Association of uterine fibroids and pregnancy outcomes after ovarian stimulation-intrauterine insemination for unexplained infertility

Effects of Non-Cavity-Distorting Intramural Fibroids on IVF Outcomes in Patients with Recurrent IVF Failure: Does Myomectomy Change IVF Outcomes ?

Background

Uterine fibroids are the most common benign smooth muscle tumors of the uterus. However, there is no consensus on whether myomectomy improves IVF success in women with non-cavity-distorting intramural fibroids. The aim of this study was to compare the IVF and pregnancy outcomes of women who had non-cavity-distorting intramural fibroids and underwent myomectomy vs women who had intramural fibroids, but did not undergo myomectomy.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study at Acibadem Maslak Hospital, IVF Center, between 2019 and 2020. Data of 128 women aged between 25 and 43 years who have at least 2 intramural non-cavity-distorting fibroids of 2-6 cm in size were used. All patients had at least two IVF failure. The intervention group comprised women who decided to proceed to myomectomy before IVF (Group 1, n = 56). The control group was established women with intramural fibroids who reject myomectomy (Group 2, n = 71).

Results

In regard to IVF result parameters and perinatal outcomes, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. Between study groups, there were no statistically significant differences in the perinatal outcomes. Myomectomy surgery did not increase miscarriage and biochemical pregnancy rate (odds ratio (OR) 0.9; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.8-3.7).

Conclusion

Myomectomy does not impact on pregnancy or live birth rates substantially, according to the results of this study.

Evaluation of the relationship between ovarian reserve with congenital anomalies and intramural uterine leiomyoma among infertile women: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Ovarian reserve is a crucial indicator of a woman's fertility potential, which is determined by the quality and quantity of antral follicles and oocytes. However, certain factors such as endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, myoma, and the natural process of aging can lead to a poor ovarian response to stimulation, reducing a woman's chances of conceiving.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of uterus congenital anomalies and uterine leiomyoma are associated on ovarian reserve.

METHODS

The present cross-sectional study was performed on 321 infertile women in three groups consisted of 97 infertile women with intramural uterine leiomyoma and 81 infertile women with uterine anomalies and 143 infertile women without uterine anomalies and uterine leiomyoma during 2017-2019 in Royan Center. Sampling method was continuous and available. Data collection tool in this study was a questionnaire which was in two parts of individual variables and the second part was related to ultrasound results (number of antral follicles and ovarian volume) and laboratory tests (Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) and Follicle-stimulating Hormone (FSH)). Ovarian reserve parameters were measured in three groups on the third day of the cycle in both groups. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software version 21. Quantitative variables were analyzed using t-test, qualitative variables were analyzed using chi-square test.

RESULTS

The results of in laboratory parameters showed that there was no statistically significant difference between the three groups in FSH (2.35 ± 1.55, 2.07 ± 1.81, 2.31 ± 1.93) and AMH (6.84 ± 2.75,7.52 ± 3.14,6.93 ± 3.04), respectively (P > 0.05). The results of sonographic variables also showed that the variables include number of antral follicles in right ovarian, number of antral follicles in left ovarian have statistically significant between the three groups (5.73 ± 2.69,4.84 ± 3.14,6.66 ± 3.13), respectively (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The results of the present study showed that uterine abnormalities and uterine leiomyoma with different mechanisms such as reduce of antral follicle numbers and the effect on uterine and ovarian blood flow lead to a decrease in ovarian reserve and infertility. Therefore, treatment and surgery can reduce these effects and improve the fertility of the affected women.

