How Uterine Fibroids Can Impact Pregnancy

For those trying to become pregnant, it can be frustrating to see negative pregnancy test after negative pregnancy test. This often leads to many doctors visits to try and determine the cause behind this struggle, sometimes with no answer.

Fibroids are common noncancerous tumors in the uterus. Because of their placement, they can change the shape or size of the uterus and, in some cases, the cervix. Additionally, women with fibroids typically have more than one, further altering the shape of the uterus.

This can cause many women to wonder if fibroids are behind their infertility.

Can Fibroids Cause Infertility?

Fibroids are found in 5-10% of infertile women, with the size and the location of the fibroids a significant factor in whether or not the fibroids affect fertility. Some examples of fibroids that affect fertility include very large fibroids (>6 cm in diameter) in the wall of the uterus or fibroids inside the uterine cavity.

Because only a small percentage of infertile women have fibroids, assessing other fertility problems before treating fibroids is important.

However, for those with fibroids, there are many ways in which they can impact fertility:

• changing the shape of the uterus, interfering with the movement of the sperm or embryo
• changing the shape of the cervix, affecting the number of sperm able to enter the uterus
• impacting the size of the uterine cavity lining
• blocking the fallopian tubes
• affecting the blood flow to the uterine cavity, making it harder for the embryo to implant in the uterine wall or develop

Can You Get Pregnant with Fibroids?

While fibroids can cause problems with fertility in some women, many women are still able to become pregnant with fibroids, and they are found in 2-12% of pregnant women.

For pregnant women with fibroids, though, there are some concerns to monitor throughout the course of the pregnancy. For example, fibroids can outgrow their blood supply, causing pain, or change the baby’s position, increasing the risk of miscarriage, cesarean section, or preterm delivery.

Treating Uterine Fibroids

For women who are trying to become pregnant, but have fibroids impacting this ability, uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is an appealing treatment method.

One of the most common treatments for fibroids is hysterectomy, but for women who want to become pregnant, this is not a favorable treatment as it means they will never be able to become pregnant.

UFE has the advantage of preserving the uterus, making it so women can still become pregnant. A study on patients who had tried to get pregnant for two years unsuccessfully and had no reason for their infertility besides fibroids were given UFE. Around 30% of the women included in the study became pregnant a year after the procedure, and the numbers rose to 40.1% after two years.

There’s more that’s appealing about UFE besides its ability to keep pregnancy an option, though; it is also minimally invasive and does not require a hospital stay. Compared to the major surgery of hysterectomy, this means that recovery is much easier and much less painful because there is no incision.

If you are experiencing problems becoming pregnant, visit your local physician to discuss the possibility of uterine fibroids. For those diagnosed with uterine fibroids, consider Uterine Fibroid Embolization with MTV IR to take action against your uterine fibroids and increase your chances of becoming pregnant.

References
Guo XC, Segars JH. The impact and management of fibroids for fertility: an evidence-based approach. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am. 2012 Dec;39(4):521-33. doi: 10.1016/j.ogc.2012.09.005. PMID: 23182558; PMCID: PMC3608270.

Fibroids and Fertility. (2022). Retrieved 2 July 2022, from https://www.reproductivefacts.org/news-and-publications/patient-fact-sheets-and-booklets/documents/fact-sheets-and-info-booklets/fibroids-and-fertility/

Mara, M., Maskova, J., Fucikova, Z., Kuzel, D., Belsan, T., & Sosna, O. (2007). Midterm Clinical and First Reproductive Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Uterine Fibroid Embolization and Myomectomy. Cardiovascular And Interventional Radiology, 31(1), 73-85. doi: 10.1007/s00270-007-9195-2

There are several options for treating fibroids, ranging from medication to surgery. Two common procedures include a hysterectomy and uterine fibroid embolization (UFE). This article will discuss what each of these options are and why UFE may be a more advantageous option.

Hysterectomy for uterine fibroids?

A hysterectomy is a major surgical procedure. In this surgery, the uterus (also known as the womb) is removed entirely. After having this operation, women are no longer able to get pregnant, making it an irreversible procedure. Likewise, having a hysterectomy, especially for women of child-bearing potential, is a large decision to make.

While a hysterectomy is a major surgery, it is a way to completely eradicate fibroid symptoms. After undergoing a hysterectomy, new uterine fibroids can no longer grow. Likewise, your periods and pelvic pain and pressure will stop, and frequent urination will improve. Such improvements in symptoms and quality of life make it an attractive option for many women suffering from severe uterine fibroids.

Because the entire uterus is removed during a hysterectomy, there are several side effects of the operation that a woman must consider.

