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Understanding Uterine Fibroids: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment Options


Key Takeaways

Uterine fibroids (leiomyomas) are benign growths of the uterine muscle. Many cause no symptoms; others lead to heavy bleeding, pelvic pressure/pain, urinary changes, and fertility challenges.

There are many effective options, from watchful waiting and medications to minimally invasive procedures and hysterectomy. Treatment is personalized and based on your symptoms, goals, and imaging findings.

Certain newer therapies, such as relugolix combination therapy, expand medical options for controlling heavy menstrual bleeding due to fibroids.

If you are in Phoenix, Arizona, Arizona Gynecology Consultants (AZGYN.com) offers advanced imaging and minimally invasive expertise tailored to your goals.

Uterine fibroids (leiomyomas) are noncancerous growths of the uterine muscle. They are very common during the reproductive years, and many cause no symptoms. By midlife, a large share of people will have fibroids, though symptom severity varies. They occur in all racial and ethnic groups; U.S. health-system data show higher diagnosis rates among Black patients and, to a lesser extent, among Hispanic/Latina patients and several Asian subgroups compared with non-Hispanic White patients. These patterns reflect both biology and differences in screening and access to care, so diagnosis rates are not the same as true community prevalence. If you are in Arizona, our team can evaluate symptoms, explain imaging results, and help you choose a treatment that fits your goals.

What Are Uterine Fibroids?

What Are Uterine Fibroids?

Fibroids are benign (noncancerous) tumors arising from the smooth muscle of the uterine wall. They can occur as a single growth or as multiple growths and may range in size from a seed to grapefruit-sized masses that enlarge the uterus.

Types of fibroids (by location):

  • Intramural: within the uterine muscular wall (most common).
  • Submucosal: just beneath the uterine lining; can protrude into the uterine cavity and are often associated with heavy bleeding or fertility issues.
  • Subserosal: on the outer surface of the uterus; more likely to cause bulk or pressure symptoms.
  • Pedunculated: attached by a stalk, either inside the cavity (submucosal) or outside the uterus (subserosal).

A helpful visual is to think of fibroids as ‘knots’ in muscle tissue, small bulges that can grow within or on the surface of the uterine wall.  They push the normal uterine muscle outward as they grow.

How Common Are Fibroids and Who Is at Risk?

How Common Are Fibroids

Fibroids are among the most common gynecologic conditions. Prevalence increases with age through the 30s and 40s, and significant racial and ethnic disparities exist, with a higher burden among Black women who also tend to develop fibroids at younger ages. Additional risk factors include family history, early menarche, obesity, and possible vitamin D deficiency; research continues to explore biologic and social drivers of these patterns.

What Causes Fibroids?

The exact cause remains unclear, but fibroids are sensitive to estrogen and progesterone. Many fibroids have somatic gene mutations, most commonly in MED12, that are thought to drive growth and influence behavior. Hormonal influences help explain why fibroids often grow during the reproductive years and may shrink after menopause.  In the 5-10 years prior to menopause, fibroids can grow more rapidly due to estrogen dominance which is caused by age-related decrease in progesterone.  This is often seen with irregular bleeding that worsens during this time of a woman’s life.  Another estrogen stimulated disease, such as endometriosis, is found in nearly 50% of women with fibroids.

Signs and Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids

Many people first notice fibroids because of changes in their menstrual cycle or pelvic discomfort. While some fibroids cause no symptoms, others can lead to heavy bleeding, discomfort, or fertility challenges. Recognizing the signs early allows for better management and a wider range of treatment options.

Common Uterine Fibroid Symptoms and Possible Complications

Symptoms depend on size, number, and location. Many people have no symptoms at all.

  • Heavy menstrual bleeding (sometimes with clots) or periods longer than 7 days
  • Breakthrough bleeding (bleeding outside of the normal cycle time)
  • Pelvic pressure or pain; a sense of fullness or abdominal enlargement
  • Frequent urination or difficulty emptying the bladder
  • Constipation
  • Pain with intercourse
  • Lower back or leg pain
  • Fertility or pregnancy challenges (location-dependent)

Potential complications include anemia from heavy bleeding and, less commonly, acute pain from degeneration (when a fibroid outgrows its blood supply). Seek prompt care for severe pain, lightheadedness, or suddenly heavy bleeding.

How Are Fibroids Diagnosed?

Diagnosis begins with a medical history and pelvic exam. First-line imaging is typically transvaginal ultrasound because it is accurate, widely available, and does not use radiation. Depending on symptoms and surgical planning, clinicians may use saline infusion sonography to assess the uterine cavity, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to map number, size, and location in complex cases. Laboratory testing such as a complete blood count can evaluate anemia when heavy bleeding is present.

