Complications of fibroids

Most women don't experience any symptoms of fibroids,but they can cause significantproblems in rare cases.

The likelihood of complicationsoccurring depends on factors such as the position of thefibroids and their size. Somemain complications are outlined below.

Problems during pregnancy

If fibroids are present during pregnancy it can sometimeslead to problems with the development of the baby or difficulties during labour.

Women with fibroids may experience tummy (abdominal) pain during pregnancy and there's a risk of premature labour . If large fibroids block the vagina, a Caesarean section (where the baby is delivered through a cut in thetummy and womb)may be necessary. Inrare 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 andare pregnant.

Infertility

Infertility (the inability to become pregnant) may occur in cases where a woman has largefibroids. 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 (a fibroid that 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 connect the ovaries (where the egg is released) to the womb.