These include:

• Permanent infertility
• Premature menopause. This would occur if the ovaries were removed during the hysterectomy. Ovary removal will decrease estrogen production, thereby increasing one’s risk for osteoporosis, skin dryness, heart disease, and brain function.
• Sexual dysfunction
• Pelvic adhesion (scar tissue)

There are a few different types of hysterectomies, including a vaginal, abdominal, and laparoscopic hysterectomy. The type of surgery you receive is dependent upon individual factors such as your uterus size.

Uterine Fibroid Embolization

UFE can also be used to treat fibroids. UFE differs from a hysterectomy in that it is a non-surgical and minimally invasive procedure. In this procedure, a radiologist inserts a small catheter into the uterine artery which injects small particles into the artery. These particles stop blood supply to the fibroids, causing them to shrink and die. Therefore, UFE should reduce symptoms associated with large fibroids, such as pain, pressure, and heavy periods.

UFE can shrink a fibroid by about 40 to 50 percent. In addition, it can shrink the uterus by 30 to 40 percent. This can help to resolve symptoms greatly, and studies suggest that between 80 to 90 percent of women experience symptom improvement after UFE. Treatment with UFE is very safe, as serious complications happen in less than four percent of women.

After undergoing UFE, a patient should lay flat with their legs straight for six hours. Women may experience some pain after the procedure, but the most significant pain occurs within the first six hours post-surgery and can be managed with medication. The majority of patients can resume normal activity in a week.

Why may UFE be a better option than a hysterectomy?

UFE has several advantages over hysterectomy. For starters, UFE is a minimally invasive and same-day procedure. Compared with a major surgery such as a hysterectomy or myomectomy, recovery time is much shorter and does not require a hospital stay. Most women can resume normal activities within seven to 10 days after undergoing UFE, whereas recovery from a hysterectomy can take six to eight weeks. In addition, pain management after UFE is likely needed for only two to three days.
UFE is also a more affordable option for managing fibroids. Because UFE does not require a hospital stay, the cost of UFE is estimated to be 12 percent less than a hysterectomy and 8 percent less than a myomectomy, according to the American Journal of Gynecology

Now that you have a better awareness of Uterine Fibroid Embolization, turn that awareness into action. If you are experiencing symptoms of uterine fibroids, see your local physician. And if you have been diagnosed with uterine fibroids, ask your physician about Uterine Fibroid Embolization treatment with MTV IR.

References
Uterine fibroid embolization vs hysterectomy | American endovascular & amputation prevention. (2019, October 31). https://americanendovascular.com/uterine-fibroid-embolization-vs-hysterectomy/
Fibroids treatment. (n.d.). Ucsfhealth.Org. Retrieved April 28, 2022, from
https://www.ucsfhealth.org/Conditions/Fibroids/Treatment

Fibroids are a type of noncancerous tumor that are made up of muscle and connective tissue. They can develop either within the uterus wall or on the uterus, sometimes as just one tumor and sometimes in multiples. Fibroids can range in size from being the size of an apple seed to being as large as a grapefruit. In rare cases, they can get even bigger.
Many women have fibroids, and they are actually very common. In fact, roughly 40 to 80 percent of women have fibroids, but many women will not even know they have them because they do not experience symptoms. Typically, asymptomatic fibroids are smaller in size1,2.

What are the symptoms of fibroids?

The majority of fibroids are small in size and do not cause any symptoms and therefore will not need treatment. In these cases, your provider will simply monitor and observe the fibroids for any changes. However, if you have a larger fibroid, you may experience certain symptoms 1,2.

Are Fibroids Painful?

Fibroids can be painful, but they are not always painful. Typically, small fibroids will not be painful or even noticeable. Large fibroids, however, may cause pain or discomfort. This pain usually manifests as back pain, strong menstrual cramps, sharp stomach pains, and sometimes painful sex.

Can fibroids cause infertility?

Fibroids may cause infertility. This is likely due to a fibroid blocking the fallopian tube, thereby preventing conception. However, infertility due to fibroids is not super common. Roughly 5 to 10 percent of infertile women have fibroids, and 1 to 2.4 percent of infertile women are expected to be infertile due to fibroids alone.

How are uterine fibroids treated?
Not all fibroids will require treatment. Treatment is usually only needed if a fibroid is causing severe symptoms such as intense bleeding, pain, or discomfort. There are a few medication options for fibroids. These include birth control pills or a device called an intrauterine device (IUD), which can help with heavy periods. Another medication is Lupron, which is used in certain cases to improve fibroid symptoms.

