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da Cunha Vieira M, Andres MP, Riccio LGC, Schlindwein SS, Arcoverde FVL, Di Spiezio Sardo A, Abrão MS. Association of Uterine Tissue Innervation and Peripheral Nerve Density with Adenomyosis Related Pain. A Systematic Review. Reprod Sci 2024; 31:2137-2149. [PMID: 38720155 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-024-01587-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
Adenomyosis is associated with dysmenorrhea and chronic pelvic pain; however, the triggering mechanisms of painful stimuli and the role of uterine nerve fibers in the manifestation of pain remain poorly understood. The objective of this study was to systematically review the role of uterine nerve fibers' presence and density in the occurrence of pain in patients with adenomyosis. An electronic search was performed using the Embase, PubMed/Medline, and Cochrane databases. We included all studies from inception to November 2023. A total of ten studies that compared uterine biopsies samples of women with and without adenomyosis were included. The biomarker antiprotein gene product 9.5 was decreased or absent in the endometrium of most included women with adenomyosis. None of the included studies observed a difference in neurofilament (NF) staining between the adenomyosis and non-adenomyosis groups. Studies that assessed nerve growth factor (NGF) staining were heterogeneous in design. One study reported no difference in immunohistochemistry staining in any endometrial layer between the adenomyosis and non-adenomyosis groups, while another reported increased staining in the adenomyosis functional endometrial layer, and a third study reported overexpression of NGF, synaptophysin (SYN), and microtubule-associated protein 2 mRNA in focal adenomyosis alone. Preliminary data from poor-quality studies suggest an increase in the uterine density of nerve fibers in patients with adenomyosis. Well-designed studies are essential to assess the cause-and-effect relationship between uterine nerve fibers and pain in patients with adenomyosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana da Cunha Vieira
- Departamento de Ginecologia. Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Gynecologic Division, BP - A Beneficencia Portuguesa de Sao Paulo, Rua Colombia 332, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Marina Paula Andres
- Departamento de Ginecologia. Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Gynecologic Division, BP - A Beneficencia Portuguesa de Sao Paulo, Rua Colombia 332, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Luiza Gama Coelho Riccio
- Departamento de Ginecologia. Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Sara Schmitt Schlindwein
- Departamento de Ginecologia. Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Attilio Di Spiezio Sardo
- Gynecology and Obstetrics Unit, Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Mauricio Simões Abrão
- Departamento de Ginecologia. Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil.
- Gynecologic Division, BP - A Beneficencia Portuguesa de Sao Paulo, Rua Colombia 332, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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Alson S, Jokubkiene L, Henic E, Sladkevicius P. Prevalence of adenomyosis features in women scheduled for assisted reproductive treatment, using the Morphological Uterus Sonographic Assessment group definitions. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2024; 103:1142-1152. [PMID: 38410091 PMCID: PMC11103150 DOI: 10.1111/aogs.14812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Studies that use standardized ultrasonographic criteria to diagnose adenomyosis in subfertile women are needed. These would improve the understanding of the disease burden and enable further studies on its impact on fertility and assisted reproductive treatment (ART) outcome. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of different features of adenomyosis in women scheduled for their first ART, diagnosed at two (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) transvaginal ultrasonography (TVUS) using the revised Morphological Uterus Sonographic Assessment (MUSA) group definitions. MATERIAL AND METHODS This was a prospective, observational cross-sectional study of subfertile women aged 25 to ≤39 years, that were referred to a university hospital for their first ART between December 2018 and May 2021. Of 1224 eligible women, 1160 women fulfilled the inclusion criteria and consented to participate in the study. All women underwent a systematic 2D and 3D TVUS examination. The primary outcome was the presence of direct and indirect features of adenomyosis, as proposed by the MUSA group. Secondary outcomes were to describe the ultrasonographic characteristics of the different features, as well as any difference in the diagnostics at 2D or 3D TVUS and any association with clinical characteristics such as endometriosis. RESULTS At least one direct or indirect feature of adenomyosis was observed in 272 (23.4%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 21.0-25.9) women. Direct features that are pathognomonic for the disease were observed in 111 (9.6%, 95% CI, 7.9-11.3) women. Direct features were visible only at 3D TVUS in 56 (4.8%, 95% CI 3.6-6.1) women, that is, 56/111 (50.5%) of women with at least one direct adenomyosis feature. Direct features were more common in women with endometriosis (OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.8-4.3). CONCLUSIONS We found than one in 10 women scheduled for ART had direct features of adenomyosis at ultrasound examination. The present study suggests that the use of 3D TVUS is an important complement to 2D in the diagnostics of adenomyosis. Our results may further improve the counseling of women scheduled for ART and enables future studies on the impact of different features of adenomyosis on subfertility, ART results and obstetric outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Alson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, ObstetricGynecological and Prenatal Ultrasound Research, Lund UniversityMalmöSweden
