Uterine Artery Embolization Doesn't Raise Risk for Ovarian Failure Within 1 Year

Long-term effects on ovarian function remain to be seen.

Uterine artery embolization (UAE) is performed increasingly as a nonsurgical alternative in women with uterine fibroids, but whether this procedure raises risk for ovarian failure is unknown. British investigators evaluated circulating levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) at 6 and 12 months after treatment in a randomized controlled trial designed to compare UAE (73) with surgical myomectomy or hysterectomy (23).

Twelve months after treatment, rates of ovarian failure (defined as FSH >40 IU/L) did not differ between women who underwent UAE (11%) and those who underwent surgery (18%; P=0.44). Mean menstrual cycle length did not change following UAE, but mean duration of menstrual bleeding fell significantly, by a mean of 1.7 days. At …

Reviewing Author

Robert W. Rebar, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardMyovant Sciences, Inc.

Editorial BoardsEndoText; Clinical OB/GYN Alert

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society for Reproductive Medicine (Member, Ethics Committee)

Robert W. Rebar, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardMyovant Sciences, Inc.

Editorial BoardsEndoText; Clinical OB/GYN Alert

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society for Reproductive Medicine (Member, Ethics Committee)

Uterine Artery Embolization Doesn't Raise Risk for Ovarian Failure Within 1 Year

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Reviewing Author