When Should I Seek Treatment?

  • Your bleeding or pain affects daily life, work, or emotional well-being.
  • You are experiencing increased pelvic pressure, pain with intercourse or protrusion of the abdomen.
  • You notice decrease bladder capacity (more frequent urination)
  • You are trying to conceive and have been told fibroids might be contributing.
  • You are unsure whether your bleeding is normal.
  • You have a diagnosis of fibroids and want to understand all options, including minimally invasive  and uterine preserving approaches available in Phoenix, Arizona.

Related Reading: What Happens if Uterine Fibroids Go Untreated?

Treatment Options for Uterine Fibroids

Treatment Options for Uterine Fibroids

There is no single “best” treatment for everyone. The right plan depends on your symptoms, goals (including future pregnancy), fibroid characteristics on imaging, age and overall health. AZGYN emphasizes shared decision-making and minimally invasive options whenever appropriate.

1) Watchful Waiting

If fibroids are small and not causing symptoms, monitoring may be all that is needed, especially near menopause when hormones naturally decline. Your clinician can help track symptoms and repeat imaging if your situation changes.  We recommend annual visits, at least, for patients with known fibroids in order to prevent later diagnosis of rapidly growing fibroids.

2) Medications

NSAIDs

Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can reduce cramps and menstrual pain, although they do not shrink fibroids.

Tranexamic acid (TXA)

An antifibrinolytic taken only on heavy days, TXA can reduce menstrual blood loss and help lower the risk of anemia. Your clinician will review clotting risk and drug interactions before prescribing.

Hormonal contraception

Combined oral contraceptives and progestin-only methods may regulate cycles and lighten periods. A levonorgestrel intrauterine system –  (52 mg) is highly effective for heavy bleeding in appropriate candidates, though it typically does not reduce fibroid size.

GnRH analogs and antagonists

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists and antagonists lower estrogen levels, decreasing bleeding and temporarily shrinking fibroids. Long-term use can be limited by side effects. Therapy duration is generally limited to reduce bone-density risk.

3) Minimally Invasive, Uterus-Sparing Procedures

Hysteroscopic myomectomy

Removes submucosal fibroids through the cervix using a “hysteroscope”, a fiberoptic camera attached to a telescope with a very small channel for intrauterine surgical instruments. It is often ideal when heavy bleeding is the main symptom and a fibroid protrudes into the uterine cavity. It preserves the uterus and can support future fertility when clinically appropriate.  It also provides tissue for pathologic analysis.

Laparoscopic or robotic myomectomy

Removes fibroids while preserving the uterus, typically for intramural or subserosal fibroids. Surgery is done through small incisions on the abdomen under general anesthesia.  Experienced minimally invasive surgeons discuss incision size, recovery, and recurrence expectations.  The usual recovery period is 2-3 weeks.  The surgeons at AZGyn are experts in this procedure.

Uterine artery embolization (UAE/UFE)

An image-guided procedure by interventional radiology that blocks blood flow to fibroids, causing them to shrink and improving bleeding and bulk symptoms. Most candidates go home the same day and recover over a few weeks, with symptom relief increasing over weeks to months. Fertility plans, fibroid characteristics, and personal preferences are part of shared decision-making.

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA)

Uterine preserving therapy that uses ultrasound guided heat energy to ablate fibroid tissue. Laparoscopic and transcervical systems are available. Systematic reviews suggest RFA can reduce symptoms and improve quality of life with low complication rates in appropriately selected patients.  This is not the same procedure as endometrial ablation (cautery of the lining of the uterus).

MRI-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS/HIFU)

A noninvasive technique that focuses ultrasound energy to ablate fibroids under MRI guidance. Relief builds as treated fibroids shrink. Suitability depends on the number, size, and location of fibroids, as well as MRI features.  There are limited centers in the US that provide this therapy and the patients that qualify are limited.

4) Hysterectomy (Definitive Treatment)

Because hysterectomy removes the uterus with the fibroids, it permanently resolves bleeding and prevents fibroid regrowth. It can be life-changing for some, especially with very large or recurrent fibroids, but many patients prefer uterus-sparing options. Hysterectomy does not include removal of the ovaries (produce the female hormones) which is commonly misunderstood.  Sometimes, removal of the ovaries is done in combination with a hysterectomy if indicated.  When a hysterectomy is appropriate, minimally invasive approaches (laparoscopic or vaginal) may shorten recovery for eligible patients.  Most patients need 2-3 months for full recovery but often resume many low-stress activities after a couple of weeks.  The surgeons at Arizona Gynecology Consultants are experts in all types and approaches for hysterectomy.