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologySkåne University HospitalMalmöSweden
- Reproductive Medicine CenterSkåne University HospitalMalmöSweden
| | - Ligita Jokubkiene
- Department of Clinical Sciences, ObstetricGynecological and Prenatal Ultrasound Research, Lund UniversityMalmöSweden
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologySkåne University HospitalMalmöSweden
| | - Emir Henic
- Reproductive Medicine CenterSkåne University HospitalMalmöSweden
- Department of Translational MedicineLund UniversityMalmöSweden
| | - Povilas Sladkevicius
- Department of Clinical Sciences, ObstetricGynecological and Prenatal Ultrasound Research, Lund UniversityMalmöSweden
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologySkåne University HospitalMalmöSweden
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Kobayashi H, Imanaka S. Understanding Ultrasound Features that Predict Symptom Severity in Patients with Adenomyosis: a Systematic Review. Reprod Sci 2024; 31:320-331. [PMID: 37584856 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01318-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
Adenomyosis is associated with pelvic pain, abnormal uterine bleeding, and infertility. Several ultrasound-based classifications have been reported, but it is not clear which criteria reflect the severity of symptoms. The aim of this review is to summarize the ultrasound features that correlate with clinical manifestations of adenomyosis and to discuss diagnostic methods for predicting disease severity. A literature search of PubMed and Google Scholar published up to March 2022 was performed. A consensus-based classification was determined primarily by defining the mapping or topography of the lesion. Ultrasound features can be classified into direct (i.e., the presence of ectopic endometrial tissue within the myometrium) and indirect findings (i.e., changes in the myometrial structure and translesional vascularity secondary to myometrial invasion). There are some reports that symptoms are positively correlated with the location and spread of the disease. Indeed, the lesion thickness, diffuse or internal adenomyosis, and focal adenomyosis may be associated with increased risks of dysmenorrhea, abnormal uterine bleeding, and infertility, respectively. Two ultrasound markers (i.e., the presence of heterogeneous myometrium and myometrial cysts) appear to be the criteria most clinicians focus on. However, decision-making on treatment necessity is determined by symptom severity rather than the topography of the lesions. There is currently no consensus that symptom severity can be predicted based on ultrasound features, but the ultrasound-based criteria may be helpful in diagnosing adenomyosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Kobayashi
- Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Ms.Clinic MayOne, 871-1 Shijo-cho, Kashihara, Nara, 634-0813, Japan.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijo-cho, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8522, Japan.
| | - Shogo Imanaka
- Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Ms.Clinic MayOne, 871-1 Shijo-cho, Kashihara, Nara, 634-0813, Japan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijo-cho, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8522, Japan
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Ren Q, Yuan M, Wang G. Role of ultrasonography in the evaluation of disease severity and treatment efficacy in adenomyosis. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2024; 309:363-371. [PMID: 37115275 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-023-07034-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adenomyosis is a benign disorder characterized by the presence of ectopic endometrial glands and stroma within the myometrium. The main clinical manifestations of adenomyosis are dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia, and infertility, which affect patients' quality of life. Recently, with advancements in imaging techniques, magnetic resonance imaging, and ultrasonography have become the main diagnostic tools for adenomyosis. In addition to the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of adenomyosis, ultrasonography can also be used to evaluate the severity of adenomyosis. The emergence of new techniques, such as elastography and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS), has significantly improved the accuracy of ultrasound-based diagnosis of adenomyosis. These two imaging tools can also be used for the differential diagnosis of adenomyosis and the evaluation of treatment efficacy after medication or ablation procedure. OBJECTIVE we review the efficacy of ultrasonography as a diagnostic tool for adenomyosis. We also aim to introduce the potential of ultrasound imaging in the evaluation of the severity of this disease, as well as the application of elastography and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) in its diagnosis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION Our findings reveal the potential value of ultrasonography combined with elastography and/or CEUS as medication guidance and efficacy evaluation tools in the long-term management of adenomyosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianhui Ren
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Jinan, 250000, Shandong, China
- Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Ming Yuan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Jinan, 250000, Shandong, China
- Gynecology Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Guoyun Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Jinan, 250000, Shandong, China.
- Gynecology Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China.
