Effect of intramural uterine myoma on the outcome of ART cycles

Background: although the uterine fibroids are common, their influence on fertilityremains controversial. the association of submucosal fibroid with subfertility is wellrecognized, but debate persists as to whether intramural fibroids can cause infertilityand the evidence for its effect on pregnancy in cycles of assisted conception remainsunclear,objective: the purpose of present study was to determine the effect of intramuralfibroids less than 6 em not compressing uterine cavity on the outcome of art cycles inpatients undergoing ivfiicsi cycles.materials and methods: in this prospective cohort study, 94 women with uterineintramural fibroids and 184 controls referred to royan institute between 2001 and 2002were enrolled. the intramural fibroids and their location were detected by transvaginalultrasound performed just before the art cycle. all patients underwent long standardgnrh agonist protocol. student t-test and chi-square test were used for the statisticalanalysis.results: the mean age of patients was 33.9 ±3.37 years in myoma group (n=94) and33.28 ±3.59 years in control group (n=184). the total dose of gonadotropin used,estradiol level on day of hcg administration, the number of metaphase ii oocytesretrieved, fertilization rate, number and quality of embryos developed and transferred,the clinical pregnancy and abortion rates were similar in two groups .conclusion: the presence of intramural fibroids less than 6 em not compressingendometrial cavity does not adversely affect clinical pregnancy rate in patientsundergoing ivf or icsi.