How AZGYN Helps You Choose: A Simple Decision Framework

  • Your goals: preserve fertility, minimize downtime, avoid hormones, or seek the most durable option.
  • Your primary symptoms: bleeding vs bulk/pressure vs pain.
  • Imaging details: size, number, and location (submucosal, intramural, subserosal).
  • Medical factors: anemia, other conditions, prior surgeries and childbirth.

Tradeoffs: speed of relief, durability/recurrence risk, recovery time, and future pregnancy considerations.

AZGYN Fibroid Treatment

Our clinicians co-create a plan with you, often starting conservatively and progressing to procedural options only if needed, consistent with major guidelines.

Fibroids, Fertility, and Pregnancy

Fibroids can coexist with a healthy pregnancy, but certain types, especially submucosal fibroids that distort the uterine cavity, are more likely to affect implantation, miscarriage risk, or pregnancy course. Before trying to conceive, some patients benefit from myomectomy depending on fibroid size, number, and location. During pregnancy, most fibroids are managed conservatively with symptom control and monitoring; invasive treatment during pregnancy is uncommon and reserved for specific situations. Not all fibroids affect fertility; decisions about surgery before trying to conceive are individualized.

Living With Fibroids: Practical Tips and Emotional Support

  • Track cycles and symptoms so decisions are data-informed.
  • Address anemia risk with clinician-guided iron therapy if appropriate.
  • Exercise, nutrition, and weight management can support overall well-being and help to lower the effects of estrogen dominance; some risk factors such as obesity are modifiable.
  • Get regular exams to monitor the size of the fibroids and understand treatment options.

It is common to feel frustrated or overwhelmed. Our team will listen, validate your experience, and help you move forward confidently.

Uterine Fibroids Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

If you’ve been diagnosed with uterine fibroids or think you might have them, it’s natural to have questions. Fibroids are common, but every woman’s experience is unique. Whether you’re exploring symptoms, treatment options, or what recovery might look like, we’ve gathered some of the most frequently asked questions to help you feel informed and confident in your next steps.

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Do all fibroids need treatment?

No. If you are asymptomatic and imaging is reassuring, watchful waiting with periodic follow-up is reasonable. Treatment is guided by symptoms, goals, and imaging findings.

What imaging do I need and why?

Ultrasound is first-line for diagnosis and monitoring; MRI or saline infusion sonography may be used to plan procedures or evaluate complex cases.

Can fibroids turn into cancer?

No. Fibroids are benign. A rare cancer called leiomyosarcoma does occur in the uterus, but it is not known to arise from a benign fibroid. Clinicians use your history, exam, and imaging to plan safely.

Will fibroids go away after menopause?

Some fibroids shrink after menopause as estrogen and progesterone levels decline, and symptoms often improve though not always; new or heavy bleeding after menopause should be evaluated.

How fast do fibroids grow?

Growth varies widely: some fibroids remain stable for years, while others enlarge more quickly during the reproductive years or pregnancy; monitoring is individualized.  Each fibroid within the same patient’s uterus has its own microscopic make-up and they each function differently from the others.

Do birth control pills make fibroids grow?

Hormonal contraception can help control bleeding but usually does not shrink fibroids and is not known to drive significant growth in most patients.

Which treatments help me avoid surgery?

Depending on candidacy, options include medications (e.g., tranexamic acid, hormonal therapies and GnRH analogs/antagonists).  Less invasive therapies such as hysteroscopic myomectomy and transcervical radio frequency ablation of the fibroids are outpatient therapies that allow patients to return to normal activities the following day.

Are there non?hormonal options to reduce heavy menstrual bleeding?

Yes. Tranexamic acid (TXA) taken only on heavy days can significantly reduce blood loss for many patients; your clinician will review safety and interactions.

What’s the difference between myomectomy and hysterectomy?

Myomectomy removes fibroids and preserves the uterus, hysterectomy removes the uterus and is definitive for bleeding due to fibroids.

If I want to get pregnant, which option is best?

It depends on fibroid type, size, and location. Myomectomy is often considered when cavity distorting fibroids are implicated (the fibroids grow into the space that holds the pregnancy).  Fibroid ablation can also be considered but the data is limited on the safety for patients that desire a future pregnancy.  Endometrial ablation (different from fibroid ablation)  is not appropriate if you might desire pregnancy in the future. Many fibroids don’t affect the ability to conceive, and recommendations are tailored to each person’s situation.

Is uterine artery embolization (UFE) a good option if I want children?

UFE can reduce bleeding and pressure, but evidence for future fertility is mixed. When having children is a top priority, myomectomy and sometimes radio-frequency ablation is often recommended because it removes or decreases fibroid size while preserving the uterus. Discuss your goals with your surgeon.

Does MR-guided focused ultrasound (HIFU/MRgFUS) work for all fibroids?

No. Candidacy depends on number, size, location, and MRI features; some patterns respond better than others and careful selection is important.  There are limited centers for this procedure.

How long is recovery for common procedures?

Typical recovery is 1-2 days after hysteroscopic myomectomy, about 2–4 weeks after laparoscopic/robotic myomectomy, and a couple of weeks after UFE, RFA, or MRgFUS, though it varies by case.

How fast will I feel better after a procedure?

Timelines vary. Some patients see quicker bleeding reduction after myomectomy or ablation-type therapies, while relief after embolization or focused ultrasound builds over weeks to months as fibroids shrink.

Are vitamins or lifestyle changes enough to treat fibroids?

Healthy weight, exercise, and treating anemia can help overall well-being. Vitamin D is being studied, but supplements do not replace medical or procedural treatments when symptoms are significant.

AZGYN’s Approach to Fibroid Care in Phoenix, Arizona

Fibroid Care in Phoenix, Arizona

Accurate diagnosis with advanced in-office ultrasound and access to MRI when needed.

Personalized, minimally invasive fibroid treatment plans with an emphasis on rapid recovery and fertility preservation when possible.

Full spectrum of options: medical therapy; hysteroscopic, laparoscopic, or robotic myomectomy; uterine artery embolization (with interventional radiology partners); radiofrequency ablation; MR-guided focused ultrasound referrals; minimally invasive hysterectomy when appropriate.

At AZGYN, our goal is to help you feel better, faster—with care that fits your body, your goals, and your life. From accurate diagnosis to advanced, minimally invasive treatments, our team is here to guide you every step of the way. If you’re experiencing symptoms or have questions about uterine fibroids, we’re here to help.

Schedule a consultation today and take the next step toward relief and renewed confidence in your health.

Keep Reading to Learn More

Editor’s Note: This article is an updated combination of articles originally published August 5, 2017 and February 15, 2019.

 

Sources:

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Management of Symptomatic Uterine Leiomyomas. ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 228. 2021. Accessed October 2, 2025. https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/practice-bulletin/articles/2021/06/management-of-symptomatic-uterine-leiomyomas

Society of Interventional Radiology. The Fibroid Fix: What Women Need to Know. July 8, 2024. Accessed October 2, 2025. https://www.sirweb.org/media/0xhk5umb/sir_2024_fibroid_fix_report_fnl.pdf

U.S. Food & Drug Administration. MYFEMBREE (relugolix, estradiol, and norethindrone acetate) Prescribing Information. Revised 2025. Accessed October 2, 2025. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2025/214846s012lbl.pdf

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Pharmacy Benefits Management Services. Relugolix, Estradiol, Norethindrone (MYFEMBREE) National Drug Monograph. March 2024. Accessed October 2, 2025. https://www.va.gov/formularyadvisor/DOC_PDF/MON_Relugolix_Estradiol_Norethindrone_MYFEMBREE_Monograph_Mar_2024.pdf

Marsh EE, Wegienka G, Williams DR. Uterine fibroids. JAMA. 2024;331(17):1492-1493. Accessed October 2, 2025. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2817458

Office on Women’s Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Uterine fibroids. Updated 2025. Accessed October 2, 2025. https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/uterine-fibroids

American College of Radiology. ACR Appropriateness Criteria: Fibroids (Management and Imaging). 2024. Accessed October 2, 2025. https://acsearch.acr.org/docs/69508/Narrative/

Stewart EA, Laughlin-Tommaso SK. Uterine Fibroids. N Engl J Med. 2024;391:1721-1733. doi:10.1056/NEJMcp2309623 Accessed October 2, 2025. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMcp2309623

Expert Panel on Interventional Radiology (Makary MS, Zane K, Hwang GL, et-al). ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Management of Uterine Fibroids: 2023 Update. J Am Coll Radiol. 2024;21(6S):S203-S218. Accessed October 2, 2025. https://www.jacr.org/article/S1546-1440(24)00263-1/fulltext

