Can a fibroid be the cause of infertility?

I am 30 and was diagnosed with PCOS almost 10 years ago. I found out I have a 4" fibroid on my uterus about a year ago. I also had an HSG (hysterosalpingogram) done about a year ago, and it showed both tubes were open. However; the left tube is abnormal and damaged (probably due to an STD that I had when I was a teenager or it could be due to my appendix issues. I had it removed in 2004). With all of these things combined, I am very down about being able to get pregnant.

My OBGYN doesn't think I'm ovulating because of the PCOS. But he also feels that the damaged tube could be causing a problem too. The fibroid is also on the left side. Right now I feel a dull achy pain on the left side of my lower stomach area (near the ovaries). I often feel a dull ache on that side, so I'm not sure if I'm ovulating or what.

I am concerned that the fibroid is the reason I can't get pregnant, but he is confident that it's not in the way based on where it's located. Your thoughts?

Fibroids may cause infertility in a number of different ways. A fibroid may cause compression on the fallopian tubes resulting in a blockage of the passage of sperm or eggs. A large fibroid may distort the pelvic anatomy sufficiently to make it difficult for the fallopian tube to capture an egg at the time of ovulation. If a fibroid protrudes into the uterine cavity or causes distortion of the uterine cavity, it may present a mechanical barrier to implantation. Some studies have suggested that fibroids in the muscle portion of the uterus may cause an alteration or reduction of blood flow to the uterine lining making it more difficult for an implanted embryo to grow and develop. Another theory suggests that even small fibroids that grow inside of the uterine cavity may act as a foreign body and result in an inflammatory reaction that makes the uterine environment hostile for an embryo to implant.

For more information visit
http://pregnancyguidelines.blogspot.com

It can cause a miscarriage. I don't believe that it affects your ability to conceive but once you conceive the baby competes for space with the fibroids. The bigger they are the more of a problem they are. Most fibroids start to shrink in the 2nd trimester so if your pregnancy is still viable by then usually you are safe to remain pregnant.

Your fibroid can cause issues when it comes to implantation if its in the right spot. However, if your not ovulating due to the pcos (which can happen even when both tubes are fine) then you wouldn't have anything to implant in the first place. I would ask to have the fibroid removed and then after your healed I would ask to get put on medication to induce ovulation, like clomid. This way if you do get pg you won't have to worry about the fibroid and if your not ovulating and they fix that then hopefully you'll have a healthy pregnancy. I wish you luck and baby dust to you!!!