Amenorrhea and resumption of menstruation after uterine artery embolization for fibroids
Received 9 June 2008; received in revised form 7 July 2008; accepted 24 July 2008. published online 03 September 2008.
Abstract
Objectives
To determine whether women will experience permanent amenorrhea following uterine artery embolization for fibroids, and whether rates of onset differ in the long term according to age at the time of the procedure.
Methods
Over 77 months, 211 consecutive eligible women were grouped by age (group A, <40 years [n=39]; group B, 40–44 years [n=98]; and group C, ≥45 years [n=74]) and the cumulative rates of onset of permanent amenorrhea were compared between the groups.
Results
The likelihood of incurring permanent amenorrhea was significantly higher in group C. The cumulative rates in groups A, B, and C were 0%, 1.4%, and 19.7% at 3 years and 0%, 11.2%, and 40.4% at 6 years.
Conclusion
The rates of onset of permanent amenorrhea changed over time and differed according to age at the time of the procedure, with little likelihood of permanent amenorrhea at 6 years for women younger than 40 years at the time of the procedure.
ABSTRACT