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). CKS: Menorrhagia (heavy menstrual bleeding) — Tranexamic acid: Prescribing information. Last revised November 2024. Accessed October 2, 2025. https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/menorrhagia-heavy-menstrual-bleeding/prescribing-information/tranexamic-acid/

Bofill Rodriguez M, Lethaby A, Low C, et-al. Progestogen-releasing intrauterine systems for heavy menstrual bleeding. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020;8:CD002126. Accessed October 2, 2025. https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD002126.pub4/full

International Society for Gynecologic Endoscopy. Hysteroscopic myomectomy guidelines. 2023. Accessed October 2, 2025. https://www.isge.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/ISGE_Hysteroscopic_myomectomy_The_guidelines.pdf

AAGL Practice Guideline Committee. Evidence-based practice for minimization of blood loss during laparoscopic myomectomy. J Minim Invasive Gynecol. 2025;32(2):113-132. doi:10.1016/j.jmig.2024.09.021. Accessed October 2, 2025. https://www.jmig.org/article/S1553-4650(24)00429-1/fulltext

Society of Interventional Radiology. Uterine fibroids and UFE. Updated September 2024. Accessed October 2, 2025. https://www.sirweb.org/for-patients/conditions-and-treatments/uterine-fibroids/

Chen I, Berman JM, Balk EM, et-al. Radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of uterine fibroids: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Minim Invasive Gynecol. 2025;32(1):74-91. doi:10.1016/j.jmig.2024.09.011. Accessed October 2, 2025. https://www.jmig.org/article/S1553-4650(24)00416-3/fulltext

Cohen ND, Lin E, Shields JK, Kho KA. Laparoscopic radiofrequency fibroid ablation: a review of current use and future applications. Curr Obstet Gynecol Rep. 2024;13:66-71. doi:10.1007/s13669-024-00382-1. Accessed October 2, 2025. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13669-024-00382-1

Liu Y, Xiao Z, Luo Y, et-al. Predictive value of contrast-enhanced MRI for the regrowth of residual uterine fibroids after high-intensity focused ultrasound treatment. Insights Imaging. 2024;15(1):274. doi:10.1186/s13244-024-01839-w. Accessed October 2, 2025. https://insightsimaging.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s13244-024-01839-w

Practice Committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Removal of myomas in asymptomatic patients to improve fertility and/or reduce miscarriage rate: a guideline. Fertil Steril. 2017;108(3):416-425. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2017.06.034. Accessed October 2, 2025. https://www.asrm.org/practice-guidance/practice-committee-documents/removal-of-myomas-in-asymptomatic-patients-to-improve-fertility-andor-reduce-miscarriage-rate-a-guideline-2017/

Tzanis AA, Antoniou SA, Gkegkes ID, Iavazzo C. Uterine artery embolization vs myomectomy for the management of women with uterine leiomyomas: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2024;231(2):187-195.e1. doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2024.01.014. Accessed October 2, 2025. https://www.ajog.org/article/S0002-9378(24)00044-9/fulltext

Baird DD, Dunson DB, Hill MC, Cousins D, Schectman JM. High cumulative incidence of uterine leiomyoma in Black and White women: ultrasound evidence. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2003;188(1):100-107. doi:10.1067/mob.2003.99. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12548202/

Roberson ML. The intersection of structural racism and health services research in characterizing the epidemiology of uterine fibroids. JAMA Netw Open. 2024;7(4):e244165. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.4165. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2817008

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The post Understanding Uterine Fibroids: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment Options appeared first on AZGyn.



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Understanding Infertility: Causes, Testing, and When to Seek Help


Struggling with infertility can be emotionally draining. It can leave you feeling isolated and alone. Many avoid talking about their struggles and may even avoid conversations with their physicians because of the stigma surrounding infertility. However, according to the World Health Organization (World Health Organization, 2023), infertility affects approximately 17.5% of the world’s population.

You are not alone – Arizona Gynecology Consultants is here to help you understand the impacts of infertility and share resources to help navigate the emotional and physical difficulties associated with it.

What Is Infertility?

Infertility is generally described as struggles with becoming pregnant within a year of beginning active efforts to conceive (i.e., vaginal sex without withdrawal, barrier, or medication-based birth control). With this definition, it’s easy to see how many individuals suffer from infertility, especially as they age. A woman’s fertility, for example, declines after age 35, and many women seek treatment for infertility if they have not become pregnant after six months of unprotected sex, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC, 2024).

Many other factors can contribute to infertility, including medical conditions, medications, new or existing trouble ovulating, differing reproductive organ structure, hormonal changes, and even lifestyle factors like weight, smoking and/or alcohol use, and stress. It’s also important to note that infertility does not just apply to women, but to men as well.

