Evaluation of Pregnancy Rate and Fertility Outcome in Patients After Uterine Artery Embolization

Abstract

Background: Uterine artery embolization (UAE) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat symptomatic uterine fibroids, offering an alternative to more invasive surgeries like myomectomy and hysterectomy. While UAE is known to alleviate fibroid-related symptoms, its impact on fertility and pregnancy outcomes remains uncertain, making it crucial to evaluate its efficacy in preserving reproductive health.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the pregnancy rate and fertility outcomes following UAE in women with symptomatic uterine fibroids, providing insights into its role as a fertility-preserving treatment.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Farooq Hospital, Lahore, involving 35 women who underwent UAE for symptomatic uterine fibroids between 2015 and 2023. Participants were selected using a non-probability purposive sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, and statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 25.0, including descriptive statistics, Chi-Square, T-test, and ANOVA to examine the relationship between various factors and fertility outcomes.

Results: The results of this study revealed that uterine conditions, particularly fibroids and leiomyomas, were prevalent among participants, with a significant proportion experiencing infertility for extended periods. Statistical analysis showed no significant correlation between the duration of infertility and conception outcomes, as both T-tests and ANOVA tests yielded non-significant results. Only 12.5% of participants conceived following the procedure, while 6.25% reported pregnancy, but the high non-response rate (75%) to key questions limited the ability to draw firm conclusions. The findings suggest that while uterine abnormalities are common, they do not appear to significantly influence fertility success in this sample.

Conclusion: This study examines the relationship between infertility duration, clinical findings, and conception outcomes following a procedure. Most participants were in their early to mid-thirties and exhibited common uterine conditions like fibroids and leiomyomas. Statistical analysis showed no significant link between infertility duration and conception success. While 12.5% of participants conceived, the high non-response rate (75%) limited definitive conclusions. The findings highlight the need for further research into factors affecting fertility and improved data collection in future studies.