title: The influence of uterine artery embolisation on ovarian reserve, fertility, and pregnancy outcomes - a review of literature.
abstract: Uterine fibroids are considered to be the most frequent female benign tumours. Fibroids affect mainly women of reproductive age. The most frequently reported signs and symptoms of fibroids include disturbances of the menstrual cycle such as heavy bleeding and painful menstruation, pelvic masses associated with pelvic pain, urinary problems or constipation, as well as infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss. The mainstay of fibroid treatment is still surgery. However, many patients seek alternative treatment options for fibroids, to preserve their uterus and fertility. One of the most important alternative treatment options for fibroids is uterine artery embolisation (UAE). However, there are some concerns that UAE may negatively influence ovarian function and even result in premature menopause. Moreover, the use of UAE in patients with future reproductive plans is still controversial, due to the possible pregnancy complications. The purpose of this review is to summarise the current knowledge regarding the possible influence of UAE on fertility, pregnancy outcome, and ovarian reserve.
authors.affiliation: 3 Department of Gynaecology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland.
authors.forename: Piotr
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Czuczwar
authors.affiliation: 3 Department of Gynaecology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland.
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Stępniak
authors.affiliation: 3 Department of Gynaecology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland.
authors.forename: Wojciech
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Wrona
authors.affiliation: 3 Department of Gynaecology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland.
authors.forename: Sławomir
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Woźniak
authors.affiliation: 3 Department of Gynaecology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland.
authors.forename: Paweł
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Milart
authors.affiliation: 3 Department of Gynaecology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland.
authors.forename: Tomasz
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Paszkowski
keywords: fertility; fibroids; ovarian reserve; uterine artery embolisation