What Must Happen In Order to Conceive

What Must Happen In Order to Conceive

Many women are able to become pregnant without any medical assistance, even those who have previously experienced infertility. However, it’s important to note that many events must occur under ideal conditions to make conception possible. When you’re amidst an ongoing struggle to conceive, though, it can seem like pregnancy happens quickly and easily for everyone else.

For a woman to become pregnant, several things must occur:

  • First, both egg and sperm must develop and mature, a process that begins at birth and takes about 14 days to complete for women and about 65 days for men.
  • A mature egg must be released from one of the woman’s ovaries, a process called ovulation.
  • Sperm must be released into the vaginal canal within 12-24 hours after ovulation and enter the fallopian tube; otherwise, the egg will be reabsorbed by the woman’s body.
  • At least one sperm must join with the egg to fertilize it.
  • The fertilized egg, now known as a zygote, must then travel through the fallopian tube and into the uterus.
  • The zygote must undergo cell division multiple times to become a blastocyst.
  • The blastocyst must implant itself within the uterine wall, where it will remain as an embryo as it begins to undergo more cell divisions.

From a medical standpoint, pregnancy officially begins at implantation, where the quickly dividing cells implant within the uterine wall and begin receiving nourishment.

Medical conditions, medications, organ structure differences, hormonal changes, and the other issues described earlier can affect the completion of one or more of these events. Even timing can impede pregnancy in many women. But, when these steps are interrupted repeatedly, regardless of the reason, despite active efforts to conceive for a year or more, a physician may diagnose infertility.

It’s important to note that in some cases, a woman may be able to get pregnant but may not be able to carry to term. When a woman miscarries multiple times, she may also be diagnosed with infertility.

What Are Common Reasons for Women to Experience Infertility?

As you can see, conditions must be ideal for both women and men in order for conception to occur. For women, any factors or medical conditions that impact the ovaries, uterus, or fallopian tubes can result in infertility.

Here are some common reasons women experience infertility:

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal issue that impacts the ovaries, causing irregular periods as well as the development of cysts within the ovaries. Irregular periods make it difficult for women to track when they are ovulating, leading to difficulty conceiving. Other women with PCOS may not ovulate at all. PCOS is a permanent condition that makes it difficult to become pregnant, although women can manage symptoms with medications.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition that occurs when tissue similar to the uterus’ lining grows outside of the uterus. When this happens, scar tissue forms, which causes inflammation, hormonal changes, and pain. Pain during sexual intercourse can inhibit a couple’s efforts to conceive. Meanwhile, scar tissue can physically prevent fertilization or implantation, while both hormonal changes and inflammation can affect all stages of the conception process.

Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that form in or around the uterine wall. They consist of muscle cells or other kinds of tissues that may grow to various sizes. Typically, cysts do not cause pain, but can prevent fertilization and implantation, cause ongoing issues with the development of the fetus, or even result in pregnancy loss.

Other Ovulation and Structural Issues

Aside from the major causes of infertility listed above, women may experience other conditions that can inhibit conception, including:

  • Other hormonal imbalances that hamper ovulation, like thyroid disorders
  • Other delayed or inconsistent ovulation, often due to unknown causes
  • Fallopian tube damage caused by surgery or untreated sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
  • Genetic or chromosomal conditions that impact ovulation or reproductive organ structure
  • Certain autoimmune disorders, including lupus and rheumatoid arthritis

Lifestyle Factors

While lifestyle factors are often not the only causes of infertility, they can decrease the likelihood that a woman will become pregnant under otherwise normal circumstances. Substance use, including smoking, alcohol, and drug use, may reduce a woman’s chances of conception. Similarly, being significantly underweight or overweight can impact ovulation, fertilization, and conditions within the uterus.

What Are Common Reasons for Men to Experience Infertility?

Reasons Men Experience Infertility

It’s important to recognize that, although women frequently blame themselves for difficulty conceiving, infertility is not solely a woman’s issue. Conditions that impact a man’s testicular or ejaculatory function can also inhibit conception.

