Fibroids, infertility and pregnancy wastage.

Uterine fibroids are often found in women of reproductive age. Different types of fibroids may affect reproductive outcome to a different extent, with submucous, intramural and subserosal fibroids being (in decreasing order of importance) a cause of infertility and pregnancy wastage. Fibroids may also produce a number of complications during pregnancy. Women who are scheduled for assisted conception should be advised to have submucous and possibly intramural fibroids removed prior to IVF. Large fibroids (>5 cm), wherever their location, should be considered individually, with the reproductive history being an important consideration. Miscarriage rates are significantly reduced following myomectomy. Open myomectomy should be the route of choice when there are large subserosal or intramural fibroids, multiple fibroids or entry into the uterine cavity is to be expected. Proper assessment of the benefits and risks of surgery for individual patients should be carefully considered before offering a procedure.