General gynaecology
The effects of uterine artery embolisation and surgical treatment on ovarian function in women with uterine fibroids
Article first published online: 11 MAY 2010
DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-0528.2010.02579.x
© 2010 The Authors Journal compilation © RCOG 2010 BJOG An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Issue

BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Volume 117, Issue 8, pages 985–989, July 2010
Additional Information
How to Cite
Rashid, S., Khaund, A., Murray, L., Moss, J., Cooper, K., Lyons, D., Murray, G. and Lumsden, M. (2010), The effects of uterine artery embolisation and surgical treatment on ovarian function in women with uterine fibroids. BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 117: 985–989. doi: 10.1111/j.1471-0528.2010.02579.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 8 JUN 2010
- Article first published online: 11 MAY 2010
- Accepted 29 March 2010. Published Online 11 May 2010.
- Abstract
- Article
- References
- Cited By
Keywords:
- Fibroids;
- hysterectomy;
- leiomyomata;
- ovarian function;
- uterine artery embolisation
Please cite this paper as: Rashid S, Khaund A, Murray L, Moss J, Cooper K, Lyons D, Murray G, Lumsden M. The effects of uterine artery embolisation and surgical treatment on ovarian function in women with uterine fibroids. BJOG 2010;117:985–989.
Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare both ovarian function and menstrual characteristics following uterine artery embolisation (UAE) and surgery.
Design Subgroup of women from a randomised controlled trial.
Setting Gynaecology and radiology units in Scotland, UK.
Population Ninety-six women from the randomised controlled trial comparing embolisation with surgery as a treatment for fibroids (REST), which recruited 157 patients (106 UAE; 51 surgery).
Methods Seventy-three women undergoing UAE and 23 women undergoing surgery (with ovarian conservation) had serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) measurements taken on day 3 of the menstrual cycle prior to treatment, and at 6 and 12 months post-treatment. Data on menstrual cycle characteristics was also collected.
Main outcome measures Ovarian failure, as defined by an FSH level of >40 iu/l, and change in duration of menses and length of menstrual cycle.
Results There was no significant difference in the rate of ovarian failure at 12 months between UAE (11%) and surgical patients (18%) (P = 0.44). This finding was not influenced by age. The mean duration of menstrual flow decreased significantly, from baseline to 12 months, by 1.7 days (SD 3.8), (95% CI 0.8–2.6). There was no statistically significant change in mean cycle length at 12 months (0.7 days [SD 4.9]; 95% CI [−0.5, 1.9]).
Conclusions There is no evidence for UAE accelerating a deterioration in ovarian function at 1 year, when compared with surgery. UAE is associated with a decrease in the duration of menstrual flow at 1 year.

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