Socioeconomic status and fertility treatment outcomes in high-income countries: a review of the current literature.

The association between socioeconomic status and fertility is a subject that has received much attention. Yet, little is known as to whether the socioeconomic status has an impact on the outcomes of fertility treatment. This systematic review aims to assess any possible relationship between socioeconomic deprivation and treatment outcomes. A database search was conducted of all publications in this field up to March 2021. Eleven studies were identified and six of these specifically investigated the impact of socioeconomic status on fertility treatment outcomes. Children conceived following assisted conception are more likely to be born to mothers of a higher socioeconomic status than those conceived naturally. Of the few studies investigating the impact of socioeconomic status on fertility treatment outcomes and the results are conflicting, making it difficult to draw robust conclusions as to its effect. It is unknown which, if any, marker of socioeconomic status is the most significant for fertility patients: whether it is the characteristics of the individual or that of their surroundings. Further research is urgently needed.

Natural History of Uterine Fibroids: A Radiological Perspective.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review aims to update our understanding of the radiological life cycle of fibroids, so that we may better counsel patients making difficult treatment decisions. Evidence for both pregnant and non-pregnant women have been considered separately. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent findings have shown that fibroids can undergo both growth and regression in non-gravid uterus. In pregnant women, fibroid growth is non-linear fashion, with the greatest growth occurring in the first 7 weeks of pregnancy. Growth in the later trimesters was significantly slower. SUMMARY: Fibroid growth, both in the intra- and inter-gravid states, is variable and can range from 18 to 120% per year. In the inter-gravid state, fibroids can grow or undergo spontaneous regression. Factors that can predict fibroid growth include the starting volume of fibroid, type of fibroid and age of patient. In the gravid state, fibroids appears to grow in a non-linear pattern, with the most rapid growth occurring in the first trimester. Factors affecting fibroid growth in pregnancy include the size of fibroids and number of fibroids.