Uterine fibroids can also be treated with surgery. A myomectomy is an operation in which the surgeon removes the fibroids but also preserves the uterus. A hysterectomy is another option in which the uterus is removed. Finally, uterine artery embolization is a new procedure that can be used as an alternative to surgery4.

Now that you have a better awareness of Uterine Fibroids, turn that awareness into action. If you are experiencing symptoms of uterine fibroids, see your local provider. And if you have been diagnosed with uterine fibroids, ask your physician about Uterine Fibroid Embolization treatment with MTV IR.

References
Uterine fibroids | Office on Women’s Health. (n.d.). Retrieved April 28, 2022, from https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/uterine-fibroids
Uterine fibroids: Symptoms, causes, risk factors & treatment. (n.d.). Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved April 28, 2022, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9130-uterine-fibroids
Fibroid & menstrual disorders. (n.d.). GW Medical Faculty Associates. Retrieved April 28, 2022, from https://gwdocs.com/specialties/obstetrics-gynecology-obgyn/fibroid-menstrual-disorders
Fibroids treatment. (n.d.). Ucsfhealth.Org. Retrieved April 28, 2022, from https://www.ucsfhealth.org/Conditions/Fibroids/Treatment

We offer maximum relief through a non-surgical, minimally-invasive procedure.

If you have been suffering with painful uterine fibroids you are not alone. Most American women will develop them at some point in their lives. An estimated 26 million Americans have fibroids, and of those, about 15 million suffer from debilitating symptoms, including heavy menstrual bleeding, overly long menstrual periods, pelvic pressure and pain, backaches, and difficulty with constipation or frequent urination.

Know Your Treatment Options

With uterine fibroids, it’s important to know your treatment options. In the past the only alternatives were traditional surgical procedures like a hysterectomy or a myomectomy. Luckily, MTV IR offers an advanced non-invasive treatment that is effective in relieving the pain for a vast majority of women. The procedure is called Uterine Fibroid Embolization or (UFE). This innovative procedure allows you to avoid the risk of surgery, avoid the lengthy recovery, and keep your uterus intact for any future pregnancies.

Here are the benefits of UFE vs. surgical procedures:

• Preservation of the uterus
• Decrease in heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain and/or pressure
• Decrease in urinary dysfunction
• Virtually no blood loss
• Covered by most insurance companies
• The procedure lasts approximately 60-90 minutes
• Requires only a small, pin-sized incision in the wrist or thigh
• No general anesthesia required
• Preformed as an outpatient procedure
• One week recovery

A brief overview of our UFE procedure:

The Uterine Fibroid Embolization procedure performed by MTV IR’s experienced interventional radiologists involves inserting a fiber thin catheter into the radial artery and advancing it through the artery to each fibroid. Then small particles are injected, which cut off the blood flow to the problematic fibroid, causing the uterine fibroids to shrink and die over time.

So, if you suffer from painful uterine fibroids, contact MTV IR, the leaders in interventional radiology for women in Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. To learn more about MTV IR’s Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) procedure, follow this link https://mtvir.com/uterinefibroids/

If you have Uterine Fibroids and would like a connect with the professionals at MTV IR, simply request a consultation or call (469) 458-9800.

It’s time to call MTVIR about your Uterine Fibroids.

For most women, the month of October is a reminder to schedule their annual mammogram screening. National Breast Cancer Awareness Month has been extremely beneficial in both awareness and prevention. As a nation, we have done a wonderful job of focusing on a very important women’s health issue each October.

Now that we are at the beginning of November, we would invite you to continue to focus on women’s health issues by turning your attention to a condition that creates challenges for millions of women around the world. Uterine Fibroids affect 70-80% of all women between 35 and 54. These fibroids are non-cancerous, but sometimes can produce adverse symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding, overly long menstrual periods, pelvic pressure and pain, backaches, and difficulty with constipation or frequent urination

For many women who live with fibroids, the pain is intense enough to interfere with normal daily life, let alone the busy holidays.

With the holidays approaching, this time of year is filled with family gatherings, office parties, shopping, and way more activities than usual.

If you or a loved one is suffering with painful uterine fibroids, it’s important to know your treatment options. MTV IR offers an advanced non-invasive treatment that is effective in relieving the pain for a vast majority of women.

In the past, problematic uterine fibroids would require an invasive surgery like a hysterectomy or myomectomy. Now you can avoid the risk of surgery, avoid the lengthy recovery, and keep your uterus intact for any future pregnancies with MTV IR’s Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE).

The Uterine Fibroid Embolization procedure performed by MTV IR’s experienced interventional radiologists involves inserting a fiber thin catheter into the radial artery and advancing it through the artery to each fibroid. Then small particles are injected, cutting off the blood flow, causing the fibroids to shrink and die over time. By using UFE to reduce the size of the fibroids, the final removal through hysterectomy or myomectomy can be a much safer process.

