Abstract
Although considered a fertility saving option in women of reproductive age, current evidence suggests that uterine artery embolization can have an adverse effect on ovarian function as well as on future pregnancies. Uterine artery embolization is associated with a risk of premature ovarian failure, as well as occasional injury to the endometrium resulting in endometrial atrophy and adhesion formation. All of these including a subtle reduction in the ovarian reserve jeopardise fertility. Pregnancies following uterine artery embolization can be complicated by an increased rate of miscarriage, preterm delivery, intra-uterine growth restriction, malpresentation, abnormal placentation and post-partum hemorrhage. In view of the possibility of impaired ovarian function as well as increased pregnancy complications, women with fibroids who wish to conceive should not be treated with uterine artery embolization. Myomectomy should be recommended as the treatment of choice over uterine artery embolization in women desiring future fertility. The effect of uterine artery embolization for post-partum hemorrhage on future fertility is currently uncertain.
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Das, M., Tulandi, T. (2013). UAE is not Recommended for Women Wishing to Conceive. In: Reidy, J., Hacking, N., McLucas, B. (eds) Radiological Interventions in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Medical Radiology(). Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/174_2013_851
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/174_2013_851
Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg
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