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Pados G, Gordts S, Sorrentino F, Nisolle M, Nappi L, Daniilidis A. Adenomyosis and Infertility: A Literature Review. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:1551. [PMID: 37763670 PMCID: PMC10534714 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59091551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Adenomyosis (the presence of ectopic endometrial glands and stroma below the endometrial-myometrial junction) is a benign condition which is increasingly diagnosed in younger women suffering from infertility. The aim of this narrative review was to study the pathophysiology and prevalence of adenomyosis, the mechanisms causing infertility, treatment options, and reproductive outcomes in infertile women suffering from adenomyosis. Materials and Methods: A literature search for suitable articles published in the English language was performed using PubMed from January 1970 to July 2022. Results: The literature search retrieved 50 articles that met the purpose of this review and summarized the most recent findings regarding the accuracy of diagnostic methods, pathophysiology, and the prevalence of adenomyosis and optimal strategies for the treatment of infertile women with adenomyosis. Conclusions: Adenomyosis is a common gynecological disorder, affecting women of reproductive age. It negatively affects in vitro fertilization, pregnancy and the live birth rate, as well as increases the risk of miscarriage. With the advent of non-invasive diagnoses with MRI and TVUS, the role of adenomyosis in infertility has been better recognized. Overall, more randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are needed to provide strong data on the accuracy of diagnostic methods, the pathophysiology and the prevalence of adenomyosis, the fertility outcomes of patients and the optimal strategy for the treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Pados
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Papageorgiou General Hospital, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54643 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | | | - Felice Sorrentino
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Foggia, 71121 Foggia, Italy;
| | - Michelle Nisolle
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital de La Citadelle, University of Liege, 4000 Liege, Belgium;
| | - Luigi Nappi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Foggia, 71121 Foggia, Italy;
| | - Angelos Daniilidis
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Papageorgiou General Hospital, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54643 Thessaloniki, Greece;
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Dason ES, Maxim M, Sanders A, Papillon-Smith J, Ng D, Chan C, Sobel M. Directive clinique n o 437 : Diagnostic et prise en charge de l'adénomyose. JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY CANADA 2023; 45:430-444.e1. [PMID: 37244747 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogc.2023.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIF Décrire les pratiques actuelles fondées sur des données probantes pour le diagnostic et la prise en charge de l'adénomyose. POPULATION CIBLE Toutes les patientes en âge de procréer qui ont un utérus. OPTIONS Les options diagnostiques sont l'échographie endovaginale et l'imagerie par résonance magnétique. Les options thérapeutiques doivent être adaptées aux symptômes (saignements menstruels abondants, douleur et/ou infertilité) et comprendre des options médicamenteuses (anti-inflammatoires non stéroïdiens, acide tranexamique, contraceptifs oraux combinés, système intra-utérin à libération de lévonorgestrel, diénogest, autres progestatifs, analogues de la gonadotrophine), des options interventionnelles (embolisation de l'artère utérine) et des options chirurgicales (ablation de l'endomètre, excision de l'adénomyose, hystérectomie). RéSULTATS: Les critères de jugement sont la réduction des saignements menstruels abondants, l'atténuation de la douleur pelvienne (dysménorrhée, dyspareunie, douleur pelvienne chronique) et l'amélioration du devenir reproductif (fertilité, avortement spontané, issues de grossesse défavorables). BéNéFICES, RISQUES ET COûTS: Par la présentation des méthodes de diagnostic et des options de prise en charge, cette directive sera bénéfique pour les patientes qui expriment des plaintes de nature gynécologique potentiellement causées par l'adénomyose, en particulier celles qui souhaitent préserver leur fertilité. La directive sera également utile aux praticiens qui pourront améliorer leurs connaissances sur les différentes options. DONNéES PROBANTES: Des recherches ont été effectuées dans les bases de données MEDLINE Reviews, MEDLINE ALL, Cochrane, PubMed et Embase. La recherche initiale a été réalisée en 2021 et mise à jour avec les articles pertinents en 2022. Les termes de recherche utilisés sont les suivants : adenomyosis, adenomyoses, endometritis (utilisés ou indexés sous adenomyosis avant 2012), (endometrium AND myometrium) uterine adenomyosis/es, symptom/s/matic adenomyosis ET [diagnosis, symptoms, treatment, guideline, outcome, management, imaging, sonography, pathogenesis, fertility, infertility, therapy, histology, ultrasound, review, meta-analysis, evaluation]. Les articles retenus sont des essais cliniques randomisés, des méta-analyses, des revues systématiques, des études observationnelles et des études de cas. Des articles dans toutes les langues ont été répertoriés et examinés. MéTHODES DE VALIDATION: Les auteurs ont évalué la qualité des données probantes et la force des recommandations en utilisant le cadre méthodologique GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation). Voir l'annexe A en ligne (Tableau A1 pour les définitions et Tableau A2 pour l'interprétation des recommandations fortes et conditionnelles [faibles]). PROFESSIONNELS CONCERNéS: Obstétriciens-gynécologues, radiologistes, médecins de famille, urgentologues, sages-femmes, infirmières autorisées, infirmières praticiennes, étudiants en médecine, résidents et moniteurs cliniques (fellows). RéSUMé POUR TWITTER: L'adénomyose est fréquemment observée chez les femmes en âge de procréer. Il existe des options de diagnostic et de prise en charge qui préservent la fertilité. DÉCLARATIONS SOMMAIRES: RECOMMANDATIONS.
