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Liu X, Ding D, Shen M, Yan D, Guo SW. Shorter Anogenital Distance in Women with Ovarian Endometriomas and Adenomyosis, but Not Uterine Leiomyomas. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2618. [PMID: 37892992 PMCID: PMC10603971 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11102618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
We investigated whether anogenital distance (AGD) is associated with adenomyosis, endometriosis and uterine leiomyomas (UL, also called uterine fibroids). We recruited 81 women with UL, 105 with ovarian endometrioma (OE), 116 with adenomyosis, 28 with both adenomyosis and UL, and 100 control subjects with other acquired gynecological conditions but not endometriosis, adenomyosis, UL, or polycystic ovarian syndrome. Measurements from the anterior clitoral surface to the center of the anus (AGDAC), from the tip of the clitoris to the center of the anus (AGDACt), and from the posterior fourchette to the center of the anus (AGDAF) were made in all subjects. Multiple regression was performed to estimate the association between AGDs and presence of OE, adenomyosis, and UL while controlling for possible confounding factors. We found that, compared with controls, women with OE and adenomyosis, but not UL, had significantly shorter AGDAF, but not AGDAC. However, the amount of variance that could be explained by the disease status is rather moderate, suggesting that factors other than disease status, bodyweight and height were also responsible for AGD. Thus, prenatal exposure to reduced levels of androgen may increase the risk of developing endometriosis and adenomyosis. However, other factors may also contribute to the pathogenesis of endometriosis and adenomyosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xishi Liu
- Department of Gynecology, Shanghai Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China; (X.L.); (D.D.); (M.S.); (D.Y.)
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Ding Ding
- Department of Gynecology, Shanghai Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China; (X.L.); (D.D.); (M.S.); (D.Y.)
| | - Minhong Shen
- Department of Gynecology, Shanghai Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China; (X.L.); (D.D.); (M.S.); (D.Y.)
| | - Dingmin Yan
- Department of Gynecology, Shanghai Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China; (X.L.); (D.D.); (M.S.); (D.Y.)
| | - Sun-Wei Guo
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
- Research Institute, Shanghai Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
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Ciarmela P, Delli Carpini G, Greco S, Zannotti A, Montik N, Giannella L, Giuliani L, Grelloni C, Panfoli F, Paolucci M, Pierucci G, Ragno F, Pellegrino P, Petraglia F, Ciavattini A. Uterine fibroid vascularization: from morphological evidence to clinical implications. Reprod Biomed Online 2021; 44:281-294. [PMID: 34848152 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2021.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Uterine fibroids are the most common cause of solid pelvic tumours, occurring in 20-30% of fertile women and presenting clinical complications that seriously affect women's health. They commonly cause severe symptoms, such as heavy, prolonged menstrual bleeding and anaemia. The study of microscopic and macroscopic vascular aspects of uterine fibroids is important for understanding the clinical manifestations of uterine fibroids, for predicting the effectiveness of alternative treatments to surgery, i.e. uterine artery embolization, for improving surgery outcomes and for carrying out a differential diagnosis with other benign conditions, e.g. adenomyosis, or malignancy, e.g. leiomyosarcoma, and to develop new therapeutic approaches. In this review, current knowledge of how the vascular network and angiogenesis are implied in the formation of uterine fibroids and in the pathogenesis of related symptoms is explored, and evidence on the role of ultrasound in evaluating fibroid vascularization is summarized. This review combines anatomical, morphological and biomolecular information related to angiogenic mechanisms with diagnostic and clinical information, highlighting the various interconnections. Uterine and fibroid vascularization need further investigation to gain a deeper understanding of the pathogenetic elements that lead to the formation of uterine fibroids and their clinical manifestations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pasquapina Ciarmela
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona 60126, Italy.
