Uterine artery embolization for fibroids does not have adverse effects on ovarian reserve in regularly cycling women younger than 40 years.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the impact of uterine artery embolization (UAE) for fibroids on ovarian reserve in women younger than 40 years.


METHODS
Prospective study.


METHODS
University-based reproductive endocrinology unit.


METHODS
Twenty regularly cycling women aged 33-39 years undergoing UAE for fibroids. All had cycle day 3 FSH levels <10 mIU/mL.


METHODS
Measurements of serum FSH and E2 levels and of the total ovarian volume and antral follicle number by transvaginal ultrasonography on day 3 of the menstrual cycle preceding UAE and on day 3 of the cycles occurring in months 3, 6, and 12 after UAE.


METHODS
Preprocedural and postprocedural hormone levels, ovarian volumes, and antral follicle numbers.


RESULTS
There were no significant changes from baseline in the mean day 3 FSH and E2 levels, ovarian volume measurements, and antral follicle numbers measured at 3, 6, and 12 months after UAE.


CONCLUSIONS
Although this study might be not sensitive enough to conclude that UAE for fibroids does not interfere with a woman's ovarian status, these data indicate that in this series of reproductive-aged women UAE did not have short- or mid-term effects on ovarian reserve as assessed by hormonal and sonographic parameters.
Tropeano
Giovanna
G
Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy. iclos@RM.unicatt.it
Di Stasi
Carmine
C
Litwicka
Katarzyna
K
Romano
Domenico
D
Draisci
Gaetano
G
Mancuso
Salvatore
S
D000328:Adult; D001158:Arteries; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004958:Estradiol / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D007889:Leiomyoma / Q000628:therapy*; D008597:Menstrual Cycle; D006080:Ovarian Follicle / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D010053:Ovary / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D014599:Uterus / Q000098:blood supply*
D004958:Estradiol; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone