Uterine fibroids, or just fibroids, are benign, or not cancerous, tumors of the uterus. According to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, around 25 percent of American women have fibroids. Although not usually dangerous, they can cause discomfort and complications, as well as affect a woman's chance of getting pregnant.
Pregnancy and Conception
Pregnancy and conception can be a complication of fibroids. The tumors can distort or block the fallopian tubes and interfere with the passage of the sperm to the cervix. MayoClinic.com states that fibroids can hinder the implantation and growth of an embryo, and that research shows that women with fibroids are at high risk of miscarriage, premature labor and delivery, abnormal fetal position and separation of the placenta from the uterine wall. Localized pain during the first and second trimester of conception is common.
Dystocia
According to Bioportfolio.com, fibroids can cause dystocia, or a difficult labor. Dystocia can cause the fetus to be situated abnormally prior to delivery, and the condition often leads to assisted deliveries such as forceps and cesarean sections.
Vaginal Bleeding
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, intermenstrual bleeding can be a complication of fibroids. This is vaginal bleeding at anytime between the menstrual cycle other than during normal menstruation, and ranges from spotting to heavy bleeding. This may result in anemia and miscarriage.
Other Complications
According to MedlinePlus, other complications that can arise from fibroids include the development of an enlarged uterus, heavy bleeding that may require surgery, urinary tract infections if there is obstruction of the bladder, and in some rare cases, cancer. MedlinePlus also reports that pregnancy can cause complications for women with fibroids, as the increased hormones and blood flow can lead to increased growth of existing fibroid tumors.