| | - Giovanni Delli Carpini
- Gynecologic Section, Department od Odontostomatologic and Specialized Clinical Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona 60126, Italy
| | - Stefania Greco
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona 60126, Italy
| | - Alessandro Zannotti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona 60126, Italy; Gynecologic Section, Department od Odontostomatologic and Specialized Clinical Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona 60126, Italy
| | - Nina Montik
- Gynecologic Section, Department od Odontostomatologic and Specialized Clinical Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona 60126, Italy
| | - Luca Giannella
- Gynecologic Section, Department od Odontostomatologic and Specialized Clinical Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona 60126, Italy
| | - Lucia Giuliani
- Gynecologic Section, Department od Odontostomatologic and Specialized Clinical Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona 60126, Italy
| | - Camilla Grelloni
- Gynecologic Section, Department od Odontostomatologic and Specialized Clinical Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona 60126, Italy
| | - Francesca Panfoli
- Gynecologic Section, Department od Odontostomatologic and Specialized Clinical Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona 60126, Italy
| | - Michela Paolucci
- Gynecologic Section, Department od Odontostomatologic and Specialized Clinical Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona 60126, Italy
| | - Gloria Pierucci
- Gynecologic Section, Department od Odontostomatologic and Specialized Clinical Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona 60126, Italy
| | - Federica Ragno
- Gynecologic Section, Department od Odontostomatologic and Specialized Clinical Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona 60126, Italy
| | - Pamela Pellegrino
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona 60126, Italy
| | - Felice Petraglia
- Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Florence, Careggi University Hospital Florence, Italy
| | - Andrea Ciavattini
- Gynecologic Section, Department od Odontostomatologic and Specialized Clinical Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona 60126, Italy
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Wang S, Wang D, Huang Q, Zhao F. Intracervical intracapsular myomectomy using loop ligation: a proposed technique. BJOG 2021; 128:2151-2156. [PMID: 34396676 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.16862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Performing laparoscopic myomectomy for an intracervical myoma, especially a single giant myoma, is challenging. Only skilled surgeons attempt this operation. Surgeons frequently encounter cases of massive intraoperative bleeding, difficulty suturing the cervical incision, risk of injuring the neighbouring tissues, haematoma formation and conversion to laparotomy or hysterectomy. We previously developed a the technique of loop ligation of the pseudocapsule and have been using it to treat sizeable intracervical myomas laparoscopically. Its advantages include less blood loss, lower risk of injuries to the neighbouring tissues, maintenance of the cervical canal and sparing of the pseudocapsule. This technique is safe and feasible, and facilitates fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - D Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Q Huang
- Cancer Center, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Respiratory Research Institute, Shanghai, China
| | - F Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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Uterine Fibroids and Infertility. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11081455. [PMID: 34441389 PMCID: PMC8391505 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11081455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Infertility is a disease of the reproductive system defined by the failure to achieve a clinical pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. Uterine fibroids are the most common tumor in women, and their prevalence is high in patients with infertility. Fibroids may be the sole cause of infertility in 2–3% of women. Depending on their location in the uterus, fibroids have been implicated in recurrent pregnancy loss as well as infertility. Pregnancy and live birth rates appear to be low in women with submucosal fibroids; their resection has been shown to improve pregnancy rates. In contrast, subserosal fibroids do not affect fertility outcomes and their removal does not confer any benefit. Intramural fibroids appear to reduce fertility, but recommendations concerning their treatment remain unclear. Myomectomy should be discussed individually with the patient; other potential symptoms such as dysmenorrhea or bleeding disorders should be included in the indication for surgery.