So, if you suffer from painful uterine fibroids, contact MTV IR, the leaders in interventional radiology for women in Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. To learn more about MTV IR’s Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) procedure, click here: https://mtvir.com/uterinefibroids/

If you have Uterine Fibroids and would like a connect with the professionals at MTV IR, simply request a consultation or call (469) 458-9800.

If you’ve been typing “uterine fibroid treatment near me” into Google and wondering which direction to take, you’re not alone. Millions of women suffer from uterine fibroids—and many are frustrated with the lack of clear, non-surgical solutions. The good news? Right here in Dallas, TX, there are effective, modern treatment options that don’t require invasive surgery or long hospital stays.

This article walks you through your treatment options, how to choose the right provider, and why non-surgical fibroid care is gaining popularity among women across the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

What Are Uterine Fibroids?

Fibroids are benign (non-cancerous) tumors that grow in or on the uterus. They can range in size from a pea to a grapefruit, and many women have more than one. While fibroids are common, their symptoms can seriously impact daily life, including:

• Heavy menstrual bleeding

• Severe cramping

• Pelvic pressure or fullness

• Pain during intercourse

• Frequent urination

• Constipation

• Fatigue and anemia

Not all fibroids need treatment, but if your symptoms are interfering with your life, it’s time to explore options.

How Do I Find the Right Fibroid Treatment Near Me?

When searching for uterine fibroid treatment near you, consider these questions:

• Is surgery your only option?

• Are you being offered a non-surgical alternative like UFE?

• Is your doctor experienced in multiple treatment methods?

• Is the facility equipped for advanced imaging and outpatient care?

In Dallas, not all providers are equal. Many OB/GYNs default to surgical approaches like hysterectomy. But minimally invasive specialists, like the team at MTVIR, offer modern, uterus-sparing alternatives.

Common Treatment Options for Uterine Fibroids

1. Watchful Waiting

If your fibroids are small and symptom-free, you might not need immediate treatment. Regular monitoring with imaging can track growth.

2. Medications

Hormone therapy or birth control may ease symptoms like heavy bleeding, but won’t eliminate fibroids.

3. Surgical Treatments

• Myomectomy removes fibroids while preserving the uterus.

• Hysterectomy removes the uterus entirely, ending fibroid recurrence but eliminating fertility.

4. Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)

UFE is a non-surgical, image-guided procedure that blocks the blood supply to fibroids, causing them to shrink and decrease in size. An interventional radiologist performs it through a small incision in the wrist.

Why More Women in Dallas Are Choosing UFE

Searching for uterine fibroid treatment in Dallas often leads to traditional surgery—but there’s a better way.

UFE at MTVIR offers:

• Same-day outpatient treatment

• No general anesthesia

• No hospital stay

• Uterus preservation

• 7–10 day recovery time

• Proven symptom relief for most patients

Thousands of women nationwide have found lasting relief with UFE—and more women in North Dallas, TX, are turning to this procedure every year.

What to Expect During a UFE Consultation

At MTVIR, your first appointment includes:

• A detailed review of your symptoms and medical history

• Advanced imaging (MRI or ultrasound) to evaluate fibroid size and location

• A discussion of all treatment options, including benefits and risks

If you’re a candidate for UFE, we’ll create a personalized care plan and schedule you promptly, with compassionate support every step of the way.

Serving Women Across the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex

Whether you’re located in Plano, Frisco, Garland, Irving, Mesquite, or right here in Dallas, MTVIR is easily accessible and committed to patient-first care.

Our team has helped hundreds of women in Texas overcome fibroid-related symptoms without surgery—and we’re here to help you, too.

How to Choose the Best Uterine Fibroid Specialist Near You

Here’s what to look for:

• Experience in UFE

• Minimally invasive approach

• Board-certified interventional radiologists

• Local clinic for easier follow-up

• Positive patient reviews and testimonials

At MTVIR, we’ve built a reputation in Dallas for effective, compassionate fibroid care that puts women first.

Looking for a fibroids clinic in Dallas?

Look no further. We have a state-of-the-art center in North Dallas, where we can perform not only consultations but also surgeries.

Find us at:

9101 N Central Expy, Suite 550, Dallas, TX 75225
Call (469) 458-9800
Or contact us here to schedule a consultation.

Our Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is also recommended as pre-surgical procedure for patients seeking a safer Hysterectomy or Myomectomy. 

