Fertility Following Myomectomy at Aba; Southeastern Nigeria

ABSTRACT

Background: While hysterectomy remains the gold standard treatment for fibroids; it is an unacceptable treatment option for women who wish to conserve their fertility. The actual effects of myomectomy on fertility remain uncertain though. Objective: The objective was to ascertain pregnancy and live birth rates among a small group of women undergoing abdominal myomectomy. Methods: The study population consisted of women of reproductive age intending to conceive soon after undergoing abdominal myomectomy. A total of 40 women who met the inclusion criteria were recruited for the study and followed-up for 4 years. Women who achieved pregnancy within the study period were analyzed in terms of their demographics and intra-operative findings. Results: The mean age of the women was 28 years (range 24-35) married for about 3 years. Majority of the women (50%) had more than 11 fibroid nodules; and the largest nodule was bigger than 5 cm in 35 women (87.5%). Cumulative pregnancy rate was 60% (24/40) while live birth rate was 22/40 (55%) following myomectomy and majority 19/22 achieved this within 2 years of myomectomy. Conclusion: Myomectomy for fibroid-associated infertility increase pregnancy rates such that approximately 60% of women undergoing the procedure subsequently conceive