What Are Intramural Fibroids?

If you’re struggling with heavy periods, pelvic discomfort, or challenges with conception, you might be wondering what’s happening. Intramural fibroids, which grow within the muscle wall of the uterus, can be a significant factor behind these symptoms. There are three types of intramural fibroids:

• Anterior: fibroids that form in the front of the uterus.
• Posterior: fibroids that form at the back of the uterus.
• Fundal: fibroids that form in the upper portion of the uterus.

Depending on their size, quantity, and positioning, intramural fibroidsmay go unnoticed. However, they can sometimes lead to disruptive symptoms that affect everything from menstrual flow to your ability to conceive or carry a pregnancy.

This post explores intramural uterine fibroid symptoms in more detail, their causes, and the various treatment options available to help you regain control over your health and well-being.

Causes of Intramural Fibroids

While the exact causes of intramural uterine fibroids remain unclear, there are several factors that may contribute to their development:

Hormone levels
Doctors believe there is a link between some hormone levels and fibroid risk, particularly estrogen and progesterone, as they stimulate the development of the uterine lining.

Environmental factors
Exposure to certain environmental toxins and chemicals could also contribute to fibroid development, as they may affect hormone levels and reproductive health.

Genetic factors
Genetic predisposition and family history may increase your risk of developing intramural fibroids.

Abnormal cell growth
Some theories suggest that the presence of abnormal cells in the uterine wall could lead to the formation of intramural fibroids.

While intramural fibroids can be a source of concern due to their symptoms, they are generally not dangerous, or cancerous.

Symptoms of Intramural Fibroids

Symptoms of fibroids that form within the uterine muscles include:

• Pelvic pain
• Lower back pain
• Heavy bleeding during your period
• Bleeding between menstrual cycles
• Anemia and, in some cases, fatigue
• Frequent urination
• Urinary retention
• Constipation
• Uterine enlargement
• Infertility

It is important to note that you may develop similar symptoms with fibroids that form in other parts of the uterus, such as subserosal fibroids. These fibroids grow outside the uterus and can lead to similar uterine enlargement and bladder, bowel, and menstrual symptoms. However, subserosal tumors often have more space to grow larger, which may make their symptoms more noticeable and disruptive.

Do Intramural Fibroids Cause Bleeding?

Yes, like fibroids that form in other parts of the uterus, intramural fibroids can cause bleeding. Women with intramural fibroids often experience heavier-than-usual menstrual flow and have bleeding between periods.

These fibroids form within the muscular walls of the uterus, which can impact its ability to contract and shed your endometrial lining. This can cause heavy or prolonged periods or spotting between periods.

Are Intramural Fibroids Painful?

Some women with intramural fibroids will experience pain and discomfort. Commonly, fibroids in these locations lead to lower back or pelvic pain. Additionally, you may experience pain during intercourse if you have intramural fibroids.

Intramural Fibroids and Pregnancy

Depending on their size and location, intramural fibroids may impact your ability to become pregnant. If you do conceive, the presence of tumors could impact your pregnancy in various ways. Furthermore, if you carry your baby to term, the delivery process may also be influenced by intramural fibroids within your uterine wall.

Can You Get Pregnant with Intramural Fibroids?

You can get pregnant with intramural fibroids. However, these tumors could interfere with conception. In some cases, they can block your fallopian tubes, preventing the release of an egg for fertilization. Additionally, intramural fibroids may alter the shape of your uterus or affect your uterine lining, making it more challenging for a fertilized egg to implant and start a pregnancy.

Can Intramural Fibroids Cause Miscarriage?

During pregnancy, intramural fibroids may grow due to increased estrogen levels in the body. While larger fibroids can increase your risk for miscarriage, the risk is generally minimal. Typically, any pregnancy-related fibroid growth—and the associated risk of miscarriage—will be limited to the first trimester of pregnancy.

Do Intramural Fibroids Cause Infertility?

As mentioned earlier, intramural fibroids, especially large ones, can block conception, leading to temporary infertility. However, treating fibroids can help reverse these temporary barriers to fertility.

Intramural Fibroids Treatment

Intramural fibroids can be removed or reduced in size to alleviate symptoms such as bleeding and infertility. If you want to remove your tumors individually, you may choose to undergo a myomectomy procedure. Alternatively, you’re looking to shrink your intramural fibroids without surgery, you can request an appointment  at our Georgia Fibroids institute. During your visit, we can discuss your candidacy for uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), a minimally invasive fibroid treatment option performed by our interventional radiologists on an outpatient basis.