Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

In vitro fertilization and embryo transfer outcomes in relation to myometrial thickness

  • ASSISTED REPRODUCTION TECHNOLOGIES
  • Published:
Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose

To evaluate the effects of myometrial thickening on the outcomes of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET).

Methods

Four hundred thirteen patients, a total of 551 IVF-ET cycles, were divided into group A (<2.00 cm), group B (2.00–2.49 cm), and group C (≥2.50 cm) based on myometrial thickness.

Results

The implantation, clinical pregnancy, and live birth rates were significantly lower in group C. The abortion rates were significantly higher in group C. Among patients in group B, cases with other sonographic findings suggestive of adenomyosis, such as myometrial striations, heterogeneous myometrium, myometrial cysts, and poor definition of the endometrial–myometrial junction showed lower implantation, clinical pregnancy, live birth rates, and higher abortion rates.

Conclusions

Myometrial thickening of more than 2.50 cm on TVUS exerts overall adverse effects on IVF-ET outcomes. Even with mild thickening (2.00–2.49 cm), the presence of sonographic findings suggestive of adenomyosis is associated with adverse outcomes of IVF-ET.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Kido A, Togashi A, Koyama T, Yamaoka T, Fugiwara T, Fujii S. Diffusely enlarged uterus: evaluation with MR imaging. Radiographics. 2003;23:1423–39.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  2. Matalliotakis IM, Kourtis AI, Panidis DK. Adenomyosis. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am. 2003;30:63–82.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  3. Wang PH, Su WH, Sheu BC, Liu WM. Adenomyosis and its variance: adenomyoma and female fertility. Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol. 2009;48:232–8.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. Gordts S, Brosens JJ, Fusi L, Benagiano G, Brosens I. Uterine adenomyosis: a need for uniform terminology and consensus classification. Reprod Biomed Online. 2008;17:244–8.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  5. Levgur M. Diagnosis of adenomyosis: a review. J Reprod Med. 2007;52:177–93.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. Kepkep K, Tuncay YA, Göynümer G, Tutal E. Transvaginal sonography in the diagnosis of adenomyosis: which findings are most accurate? Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2007;30:341–5.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  7. Sun YL, Wang CB, Lee CY, Wun TH, Lin P, Lin YH, et al. Transvaginal sonographic criteria for the diagnosis of adenomyosis based on histopathologic correlation. Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol. 2010;49:40–4.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  8. Dueholm M, Lundorf E. Transvaginal ultrasound or MRI for diagnosis of adenomyosis. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol. 2007;19:505–12.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  9. Bazot M, Cortez A, Darai E, Rouger J, Chopier J, Antoine JM, et al. Ultrasonography compared with magnetic resonance imaging for the diagnosis of adenomyosis: correlation with histopathology. Hum Reprod. 2001;16:2427–33.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  10. Hulka CA, Hall DA, McCarthy K, Simeone J. Sonographic findings in patients with adenomyosis: can sonography assist in predicting extent of disease? Am J Roentgenol. 2002;179:379–83.

    Google Scholar 

  11. Reinhold C, Tafazoli F, Mehio A, Wang L, Atri M, Siegelman ES, et al. Uterine adenomyosis: endovaginal US and MR imaging features with histopathologic correlation. Radiographics. 1999;19:S147–60.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  12. Zegers-Hochschild F, Adamson GD, de Mouzon J, Ishihara O, Mansour R, Nygren K, et al. International Committee for Monitoring Assisted Reproductive Technology (ICMART) and the World Health Organization (WHO) revised glossary of ART terminology, 2009. Hum Reprod. 2009;24:2683–7.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  13. Anderson JR, Genadry R. Anatomy and embryology. In: Berek JS, editor. Berek & Novak’s gynecology. 14th ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2007. p. 75–127.

    Google Scholar 

  14. Levi CS, Lyons EA, Holt SC, Dashefsky SM. Normal anatomy of the female pelvis and transvaginal sonography. In: Callen PW, editor. Ultrasonography in obstetrics and gynecology. 5th ed. Philadelphia: Saunders; 2008. p. 887–918.

    Google Scholar 

  15. Traiman P, Saldiva P, Haiashi A, Franco M. Criteria for the diagnosis of diffuse uterine myohypertrophy. J Gynaecol Obstet. 1996;54:31–6.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  16. Camargo F, Gaytan J, Caligara C, Simón C, Pellicer A, Remohí J. Impact of ultrasound diagnosis of adenomyosis on recipients of sibling oocytes. Fertil Steril. 2001;76 Suppl 1:S150.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  17. Chiang CH, Chang MY, Shiau CS, Hou HC, Hsieh TT, Soong YK. Effect of a sonographically diffusely enlarged uterus without distinct uterine masses on the outcome of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer. J Assist Reprod Genet. 1999;16:369–72.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  18. Leyendecker G, Kunz G, Kissler S, Wildt L. Adenomyosis and reproduction. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol. 2006;20:523–46.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  19. Devlieger R, D’Hooghe T, Timmerman D. Uterine adenomyosis in the infertility clinic. Hum Reprod Update. 2003;9:139–47.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  20. Olive DL, Franklin RR, Gratkins LV. The association between endometriosis and spontaneous abortion. A retrospective clinical study. J Reprod Med. 1982;27:333–8.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  21. Ota H, Igarashi S, Hatazawa J, Tanaka T. Is adenomyosis an immune disease? Hum Reprod Update. 1998;4:360–7.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  22. Raine-Fenning NJ, Campbell BK, Kendall NR, Clewes JS, Johnson IR. Endometrial and subendometrial perfusion are impaired in women with unexplained subfertility. Hum Reprod. 2004;19:2605–14.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  23. Chien LW, Au HK, Chen PL, Xiao J, Tzeng CR. Assessment of uterine receptivity by the endometrial-subendometrial blood flow distribution pattern in women undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer. Fertil Steril. 2002;78:245–51.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  24. Zaidi J, Campbell S, Tittrof R, Tan SL. Endometrial thickness, morphology, vascular penetration and velocimetry in predicting implantation in an in vitro fertilization program. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 1995;6:191–8.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wonju Christian Hospital, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, 162 Ilsan-dong, Wonju, Gangwon-do, 220-701, Republic of Korea

    Hyun Sik Youm & Hyuck Dong Han

  2. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 250 Seongsanno, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 120-752, Republic of Korea

    Young Sik Choi

Authors
  1. Hyun Sik Youm
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Young Sik Choi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Hyuck Dong Han
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Hyuck Dong Han.

Additional information

Capsule Myometrial thickening on TVUS examination exerts adverse effects on IVF-ET outcomes, and even with mild thickening, the presence of sonographic findings suggestive of adenomyosis is associated with adverse outcomes.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Youm, H.S., Choi, Y.S. & Han, H.D. In vitro fertilization and embryo transfer outcomes in relation to myometrial thickness. J Assist Reprod Genet 28, 1135–1140 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-011-9640-7

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-011-9640-7

Keywords

Search

Navigation