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Zia G, Sebek J, Schenck J, Prakash P. Transcervical microwave ablation in type 2 uterine fibroids via a hysteroscopic approach: analysis of ablation profiles. Biomed Phys Eng Express 2021; 7. [PMID: 33975302 DOI: 10.1088/2057-1976/abffe4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Type 2 uterine fibroids are challenging to resect surgically as ≥ 50% volume of myoma lies within the myometrium. A hysteroscopic approach for ablating fibroids is minimally-invasive, but places a considerable burden on the operator to accurately place the ablation applicator within the target. We investigated the sensitivity of transcervical microwave ablation outcome with respect to position of the ablation applicator within 1 - 3 cm type 2 fibroids.Methods:A finite element computer model was developed to simulate 5.8 GHz microwave ablation of fibroids and validated with experiments inex vivotissue. The ablation outcome was evaluated with respect to applicator insertion angles (30°, 45°, 60°) , depth and offset from the fibroid center (±2 mm for 3 cm fibroid and ±1 mm for 1 cm fibroid) with 35 W and 15 W applied power for 3 cm and 1 cm fibroids, respectively. Power deposition was stopped when thermal dose of 40 cumulative equivalent minutes at 43 °C (CEM43) was accrued in adjacent myometrium.Results:Within the range of all evaluated insertion angles, depths and offsets, the ablation coverage was less sensitive to variation in angle as compared to depth and offset, and ranged from 34.9 - 83.6% for 3 cm fibroid in 140 - 400 s and 34.1 - 67.9% for 1 cm fibroid in 30 - 50 s of heating duration. Maximum achievable ablation coverage in both fibroid cases reach ∼ 90% if thermal dose is allowed to exceed 40 CEM43 in myometrium.Conclusion:The study demonstrates the technical feasibility of transcervical microwave ablation for fibroid treatment and the relationship between applicator position within the fibroid and fraction of fibroid that can be ablated while limiting thermal dose in adjacent myometrium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghina Zia
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, United States of America
| | - Jan Sebek
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, United States of America.,Department of Circuit Theory, Czech Technical University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jessica Schenck
- Hologic, Inc., Marlborough, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Punit Prakash
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, United States of America
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Marín-Buck A, Karaman E, Amer-Cuenca JJ, Lisón JF, Török P, Karaaslan O, Valenti G, Zito G, Biondi A, Chiofalo B. Minimally Invasive Myomectomy: An Overview on the Surgical Approaches and a Comparison with Mini-Laparotomy. J INVEST SURG 2019; 34:443-450. [PMID: 31322011 DOI: 10.1080/08941939.2019.1642422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Uterine fibroids (UFs) are the most common benign solid tumors of the female genital tract manageable by surgical of pharmacological approach. When the medical management is ineffective or surgery is primarily requested, several surgical approaches can be used. Among these, minimally invasive surgery might be preferred. Myomectomy is the standard surgical treatment when fertility sparing is claimed. It can be performed via laparoscopy, robotic surgery and hysteroscopy and the choice depend on UFs features and surgeon's skill. Alongside these minimally invasive options, mini-laparotomy has been proposed as a less invasive surgical approach comparable to the well-established minimally invasive options. The aim of this review is to describe the most recent advances in minimally invasive techniques to perform myomectomy, comparing them with mini-laparotomy approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Marín-Buck
- Department of Surgery, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain.,Department of Gynecology, Hospital Provincial de Castellón, Castellón, Spain
| | - Erbil Karaman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yuzuncu Yil University Medical Faculty, Van, Turkey
| | - Juan J Amer-Cuenca
- Department of Physiotherapy, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain
| | - Juan F Lisón
- Department of Medicine, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain.,CIBER of Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition CIBERobn, CB06/03 Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
| | - Péter Török
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Onur Karaaslan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yuzuncu Yil University Medical Faculty, Van, Turkey
| | - Gaetano Valenti
- Department of General Surgery and Medical Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Gabriella Zito
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute for Maternal and Child Health-IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", Trieste, Italy
| | - Antonio Biondi
- Department of General Surgery and Medical Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Benito Chiofalo
- Gynecologic Oncology Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical Oncology, "Regina Elena" National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
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7
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Submucous Fibroids, Fertility, and Possible Correlation to Pseudocapsule Thickness in Reproductive Surgery. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 2018:2804830. [PMID: 30250847 PMCID: PMC6140098 DOI: 10.1155/2018/2804830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2017] [Accepted: 06/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives Fibroids are related to infertility. Fibroid pseudocapsule is a neurovascular bundle surrounding leiomyomas rich of neurofibers involved in myometrial biology. Authors evaluated, by a case-control study, the fibroid pseudocapsule (FP) thickness by ultrasound (US) and the histological measurements, according to uterine location of fibroids. Methods 137 consecutive patients undergoing hysterectomy for uterine myomas were enrolled and 200 myomas were evaluated. Before surgery, patients underwent an ultrasound (US) investigation to evaluate the number, the size, and the location of fibroids. After surgery, myoma-pseudocapsule-myometrium specimens were measured and evaluated by a single expert pathologist. Both US and histological data were collected and statistically analyzed. Results Our results confirm the relevant difference of FP thickness, particularly represented under the endometrium for submucous LMs. FPs near the endometrial cavity were considerably thicker than those of both intramural fibroids and subserous fibroids measured by US (P=0.0001) and histology (P=0.0001). A clear cut-off measurement at 2 mm (P=0.0001) was found between endometrial FPs and all other FPs for either US or histology measurements. Conclusion The thickness of FP is considerably higher near the endometrial cavity when compared to those of both intramural and subserous LMs, suggesting a potential role either in fertility or in myometrial healing.