These conditions include:

  • Severe injury, birth defects, or genetic conditions that block the testicles or the tubes that carry sperm
  • Various conditions that raise the temperature of the testicles, inhibiting sperm production
  • Low sperm count due to hormonal imbalances or genetic factors
  • Abnormal sperm that cannot fertilize an egg, which can result from genetic or environmental factors
  • Sperm with poor motility that cannot reach the egg, also due to genetic or environmental factors
  • Chromosomal or genetic abnormalities that affect sperm quality or sperm production
  • Medications or medical conditions (like STIs) that cause issues with sperm production
  • Autoimmune disorders that can affect sperm production
  • Lifestyle and environmental factors that reduce or eliminate sperm production, such as smoking, heavy alcohol use, environmental toxins, and even weight problems

These conditions represent the most common, but certainly do not represent all the causes for infertility in men. It is vital for any individual experiencing infertility to examine the potential causes in both partners.

When to See A Doctor

While it can be frustrating to experience difficulty conceiving, due to the number of things that must go precisely right and in the correct order, it isn’t unusual to experience a wait of several months before conception occurs. Most couples wait to consult a fertility specialist until they’ve marked one year of trying to conceive.

Here are some groups of women who may want to consult with a physician for infertility as soon as – or even before – a year elapses:

Women Who Are Older

Women aged 35 and older should consult with a specialist after six months of trying to get pregnant. Fertility rates decline as women age, especially in the late 30s and into the 40s. Addressing fertility issues as soon as possible can help older women maximize their fertility before natural age-related changes further hamper conception.

Women Who Struggle with Reproductive Health Conditions

Women with diagnosed endometriosis, PCOS, and other conditions that affect the reproductive system can benefit from consulting with a physician when they decide to have children. Providers can give professional insight into the condition, help address factors that prevent pregnancy, and even provide potential techniques that can increase the chances of conception.

Women with Irregular Periods

Women with inconsistent or absent menstrual cycles often have inconsistent ovulation, as well. Learning more about the reasons behind this irregularity can help women address potential infertility issues. In addition, a physician may be able to help women reach a solution for timing and tracking ovulation for the best chances at conceiving.

Women with a History of STIs, Painful Periods, or Miscarriage

STIs and pelvic inflammatory disease can negatively impact fertility, and painful periods can be indicative of endometriosis or another condition that can cause infertility. Similarly, multiple miscarriages may be a symptom of a condition that has caused infertility. Women with these circumstances should consult with a physician once they decide to try to conceive.

Fortunately, advances in medical science have allowed for more treatment options to help couples conceive. Some of these options include intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF). Although Arizona Gynecology Consultants does not provide fertility treatments like IUI or IVF, we play a critical role in diagnosing and treating issues that may affect fertility.

The Testing Process for Infertility

If a couple has had trouble conceiving or has experienced multiple miscarriages, a physician can conduct several tests to determine why they are experiencing infertility.

Tests for Men

Providers typically run a series of tests with the male partner first, as male infertility causes are usually easier to identify. When a man struggles with infertility, the problem is typically due to the production of sperm. This is why fertility tests for men involve an analysis of the semen to evaluate sperm count as well as sperm quality, shape, and motility.

Tests for Women

If men’s tests do not reveal any cause of infertility, the female partner will then undergo several tests. Physicians first determine whether the woman is ovulating and, if so, if she is ovulating regularly.

Testing for women often involves X-rays and ultrasounds. Physicians may also elect to conduct a hysterosalpingography, where dye is injected into the vagina and allowed to spread to other parts of the reproductive system. With these kinds of tests, any blood clots, blockages, or other issues can be identified.

In certain cases, women may need additional tests such as a laparoscopic inspection. This procedure involves a doctor using a laparoscopic tool that is placed through a small incision in the abdomen. From this perspective, the doctor can gain a better understanding of the woman’s reproductive system and any issues preventing conception.

Lifestyle Tips for Fertility Health

Lifestyle Tips for Fertility Health

Whether you are exploring the root cause of ongoing infertility or simply want to ensure you are giving yourself the best chance at conceiving, it’s wise to address your lifestyle at the same time. Implementing a few healthier choices into your life can make a significant difference in your reproductive health.

Get Plenty of  Omega-3 Fatty Acids

An article published in the Oxford University Press (Stanhiser et. al., 2020) states the importance of eating omega-3 fatty acids to boost fertility. Omega-3 can be found in various foods, including fatty fish, walnuts, chia seeds, and flax seeds.

Get Enough Fiber in Your Diet

Fiber intake can also impact fertility health, according to research published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (Willis et al., 2020). Eating foods that are high in fiber but low in added sugars can help increase the chances of a woman becoming pregnant. Some examples of high fiber foods include beans, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Take Prenatal Vitamins

Taking prenatal vitamins may also help you create ideal conditions for conception and fetal growth. The most crucial ingredients in prenatal vitamins are folic acid and B vitamins, but they are also a good source of vitamins A, C, D, and E, as well as calcium, iodine, and zinc. Before choosing a prenatal, consult with a medical professional to determine which prenatal may work best for you.