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Dason ES, Maxim M, Sanders A, Papillon-Smith J, Ng D, Chan C, Sobel M. Guideline No. 437: Diagnosis and Management of Adenomyosis. JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY CANADA 2023; 45:417-429.e1. [PMID: 37244746 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogc.2023.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the current evidence-based diagnosis and management of adenomyosis. TARGET POPULATION All patients with a uterus of reproductive age. OPTIONS Diagnostic options include transvaginal sonography and magnetic resonance imaging. Treatment options should be tailored to symptoms (heavy menstrual bleeding, pain, and/or infertility) and include medical options (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, tranexamic acid, combined oral contraceptives, levonorgestrel intrauterine system, dienogest, other progestins, gonadotropin-releasing analogues), interventional options (uterine artery embolization), and surgical options (endometrial ablation, excision of adenomyosis, hysterectomy). OUTCOMES Outcomes of interest include reduction in heavy menstrual bleeding, reduction in pelvic pain (dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, chronic pelvic pain), and improvement in reproductive outcomes (fertility, miscarriage, adverse pregnancy outcomes). BENEFITS, HARMS, AND COSTS This guideline will benefit patients with gynaecological complaints that may be caused by adenomyosis, especially those patients who wish to preserve their fertility, by presenting diagnostic methods and management options. It will also benefit practitioners by improving their knowledge of various options. EVIDENCE Databases searched were MEDLINE Reviews, MEDLINE ALL, Cochrane, PubMed, EMBASE. The initial search was completed in 2021 and updated with relevant articles in 2022. Search terms included adenomyosis, adenomyoses, endometritis (used/indexed as adenomyosis before 2012), (endometrium AND myometrium) uterine adenomyosis/es, symptom/s/matic adenomyosis] AND [diagnosis, symptoms, treatment, guideline, outcome, management, imaging, sonography, pathogenesis, fertility, infertility, therapy, histology, ultrasound, review, meta-analysis, evaluation]. Articles included randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, systematic reviews, observational studies, and case reports. Articles in all languages were searched and reviewed. VALIDATION METHODS The authors rated the quality of evidence and strength of recommendations using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. See online Appendix A (Table A1 for definitions and Table A2 for interpretations of strong and conditional [weak] recommendations). INTENDED AUDIENCE Obstetrician-gynaecologists, radiologists, family physicians, emergency physicians, midwives, registered nurses, nurse practitioners, medical students, residents, and fellows. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT Adenomyosis is common in reproductive-aged women. There are diagnostic and management options that preserve fertility available. SUMMARY STATEMENTS RECOMMENDATIONS.
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Adenomyosis and fertility: does adenomyosis impact fertility and does treatment improve outcomes. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol 2022; 34:227-236. [PMID: 35895965 DOI: 10.1097/gco.0000000000000789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Adenomyosis has recently been associated with infertility. Relief of bleeding and pain has been demonstrated with medical and surgical therapy. Less is known about reproductive outcomes after treatment. RECENT FINDINGS Imaging findings during infertility evaluation can be suggestive of adenomyosis without pathologic evaluation. Among women with infertility undergoing assisted reproductive technologies (ART), adenomyosis is associated with lower live birth rates and clinical pregnancy rates. Treatment with gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) modulators prior to frozen embryo transfer may increase the live birth rate and clinical pregnancy rate among women with adenomyosis. Pregnancy has been documented following image-guided adenomyosis ablation; however, the reproductive impact is not well established. Pregnancy following excisional procedures appears to be well tolerated, although may carry a higher risk of uterine rupture compared with pregnancy following myomectomy. It is not clear if ablative therapy or resection increases pregnancy rates. SUMMARY Adenomyosis is associated with lower embryo implantation rates and ongoing pregnancy rates. Adenomyotic changes in the uterus can be seen by ultrasound and MRI. GnRH modulators may be useful for women with adenomyosis undergoing ART. Additional prospective data is warranted to determine the optimal medical or surgical therapy for women with adenomyosis desiring conception.Video abstract Supplementary digital content, http://links.lww.com/COOG/A78.
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