The effect on IVF outcome of small intramural fibroids not compressing the uterine cavity as determined by a prospective matched control study

• Published in: Human reproduction (Oxford) Vol. 17; no. 5; pp. 1244 - 1248
• Main Authors: Check, J.H., Choe, J.K., Lee, G., Dietterich, C.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Oxford University Press 01.05.2002
• Subjects: Abortion, Spontaneous - epidemiology; Adult; Biological and medical sciences; Birth Rate; Female; Female genital diseases; Fertilization in Vitro; Gynecology. Andrology. Obstetrics; Humans; Incidence; IVF; leiomyoma; Leiomyoma - physiopathology; matched controls; Medical sciences; pre-term delivery; pregnancy rates; Prospective Studies; Reference Values; Treatment Outcome; Tumors; matched controls; IVF; pregnancy rates; pre-term delivery; leiomyoma; Human; Leiomyoma; Premature; Assisted procreation; Female genital diseases; Pregnancy; In vitro fertilization embryo transfer; Ovum implantation; Uterus; Uterine diseases; Female; Benign neoplasm; Delivery; Age
• ISSN: 0268-1161; 1460-2350; 1460-2350
• DOI: 10.1093/humrep/17.5.1244

BACKGROUND: Several studies have reported that the presence of intramural fibroids affects conception following IVF. We attempted to corroborate or refute the conclusions relating to IVF and leiomyomas of the aforementioned studies. METHODS: Women with small intramural leiomyomata (≤5 cm) discovered on initial pelvic sonographic studies performed in preparation for IVF were prospectively matched by age, with the next patient of the same age undergoing IVF who did not demonstrate fibroids (controls). RESULTS: Though no significant differences were found in outcome when comparing these two groups, there was a distinct trend for lower live delivery rates and higher miscarriage rates. CONCLUSIONS: These data support the conclusions of the only other prospective matched control study evaluating similar factors, i.e. that small intramural fibroids can negatively affect IVF outcome. Nevertheless, we think that a multicentre study should be conducted first before evaluating whether myomectomy improves outcome or not.