Maintain A Healthy Weight

Managing your weight is another crucial aspect of maintaining fertility health. Being overweight or underweight can affect your chances of getting pregnant. A 2020 study published by the Avicenna Research Institute (Bond et al., 2020) states that losing 5% of your body’s total weight, as well as lowering your body mass index (BMI), and maintaining healthy triglyceride levels, can help boost fertility.

Stay Away from Unhealthy Substances

Staying away from unhealthy habits, such as smoking or drinking too much alcohol, can also help increase a woman’s chances of becoming pregnant. One systematic review published in Scientific Reports (Fan et al., 2017) demonstrates that consuming alcohol can negatively impact fertility in women.

Evaluate Your Sexual Health

Past sexual activity can also play a part in infertility. STIs can cause a variety of issues to the reproductive system that may also cause problems with fertility. If you’re planning to try to get pregnant, you may want to undergo a screening to rule out lingering effects of STIs.

How Arizona Gynecology Consultants Supports Women Undergoing Fertility Treatments

Although Arizona Gynecology Consultants does not provide fertility treatments, we are still dedicated to helping you address the hormonal and physical issues that impact fertility. Our services are designed to support your health before conceiving, while you are undergoing fertility treatments, and after you give birth. We focus on many of the common issues associated with infertility.

Diagnoses

Diagnosing reproductive issues can help you answer many of the questions associated with infertility.

This includes health issues such as:

  • Tubal disorders, including fallopian tube blockages
  • Uterine disorders, such as endometriosis or uterine fibroids
  • Disorders that impact the ovaries, including PCOS
  • Disorders that affect the endocrine system, resulting in a hormonal imbalance

Preconception Care

We promote menstrual health, ensuring consistency so that you can track your cycle and identify when you are ovulating. Evaluating any potential medical issues, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, alongside reproductive health, can help you prepare for pregnancy. Arizona Gynecology Consultants can work with you to develop a plan to manage these conditions before they create infertility struggles or become a health risk to you or your child.

Other preconception care includes assistance with implementing healthy habits, such as exercising regularly, eating well, keeping stress levels down, and eliminating alcohol, drugs, or tobacco.

Hormone Management

Managing hormonal imbalances is another important part of treating infertility. When your hormones are not balanced, you may experience uncomfortable side effects as well as difficulty conceiving. Depending on your hormone levels, you may require medication, Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), or surgery.

Helping You Find Solutions

When needed, we will provide referrals to fertility specialists to support you on your infertility journey. This is why we partner with a large network of trusted medical providers who possess the necessary medical expertise to treat a wide range of infertility-related issues. If you’ve undergone testing, we can help you analyze your lab results, giving you a better understanding of your situation. We can then provide you with options and guide you through the next steps in your infertility journey.

Find Support for Infertility with Arizona Gynecology Consultants

Support for Infertility with Arizona Gynecology Consultants

If you’re struggling to conceive, Arizona Gynecology Consultants offers compassionate and comprehensive care to help identify the underlying issues and guide your next steps.

For more information, please contact us to arrange a consultation and begin accessing our comprehensive services for women.

*Editor’s Note: This article was originally published July 9, 2017 and has been updated with additional information, and republished on August 7, 2025.

Sources:

  1. World Health Organization. (2023, April 4). 1 in 6 people globally affected by infertility. https://www.who.int/news/item/04-04-2023-1-in-6-people-globally-affected-by-infertility
  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, October 26). Infertility FAQs. https://www.cdc.gov/reproductive-health/infertility-faq/index.html
  3. Inhorn, M. C., Patrizio, P., & Serour, G. I. (2022). Third-party reproductive assistance around the Mediterranean: Comparing Sunni Muslim, Roman Catholic and Jewish perspectives. Reproductive Biomedicine & Society Online, 14, 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rbms.2021.12.001
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  4. Mascarenhas, M. N., Cheung, H., Mathers, C. D., & Stevens, G. A. (2012). Measuring infertility in populations: Constructing a standard definition for use with demographic and reproductive health surveys. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 206(5), 351.e1–351.e10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2012.01.036
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  5. Vander Borght, M., & Wyns, C. (2018). Fertility and infertility: Definition and epidemiology. Clinical Biochemistry, 62, 2–10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2018.03.012
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The post Understanding Infertility: Causes, Testing, and When to Seek Help appeared first on AZGyn.



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