Рrediction of infertility in patients with uterine leiomyoma

Infertility is an important socio-economic problem due to the fact that planned childbearing occurs much later than three decades ago. In recent years, more attention has been paid to the role of uterine leiomyoma in the development of infertility. Uterine leiomyoma is a benign monoclonal, well-demarcated encapsulated tumor originating from the smooth muscle cells of the cervix or body of the uterus. Uterine leiomyoma is the most common uterine tumor in the reproductive age group, affecting 20-50 % of women. With conceptual changes in marriage and childbearing, the number of women over 35 with leiomyoma who want to have children has also increased significantly. The need to treat submucosal fibroids is widely recognized, but fibroids of other locations and sizes remain a clinical mystery. The purpose of the literature review was to determine the role of uterine fibroids in predicting infertility. It has been established that the incidence of uterine leiomyoma in women of reproductive age is on average about 40 %, infertility associated with this pathology occurs in 5-10 % of women. In 10 % of cases of infertility, uterine leiomyoma is the only established cause of infertility. Uterine leiomyoma is common among women of reproductive age, and as women continue to delay childbearing, an increasing number of patients will require fertility-preserving treatment options. Leiomyoma affects not only fertility but also obstetric outcomes. Women with intramural fibroids without cavity deformity have a 21 % reduction in live birth rates after in vitro fertilization compared with controls without fibroids. Despite advances in fundamental understanding of the biology of leiomyomas, the role of different fibroid variants remains a matter of discussion. The question of the negative impact of submucosal nodes on infertility today is not in doubt, and the effect of subserous and intramural nodes requires further study.

The Impact of Uterine Fibroids on Fertility: How the Uncertainty Widens the Gap in Reproductive Outcomes in Black Women

Uterine fibroids (UFs) are the most common pelvic tumor in women. While the decreased quality of life and significant morbidity has been implicated with UFs, several important questions regarding the effect of UFs on reproductive outcomes remain unanswered. Furthermore, there is a disproportionate impact of UFs in Black women, in whom these tumors are known to be more common and more severe. The racial difference in UF burden is heightened during prime reproductive years, during which Black women undergo surgical intervention at an astoundingly increased rate compared to other races. Despite this, Black women are underrepresented in UF and treatment outcome research, and thus the uncertainty of the impact of UFs and UF treatment on fertility and pregnancy outcomes in this population is less defined. The purpose of this review article is to discuss recent findings in the literature regarding the impact of uterine UFs on reproductive outcomes with a primary focus on the implications for Black women. Additionally, we briefly discuss the importance of increased UF research funding and investigation and propose actionable items to help increase the representation of Black women in UF research.

Prognostic value of the location of submucosal uterine leiomyomas in infertility

Submucosal fibroid location and size are predictive factors of impaired fertility. Submucosal fibroids cause infertility through several mechanisms including distortion of the endometrial cavity, increased uterine contractility, local inflammation and remodeling of the endometrial blood supply. This is a monocentric, retrospective, cross-sectional study, conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of 'Sf. Pantelimon' Clinical Emergency Hospital, analyzing patients from a 5-year period (January 2015-December 2019). In the present study, the relationship between different characteristics of the submucosal fibroids (among others, location and dimensions) and fertility (birth rates, early pregnancy loss rates) were investigated. This study identified that submucosal and intramural fibroids are risk factors for reduced birth rate compared with subserosal fibroids (P=0.02, RR=2.58, 95% CI 1.03-6.47; P=0.005, RR=1.18, 95% CI 1.02-1.35, respectively). In addition, G2 leiomyomas are risk factors for low birth rate compared with G0 and G1 fibroids (P=0.01, RR=1.95, 95% CI 1.05-3.60). Moreover, the presence of a subserosal fibroid was associated with an increased early pregnancy loss rate (P=0.01, RR=2.14, 95% CI 1.05-4.35). In conclusion, the location and degree of uterine cavity distortion are important factors that alter the normal development of a pregnancy and the birth rate.

The Effect of Twisted Uterus Caused by Endometriosis or Myomatosis on Reproductive Treatment Outcomes

Objective: Twisted uterus is detected when the body of the uterus is rotated from the cervical canal. This anomaly may be due to different causes, such as uterine fibroids, endometriosis or the presence of both. The study has aimed to compare the effect of the twisted uterus cause in terms of reproductive treatment outcomes.

