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Complications

By Mayo Clinic staff

Although uterine fibroids usually aren't dangerous, they can cause discomfort and may lead to complications such as anemia from heavy blood loss. In rare instances, fibroid tumors can grow out of your uterus on a stalk-like projection. If the fibroid twists on this stalk, you may develop a sudden, sharp, severe pain in your lower abdomen. If so, seek medical care right away. You may need surgery.

Pregnancy and fibroids
Fibroids usually don't interfere with conception and pregnancy. However, it's possible that fibroids could distort or block your fallopian tubes, or interfere with the passage of sperm from your cervix to your fallopian tubes. Submucosal fibroids may prevent implantation and growth of an embryo, and in these cases, doctors often recommend removing these fibroids before attempting pregnancy.

In other cases, treatment for fibroids during pregnancy isn't necessary. A common complication of fibroids during pregnancy is localized pain, typically between the first and second trimesters. This is usually easily treated with pain relievers. But if you have fibroids and you've experienced repeated pregnancy losses, your doctor may recommend removing one or more fibroids to improve your chances of carrying a baby to term, especially if no other causes of miscarriage can be found and if your fibroids distort the shape of your uterine cavity.

Preparing for your appointment Risk factors
References
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  2. Baird DD, et al. High cumulative incidence of uterine leiomyoma in black and white women: Ultrasound evidence. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2003;188:100.
  3. Stewart EA. Epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and natural history of uterine leiomyomas. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 17, 2011.
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DS00078 June 11, 2011

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