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Nieuwenhuis LL, Keizer AL, Stoelinga B, Twisk J, Hehenkamp W, Brölmann H, Huirne J. Fibroid vascularisation assessed with three-dimensional power Doppler ultrasound is a predictor for uterine fibroid growth: a prospective cohort study. BJOG 2017; 125:577-584. [PMID: 28211610 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.14608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyse fibroid vascularisation measured with three-dimensional (3D) power Doppler in relation to absolute fibroid volume change during 12 months of follow up and in relation to fibroid growth rate per year. DESIGN A prospective cohort study was performed between March 2012 and March 2014. SETTING Outpatient clinic of the VU medical centre, Amsterdam. POPULATION OR SAMPLE All premenopausal women diagnosed with a maximum of two fibroids with expectant management were consecutively included. METHODS Three-dimensional ultrasound including power Doppler was performed at baseline, 3, 6 and 12 months. Volume and vascular parameters were calculated using VOCAL software. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The relationship between vascular index (VI) at baseline and fibroid volume over time was analysed using linear mixed model analyses for repeated measurements. Second, the relationship between VI at baseline and fibroid growth rate per year was calculated using linear regression analyses. Analyses were adjusted for possible confounders. RESULTS In all, 66 women (mean age 42 years) completed 12 months of follow up without treatment. Baseline fibroid vascularisation (VI) measured with 3D power Doppler is correlated with fibroid volume at 12 months (P = 0.02 ). An increase of 1% in VI at baseline was associated with a 7.00-cm3 larger fibroid volume at 12 months. Furthermore, vascularisation was also associated with fibroid growth rate per year (P = 0.04). CONCLUSION In women with uterine fibroids without therapy, baseline vascularisation (VI) measured with 3D power Doppler is correlated with absolute fibroid volume change at 12 months and with fibroid growth rate per year. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT Fibroid vascularisation correlates with absolute fibroid volume change and fibroid growth rate per year.
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Affiliation(s)
- L L Nieuwenhuis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, VU University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - A L Keizer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, VU University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - B Stoelinga
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, VU University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jwr Twisk
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, VU University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wjk Hehenkamp
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, VU University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ham Brölmann
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, VU University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jaf Huirne
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, VU University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Abstract
A debate among gynecologic and reproductive surgeons is whether or not there is a clinical need to treat all intramural myomas. Considerations include myoma size and number, ability to access them, whether or not they compromise the endometrium, and treatment effect on gynecologic, reproductive, and obstetric outcomes. We conducted a detailed study regarding intramural myomas, their prevalence in subject populations, the imaging methods used to detect them, their growth rate, their suspected adverse effects on gynecologic, fertility, and obstetric outcomes, and the effectiveness of various treatment methods. The growing body of evidence reported in the literature supports the need to manage intramural myomas and to treat them appropriately.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayra J Thompson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Bruce R Carr
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
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10
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Pier BD, Bates GW. Potential causes of subfertility in patients with intramural fibroids. FERTILITY RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2015; 1:12. [PMID: 28620517 PMCID: PMC5424315 DOI: 10.1186/s40738-015-0005-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2015] [Accepted: 08/19/2015] [Indexed: 08/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intramural leiomyomas have been long debated as a potential cause of infertility and pregnancy loss. FINDINGS Previous research has linked intramural fibroids to defective implantation, as well as to abnormal peristaltic events of the uterine smooth muscle. Previous reports describe the effects of intramural fibroids on normal human fertility and early pregnancy loss, specifically in regards to implantation failure. CONCLUSION A thorough understanding of prior research may direct new research focus, leading to better understanding of leiomyoma-associated infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce D Pier
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, WIC 10390, 1700 6th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35294 UK
| | - G Wright Bates
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, WIC 10390, 1700 6th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35294 UK
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