OBJECTIVES: to analyze evidences in medical literature concerning the possible relation between uterine leiomyomas and infertility, and the advantages /disadvantages of the different treatments available. METHODS: literature review using the key words (MeSh terms) "leiomyomas", "infertility", "treatment", "myomectomy", "pregnancy" in "Pubmed" and "The Cochrane Library 2003" database. The search period was from 1989 through 2003. RESULTS: although there are contradictory results, the majority of authors determined a possible cause-consequence relation between some types of leiomyomas and reproductive impairement. Concerning therapeutics, we were able to clearly place myomectomy as being the surgical technique with the best results. Surgical approaches used for this procedure did not show significant differences from each other, except for submucosal myomas, where histeroscopy is more effective. Other existent treatment options do not seem to be indicated for infertile patients with uterine leiomyomas. CONCLUSIONS: the possible association between myomas and reproductive impairment needs to be further investigated. Success indicated by gestational rates following surgical resection, mainly in patients with submucosal myomas, are an indication that they do have a role in infertility etiology. Concerning the treatment, it became clear that myomectomy is the procedure of choice for all patients desiring to become pregnant.
Myomas; Infertility; female; Pregnancy