Materials and methods: It consisted of a retrospective study of twisted uterus cases with repeated implantation failure (more than three embryo transfers or four blastocysts transferred unsuccessfully) in our ultrasound department. The twisted uterus was defined when the vaginal probe needed to be rotated to assess the endometrial line thoroughly or when the coronal view was seen by 2D scan. From 2017 to 2020, 879 gynecological ultrasounds were performed. For statistical analysis, we carried out a logistical regression analysis adjusted by confounding factors.

Results: From 145 patients included only 92 patients underwent reproductive treatments. With the known cause of uterine torsion. 56 patients with endometriosis, 18 with uterine myoma and the remaining 18 suffered from both. After assisted reproductive treatment, the endometriosis group showed the highest clinical pregnancy rate (53.57%) compared to myoma (22.22%) and endometriosis and myoma (38.89%) groups.

Conclusion: Uterine myoma capable of causing uterine torsion may affect embryo implantation more than endometriosis. Prospective randomized studies with a larger number of patients would be needed to confirm these findings.

Laparoscopic Intracapsular Myomectomy in Women 40 Years Old and Over with Symptomatic Uterine Fibroids. A Pilot Study

Authors evaluated the impact of laparoscopic intracapsular myomectomy (LIM) in women 40 years of age and over with desire of future fertility compared with medical management of symptomatic fibroids, by a prospective cohort study in University affiliated Hospitals. This study includes a cohort of women 40 years of age and older with symptomatic intramural fibroids with desire of future fertility. Women with symptomatic fibroid uterus were offered to undergo LIM or medical management. They were encouraged to attempt conception either spontaneously or by assisted reproductive technology (ART) according to their individual preference. All women were followed for 2 years. Fibroid characteristics, pre- and post-surgical variables, including surgical complications, days of hospitalization, pregnancy rate, and obstetrical outcomes were collected. A total of 100 patient were included in the analysis. Fifty patients were assigned to the LIM group and 50 to the medical treatment group (MT). Groups were similar regarding age (43.5 ± 2.4 and 43.5 ± 2.4, p  = 0.99), body mass index (23.8 ± 3.1 and 24.2 ± 3.1, p  = 0.54), parity (0.46 ± 0.09 and 0.58 ± 0.09, p  = 0.37), fibroid number (1.38 ± 0.6 and 1.46 ± 0.6, p  = 0.53), and fibroid size (5.92 ± 1.62 cm vs. 5.94 ± 1.49 cm, p  = 0.949). Of the patients who underwent LIM, 62% conceived within the study period compared with 56% in the control group ( p  = 0.54). Pregnancy was achieved by ART in 44% of the patients of the LIM group and 30% in control group. There was no significant difference in pregnancy rates among the two groups regarding spontaneous pregnancy rate ( p  = 0.332), nor in pregnancies obtained by ART with own eggs ( p  = 0.146) and oocyte or embryo donation ( p  = 0.821). The take home baby rate was 65% (20/31) in the LIM group and 61% (17/28) in the control group ( p  = 0.7851). Both groups had similar rate of miscarriage ( p  = 0.748). Patients 40 years old and over with symptomatic fibroid uterus who undergo LIM have similar subsequent fertility and obstetrical outcomes than women treated with medical management. LIM has no detrimental impact on future fertility in women 40 years old and over.

Hysteroscopy and female infertility: a fresh look to a busy corner

Hysteroscopy has evolved from the traditional art of examining the uterine cavity for diagnostic purposes to an invaluable modality to concomitantly diagnose and (see and) treat a multitude of intrauterine pathologies, especially in the field and clinics specialising in female reproduction. This article reviews the literature on the most common cervical, endometrial, uterine and tubal pathologies such as chronic endometritis, endometrial polyps, adenomyosis, endometriosis, endometrial atrophy, adhesions, endometrial hyperplasia, cancer, and uterine malformations. The aim is to determine the efficiency of hysteroscopy compared with other available techniques as a diagnostic and treatment tool and its association with the success of in vitro fertilisation procedures. Although hysteroscopy requires an experienced operator for optimal results and is still an invasive procedure, it has the unique advantage of combining great diagnostic and treatment opportunities before and after ART procedures. In conclusion, hysteroscopy should be recommended as a first-line procedure in all cases with female infertility, and a special effort should be made for its implementation in the development of new high-tech procedures for identification and treatment infertility-associated conditions.

