Updated by the Progyny Clinical Team — September 2025.
Fibroids and polyps are benign (noncancerous) growths that form in the uterus. They’re common, and many people may not have symptoms or even know they are there. Others may develop symptoms that affect menstrual health, fertility, or pregnancy.
Fibroids
Fibroids are benign tumors made of muscle tissue from the uterus. They are classified by where they grow:
- Submucosal fibroids grow into the uterine cavity.
- Intramural fibroids grow within the wall of the uterus.
- Subserosal fibroids grow on the outer surface of the uterus.
Symptoms
Many people with fibroids have no symptoms. When symptoms occur, they can include pelvic pain, pressure, or irregular and heavy bleeding.
Treatment
Fibroids usually don’t need treatment unless they cause bothersome symptoms or affect fertility. They are more common in people over 30 and occur more often in Black individuals than in white individuals. Fibroids grow in response to estrogen, often enlarging during reproductive years and shrinking after menopause.
Fertility impact
While many fibroids don’t interfere with fertility, some can make it harder to get pregnant or increase the risk of miscarriage. If your OB-GYN or reproductive endocrinologist (REI) finds fibroids that may affect implantation or pregnancy growth, they may recommend removal. Not all fibroids need to be removed, and depending on location, surgery may not always improve live birth rates.
Polyps
Endometrial polyps are small growths in the lining of the uterus (endometrium). They are more common with increasing age and rare before menstruation begins.
Symptoms
Most polyps cause no symptoms and are discovered during an ultrasound or office procedure. When symptoms do occur, they may include irregular or heavy bleeding, spotting between periods, or bleeding after menopause.
Treatment
Polyps are usually benign, but your OB-GYN or REI may recommend evaluation. They can often be removed in a quick office procedure. The exact cause is not well understood, but polyps may develop from an overgrowth of the uterine lining (endometrial hyperplasia), certain medications, or higher estrogen levels.
Fertility impact
Most polyps don’t affect fertility. However, larger or multiple polyps can sometimes make it harder to get pregnant or increase the risk of miscarriage.
Key takeaways
Fibroids and polyps are common, noncancerous uterine growths. Many people never have symptoms, but when they do, they may include pain, pressure, or abnormal bleeding. These growths don’t always affect fertility, but depending on their size and location, they can sometimes make it harder to get pregnant or increase miscarriage risk.
Treatment is usually only needed if symptoms are bothersome or if fertility is impacted. Your OB-GYN or REI can guide whether removal is recommended.
If you have questions or concerns, Progyny is here for you. Please contact your Progyny Care Advocate for support.
Disclaimer: The information provided by Progyny is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical guidance.