Uterine Fibroid Awareness Month: What Every Woman Should Know About Fibroids and Fertility

Every July, Uterine Fibroid Awareness Month shines a light on one of the most common, yet often overlooked, women’s health conditions.

For some women, fibroids are found incidentally and never cause symptoms. For others, they cause pain, heavy bleeding, fertility challenges, and disruptions to daily life.

At Of Her Womb & Co., we believe education enables informed decisions. We do not diagnose or treat fibroids, but we help women understand how reproductive health can affect fertility, pregnancy, postpartum, and family-building so they can better advocate for themselves.

July is Uterine Fibroid Awareness Month: Highlighting that up to 80% of women are affected by age 50. Trust yourself and keep asking questions.

What Are Uterine Fibroids?

Uterine fibroids, also called leiomyomas or myomas, are noncancerous growths that develop from the muscular wall of the uterus.

Fibroids can vary dramatically in:

• Size, from microscopic to larger than a grapefruit

• Number, with some women having a single fibroid while others have dozens

• Location within or around the uterus

Although fibroids are benign, they can significantly affect quality of life depending on their size and location. Recent research estimates that up to 75% of women will develop fibroids during their lifetime, although many never experience symptoms. (Obstetrics & Gynecology)

Who Is Most at Risk?

Fibroids can affect any woman with a uterus. Research shows a higher risk among women who:

• Are between their 30s and 50s

• Have a family history of fibroids

• Began menstruating at an earlier age

• Have obesity or hypertension

• Are Black

Black women are disproportionately affected. They often develop fibroids at younger ages, experience more numerous fibroids, have more severe symptoms, and are more likely to require treatment than women of other racial groups. (Obstetrics & Gynecology)

Common Symptoms

Not every fibroid causes symptoms. However, when symptoms occur, they may include:

• Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding

• Bleeding between periods

• Pelvic pressure or fullness

• Pelvic pain

• Frequent urination

• Constipation

• Lower back pain

• Pain during intercourse

• Abdominal enlargement or bloating

• Fatigue related to iron-deficiency anemia

Because these symptoms overlap with those of other gynecologic conditions, imaging techniques such as ultrasound or MRI are often necessary to confirm a diagnosis. 

Can Fibroids Affect Fertility?

The answer is sometimes.

Not every fibroid affects fertility, and many women with fibroids conceive naturally and have healthy pregnancies.

Current research shows:

• Submucosal fibroids, which grow into the uterine cavity, have the greatest impact on fertility.

• Intramural fibroids, located within the uterine wall, may reduce fertility in some women, although research continues to evolve.

• Subserosal fibroids, located on the outside of the uterus, generally have little effect on fertility.

Fibroids may contribute to infertility by:

• Distorting the uterine cavity

• Interfering with embryo implantation

• Reducing endometrial receptivity

• Blocking the fallopian tubes in some cases

• Increasing the risk of miscarriage or pregnancy complications, depending on their location (Obstetrics & Gynecology)

Fortunately, treatment decisions are individualized. Many women successfully conceive after appropriate evaluation and management.

Fibroids and Pregnancy

Women with fibroids can absolutely experience healthy pregnancies.

Depending on the size and location of the fibroids, healthcare providers may monitor for increased risks such as:

• Miscarriage

• Preterm birth

• Fetal growth concerns

• Abnormal fetal position

• Placental complications

• Cesarean birth

• Postpartum hemorrhage (NCBI)

Every pregnancy is unique, which is why personalized prenatal care is so important.

When Should You Reach Out to a Healthcare Professional?

You should schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider if you experience:

• Heavy bleeding that soaks through a pad or tampon every hour

• Menstrual bleeding lasting longer than seven days

• Severe pelvic pain

• Pressure affecting your bladder or bowel

• Difficulty becoming pregnant after trying to conceive

• Recurrent pregnancy loss

• Symptoms of anemia, including fatigue, dizziness, or shortness of breath

• Rapid abdominal enlargement

• Bleeding after menopause

Early evaluation helps determine whether fibroids or another condition may be contributing to your symptoms.

How Of Her Womb & Co. Can Support You

We help individuals and families by providing:

• Evidence-based education

• Fertility and family-building guidance

• Pregnancy education

• Questions to discuss with your healthcare provider

• Emotional support during reproductive health transitions

• Resources to help you make informed decisions throughout your journey

Our goal is to help you feel informed and empowered as you work alongside your physician or other qualified healthcare professional.

Final Thoughts

Uterine Fibroid Awareness Month reminds us that heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, and fertility concerns should never be dismissed as “just part of being a woman.”

If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and seek medical evaluation. Early conversations can lead to earlier diagnosis, more treatment options, and improved quality of life.

At Of Her Womb & Co., we believe every woman deserves to understand her body, ask informed questions, and receive compassionate, evidence-based care throughout her reproductive journey.

Medical Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Of Her Womb & Co. does not diagnose, treat, or manage uterine fibroids or other medical conditions. Always consult a healthcare professional about your symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, or decisions about your health.