Uterine size and volume are associated with higher live birth rate in patients undergoing assisted reproduction technology: A prospective cohort study

To investigate how uterine size and volume are associated with live birth rate in patients undergoing assisted reproduction technology.This prospective cohort study was conducted at the Reproductive Medicine Centre from January 2010 to May 2017. Multivariate binary logistic regression was used to evaluate the relations between uterine size, total volume, and live birth outcomes, after they were adjusted for the main influencing factors.A total of 7320 women of clinical pregnancy were enrolled. Compared with uterine lengths of 50 to 59 mm (referent), women with uterine lengths ≥60 mm had a lower live birth rate (RR = 1.541). Compared with uterine widths of ≥50 mm (referent), women with uterine widths <30 mm had a lower live birth rate (RR = 1.430). Compared with uterine anteroposterior diameters of <30 mm (referent), women with uterine anteroposterior diameters ≥50 mm had a lower live birth rate (RR = 1.636). Compared with uterine volumes of 30 to 49 mL (referent), women with volumes <30 mL and ≥70 mL had lower live birth rates (RR = 1.368 and 1.742, respectively).Our findings indicate that uterine sizes and volumes that were too large or too small reduced the live birth rate.

Uterine polyps, adenomyosis, leiomyomas, and endometrial receptivity

Endometrial polyps, adenomyosis, and leiomyomas are commonly encountered abnormalities frequently found in both fertile women and those with infertility. The clinician is frequently challenged to determine which of these entities, when found, is likely to impair fertility, and which are "innocent bystanders" unrelated to the problem at hand. Although removing an endometrial polyp may be seen as a relatively benign and safe intervention, myomectomy, and in particular adenomyomectomy, can be substantive surgical procedures, associated with their own potential for disrupting fertility. One of the mechanisms thought to be involved when these entities are contributing to infertility is an adverse impact on endometrial receptivity. Indeed polyps, adenomyosis, and leiomyomas have all been associated with an increased likelihood of abnormal endometrial molecular expressions thought to impair implantation and early embryo development. This review is designed to examine the relationship of these common entities to endometrial receptivity and to identify evidence gaps that should be considered when strategizing research initiatives. It is apparent that we have the tools necessary to fill these gaps, but it will be necessary to approach the issue in a strategic and coordinated fashion. It is likely that we will have to recognize the limitations of imaging alone and look to the evidence-based addition of molecular analysis to provide the individualized phenotyping of disease necessary for patient-specific treatment decisions.

Lower prevalence of non-cavity-distorting uterine fibroids in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome than in those with unexplained infertility

OBJECTIVE

To study whether there is a difference in the prevalence of non-cavity-distorting uterine fibroids between infertile patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and those with unexplained infertility (UI).

DESIGN

A secondary analysis of data from three randomized clinical trials.

SETTING

Academic health centers.

PATIENT(S)

A total of 2,249 patients with normal uterine cavities.

INTERVENTIONS(S)

None.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

The presence or absence of non-cavity-distorting fibroids.

RESULT(S)

Compared with women with UI, those with PCOS were younger, had a higher body mass index, and were more likely to be Hispanic or African American, with a lower percentage of previous conception and live birth, a higher percentage of current smokers, a lower percentage of current alcohol users, and higher total testosterone, fasting insulin, and homeostasis-model-assessment insulin resistance. The prevalence of women with non-cavity-distorting uterine fibroids was lower in women with PCOS than in those with UI (6.7% vs. 12.4%); this result held after patients were divided into Black and non-Black or into three different body mass index groups. After adjustment for all the other variables in the final model, patients with PCOS had a significantly lower prevalence of fibroids than those with UI (odds ratio 0.54). No differences in the prevalence of non-cavity-distorting fibroids with any dimensions ≥4 cm or the volume of the largest fibroid was found between the two groups.