 Suffering with uterine fibroids can be extremely painful. Uterine Fibroid Embolization offered by MTVIR remains an advanced non-invasive treatment that is effective in relieving the pain for a vast majority of women. However, some patients with more severe fibroid conditions will still be candidates for either a traditional Hysterectomy or Myomectomy.

A Hysterectomy involves surgically removing the entire uterus while a Myomectomy is the surgical removal of just the painful fibroids while keeping the uterus intact. Both are highly invasive surgeries that can be quite challenging due to the significant blood loss during the operation. Depending on patient complications, a blood transfusion is routinely required during a hysterectomy or myomectomy. For patients scheduled to have either of these surgeries, a pre-surgical UFE is often recommended as a vital step in achieving a smoother operation and successful patient outcomes.

The Uterine Fibroid Embolization procedure performed by MTVIR’s experienced interventional radiologists involves inserting a fiber thin catheter into the radial artery and advancing it through the artery to each fibroid. Then small particles are injected, cutting off the blood flow, causing the fibroids to shrink and die over time. By using UFE to reduce the size of the fibroids the final removal through hysterectomy or myomectomy can be a much safer process.

If you or a loved one suffers from Uterine Fibroids and a Hysterectomy or Myomectomy has been recommended as a treatment option, contact MTVIR about our Uterine Fibroid Embolization procedure. Our UFE could be the minimally invasive alternative treatment that allows you to avoid surgery or it could be an option to consider before surgery to achieve an easier operation and recovery.

If your lower belly seems to be constantly bloated or bulging—and no amount of diet or exercise seems to flatten it—you’re not alone. Many women experience what’s often referred to as a “fibroid belly bulge,” and it can be frustrating, uncomfortable, and emotionally draining. But the good news is, this belly bulge may not be caused by weight gain or bloating at all. It could be a sign of uterine fibroids—and there are effective, non-surgical ways to treat it.

What Are Uterine Fibroids?

Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that form in or around the uterus. They can vary in size from tiny and undetectable to large enough to distort the shape of your uterus—and your abdomen. Some women may have one fibroid, while others have many. While fibroids are common and often harmless, they can cause physical symptoms that impact your daily life.

Can Fibroids Really Cause a Belly Bulge?

Yes—especially larger fibroids or those that grow on the outside of the uterus (subserosal). These can press outward, causing the stomach to protrude and giving the appearance of weight gain, bloating, or even pregnancy. This is often referred to as the “fibroid belly”—a term used to describe the distention and firmness many women notice in their lower abdomen.

Some women report looking 3–6 months pregnant due to the size of their fibroids. Others describe constant bloating, a tight waistband, or a feeling of pressure or fullness in the lower abdomen.

Other Symptoms That May Accompany the Bulge

A fibroid belly is rarely an isolated symptom. Other signs often include:

• Heavy or prolonged periods

• Pelvic pain or pressure

• Frequent urination

• Constipation or bloating

• Pain during sex

• Lower back pain

If you’re experiencing more than just a visible bulge, it’s time to talk to a specialist.

Diagnosing the Cause of Belly Bulge

The best way to determine whether your belly bulge is caused by fibroids is through a pelvic exam and imaging tests, like:

• Ultrasound

• MRI

• CT scan

These tools allow your physician to measure the size, number, and location of fibroids—and determine how much they may be contributing to your abdominal swelling.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options: UFE at MTVIR

At MTVIR in Dallas, we specialize in a highly effective, non-surgical treatment called Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE).

Unlike surgery, UFE doesn’t involve removing the uterus or making large incisions. Instead, a tiny catheter is inserted (usually through the wrist or groin), and small particles are injected to block blood flow to the fibroids, causing them to shrink and symptoms to improve.

Most patients go home the same day and are back to normal activity within a week.

Why Women Choose UFE

• No general anesthesia

• No hospital stay

• Preserves the uterus

• Minimal downtime

• Highly effective for reducing size and symptoms

Many women see visible improvements in their belly size and overall comfort within just a few weeks.

You Don’t Have to “Just Deal With It”

If you’ve been struggling with what feels like stubborn belly fat or unexplained bloating, and nothing seems to help, it could be more than just weight or digestive issues. It could be fibroids.

At MTVIR, we understand how frustrating this can be—and we’re here to help you get clarity, comfort, and real solutions.

Schedule a Consultation in Dallas Today

You don’t have to live with the discomfort, stress, or self-consciousness of a fibroid belly. Call MTVIR at (469) 458-9800 or contact us here to schedule a consultation with one of our interventional radiologists.

We’re located at 9101 N Central Expy, Suite 550, Dallas, TX 75225, and we specialize in minimally invasive fibroid treatments designed to fit your lifestyle—not interrupt it.