Fibromyomas and uterine contractions

Abstract

Background: Women with uterine fibromyomas may suffer from dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia or infertility, which all may be due to an effect of the fibroids on uterine activity. The effect of myomectomy on uterine contractility is unknown.

Methods: In women undergoing myomectomy because of dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia or infertility, intrauterine pressure was recorded before and three months after the operation on corresponding days of the menstrual cycle. Records were obtained during spontaneous uterine activity as well as after oxytocin and vasopressin challenge by intravenous bolus injections of 10 pmol/kg body weight. The area under the recording curve (AUC), maximal amplitude of uterine contractions and deformation index of uterine pressure recordings were measured.

Results: In six women, in whom recordings could be obtained before and after operation on corresponding days of late follicular phase of the menstrual cycle, the AUC and maximal amplitude of contractions increased after myomectomy. The effect of oxytocin injection also varied, whereas no difference was seen in effect of vasopressin.

Conclusions: It is suggested that women with uterine fibromyomas may have disturbed uterine spontaneous contractions and responsiveness, which may be regulated by myomectomy.