CONCLUSION(S)

A lower prevalence of non-cavity-distorting uterine fibroids was found in infertile women with PCOS than in those with UI.

Effects of noncavity-distorting fibroids on endometrial gene expression and function

Uterine fibroids are a common finding in infertility patients. Impaired implantation and decidualization have been proposed to contribute to compromised fertility. Data are limited on the endometrial transcriptome from subjects with uterine fibroids, as well as endometrial receptivity and decidualization potential of endometrial stromal fibroblasts (eSF) from women with fibroids. Our objective was to investigate the endometrial transcriptome of women with noncavity-distorting intramural fibroids and compare them to control subjects with no uterine pathology throughout the menstrual cycle. We also evaluated endometrial receptivity gene expression and basic endometrial functions such as decidualization, proliferation, and apoptosis in women with fibroid uterus. Results showed that large numbers of transcripts were significantly dysregulated throughout the menstrual cycle in fibroid subjects compared to controls. However, there were essentially no differences in the expression of receptivity markers at the tissue level, as well as decidualization markers in tissue and eSF in subjects with fibroids compared to controls. However, eSF from women with a fibroid uterus exhibited decreased proliferation potential and increased apoptosis upon decidualization. These data indicate preserved implantation and decidualization potential despite observed gene expression changes in endometrium from women with noncavity-distorting fibroids compared to controls. How this phenomenon and altered proliferation/apoptosis may contribute to impairment of endometrial function in subfertile patients warrants further investigation.

Fertility impairment associated with uterine fibroids - a review of literature

Uterine fibroids (also known as leiomyomas or myomas) are the most common benign tumors affecting reproductive organs in women. They are monoclonal tumors of the uterine smooth muscle, which spring from myometrium. It is estimated that they occur in 50-60% of the female population and rise to 70% by the age of 50. While mostly asymptomatic, myomas can be connected with several conditions, including abnormal bleeding with subsequent anemia, pelvic masses, pelvic pain, bulk symptoms, unfavorable impact on fertility and obstetric complications. Factors, which predispose the emergence of fibroids are: hormones, Afro-American ethnicity, age, obesity, adverse pregnancy outcome history, early menarche, genetic factors, alcohol, caffeine or eating too much red meat. On the other hand, there are factors, which can decrease this risk: pregnancy, early menopause and tobacco smoking. There are several mechanisms of fertility impairment in females with fibroids: alternations in uterus function (flawed blood supply, increased contractility), changes in the normal uterus anatomy, local hormonal changes induced by fibroids. In this review the connection between fibroids and infertility is analyzed.

Literature Review on the Role of Uterine Fibroids in Endometrial Function

Uterine fibroids are benign uterine smooth muscle tumors that are present in up to 8 out of 10 women by the age of 50. Many of these women experience symptoms such as heavy and irregular menstrual bleeding, early pregnancy loss, and infertility. Traditionally believed to be inert masses, fibroids are now known to influence endometrial function at the molecular level. We present a comprehensive review of published studies on the effect of uterine fibroids on endometrial function. Our goal was to explore the current knowledge about how uterine fibroids interact with the endometrium and how these interactions influence clinical symptoms. Our review shows that submucosal fibroids produce a blunted decidualization response with decreased release of cytokines critical for implantation such as leukocyte inhibitory factor and cell adhesion molecules. Furthermore, fibroids alter the expression of genes relevant for implantation, such as bone morphogenetic protein receptor type II, glycodelin, among others. With regard to heavy menstrual bleeding, fibroids significantly alter the production of vasoconstrictors in the endometrium, leading to increased menstrual blood loss. Fibroids also increase the production of angiogenic factors such as basic fibroblast growth factor and reduce the production of coagulation factors resulting in heavy menses. Understanding the crosstalk between uterine fibroids and the endometrium will provide key insights into implantation and menstrual biology and drive the development of new and innovative therapeutic options for the management of symptoms in women with uterine fibroids.