVF?
If you're considering IVF, fibroids can affect your success rates.
Studies show that submucosal fibroids significantly reduce IVF success.
Even after embryo transfer, implantation rates are lower.
Miscarriage rates are higher.
Live birth rates are lower.
Many fertility specialists recommend removing submucosal fibroids before attempting IVF.
Because the data is clear:
Your chances of success are much better without them.
Should You Remove Fibroids Before Trying to Conceive?
This is a personal decision.
And it depends on several factors:
The type of fibroid – Submucosal? Probably yes. Subserosal? Probably no.
The size and location – Large fibroids distorting the cavity are more concerning.
Your age and fertility timeline – If you're older or have been trying for a while, you may not want to wait.
Your symptoms – Are the fibroids causing pain, heavy bleeding, or other issues?
Your doctor's recommendation – Ideally from a fertility specialist, not just a general OB-GYN.
If you do need fibroid removal, the most common procedure is myomectomy.
This removes the fibroids while preserving your uterus.
Recovery time varies, but most doctors recommend waiting 3-6 months after surgery before trying to conceive.
Can You Get Pregnant Naturally With Fibroids?
Yes.
Absolutely.
Many women with fibroids get pregnant naturally and have healthy pregnancies.
It depends on:
The type, size, and location of your fibroids
Whether they're affecting your uterine cavity
Your overall fertility health
If your fibroids are small, subserosal, or not distorting your uterus, they may not be the reason you're struggling to conceive.
There could be other factors at play.
But if you have submucosal fibroids or large intramural fibroids?
Addressing them could significantly improve your chances.
What You Can Do Right Now
If you're trying to conceive and have fibroids (or suspect you might), here's what to do:
1. Get a Clear Diagnosis
Ask for an ultrasound or MRI to identify:
• How many fibroids you have
• Their size
• Their exact location (submucosal, intramural, or subserosal)
This information is critical for making decisions.
2. See a Fertility Specialist
Not just a regular OB-GYN.
A reproductive endocrinologist who specializes
The Connection Between Fibroids and Infertility
Let's start with the facts.
About 10% of infertility cases involve fibroids.
That means 1 in 10 women struggling to conceive are dealing with fibroids as part of the problem.
But here's what most doctors don't explain clearly:
in fertility and understands how fibroids impact conception.
They can give you specific guidance based on YOUR situation.
3. Address the Root Causes
Even if you're planning surgery, don't skip this step.
Because remember:
Fibroids can grow back after surgery if you don't address why they grew in the first place.
The root causes include:
• Hormone imbalance (especially estrogen dominance)
• Chronic inflammation
• Poor gut health affecting hormone processing
• Oxidative stress
• Toxic overload
When you address these foundational issues, you:
• Slow or stop fibroid growth
• Reduce the chance of new fibroids forming
• Improve your overall fertility
• Create a healthier environment for pregnancy
4. Support Your Body Naturally
While you're making decisions about treatment, you can support your body right now:
Balance your hormones through nutrition, stress management, and targeted supplements
Reduce inflammation by eliminating inflammatory foods and adding anti-inflammatory ones
Support your gut with fiber-rich foods, fermented foods, and probiotics
Detox excess estrogen through liver support and reducing toxic exposure
Manage stress because chronic stress disrupts hormones and feeds fibroid growth
These steps won't make submucosal fibroids disappear.
But they can:
• Stop them from growing larger
• Prevent new ones from forming
• Improve your overall fertility health
• Support a healthier pregnancy when it happens
5. Don't Wait Too Long
If you're trying to conceive and have been diagnosed with fibroids, don't ignore them.
Especially if they're submucosal or large intramural fibroids.
Time matters when it comes to fertility.
And the longer you wait, the more fibroids can grow.
Get the information you need.
Talk to specialists.
Make informed decisions.
But don't let fear or uncertainty keep you stuck.
The Bottom Line
Can fibroids affect fertility and pregnancy?
Yes.
Especially submucosal fibroids and large intramural fibroids.
They can:
• Interfere with implantation
• Increase miscarriage risk
• Cause pregnancy complications
• Reduce IVF success rates
But here's the good news:
Not all fibroids affect fertility.
Location matters more than size or number.
And when you address fibroids strategically, many women go on to have healthy pregnancies.
You just need the right information.
The right support.
And a plan that works for YOUR body.
Want More Support?
If you're dealing with fibroids and fertility concerns, you don't have to figure this out alone.
Inside The Womb Care Network, we teach you how to:
✓ Address the root causes of fibroid growth
✓ Balance hormones naturally
✓ Reduce inflammation
✓ Support your fertility holistically
✓ Make informed decisions about treatment
✓ Prepare your body for a healthy pregnancy
Join The Womb Care Network here
Or if you want personalized guidance tailored specifically to your situation:
Apply to work with me one-on-one here
Your body can heal.
Your fertility can improve.
And pregnancy is possible.
Let's make it happen together.
Sources:
• American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) – Fibroids and Reproduction
• Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology – Impact of Submucosal Fibroids on Fertility
• Fertility and Sterility – Uterine Fibroids and Reproductive Outcomes
• Human Reproduction Update – Fibroids and IVF Success Rates