Uterine artery embolization for fibroids does not have adverse effects on ovarian reserve in regularly cycling women younger than 40 years.

Objective: To evaluate the impact of uterine artery embolization (UAE) for fibroids on ovarian reserve in women younger than 40 years.

Design: Prospective study.

Setting: University-based reproductive endocrinology unit.

Patient(s): Twenty regularly cycling women aged 33-39 years undergoing UAE for fibroids. All had cycle day 3 FSH levels <10 mIU/mL.

Intervention(s): Measurements of serum FSH and E2 levels and of the total ovarian volume and antral follicle number by transvaginal ultrasonography on day 3 of the menstrual cycle preceding UAE and on day 3 of the cycles occurring in months 3, 6, and 12 after UAE.

Main Outcome Measure(s): Preprocedural and postprocedural hormone levels, ovarian volumes, and antral follicle numbers.

Result(s): There were no significant changes from baseline in the mean day 3 FSH and E2 levels, ovarian volume measurements, and antral follicle numbers measured at 3, 6, and 12 months after UAE.

Conclusion(s): Although this study might be not sensitive enough to conclude that UAE for fibroids does not interfere with a woman's ovarian status, these data indicate that in this series of reproductive-aged women UAE did not have short- or mid-term effects on ovarian reserve as assessed by hormonal and sonographic parameters.