Evaluation of Changes in Sexual Function Related to Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE): Results of the EFUZEN Study.

OBJECTIVES: The main goal of the study was to evaluate sexual function before and one year after UFE. The secondary goals were to evaluate the quality of life before and one year after UFE and to determine the relation of imaging findings (MRI data) before and 3-6 months after UFE to changes in sexual function and quality of life.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Study design: a prospective, multicenter (25 centers) observational study was conducted.

PATIENTS: a total of 264 consecutive symptomatic women undergoing UFE using Embozene® (Celonova) from March 2012 to May 2013 were enrolled. Clinical data: the sexual function score and the quality of life score were calculated using the previously validated Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) by Rosen and UFS-QOL by Spies, respectively, before and one year after UFE. Imaging data: MRI were performed before and 3-6 months after UFE. Data recorded were uterine and main fibroid volume, percentage of fibroid enhancement after injection of gadolinium. Impact of imaging data before and after UFE FSFS scores and QOL scores after UFE was searched.

RESULTS: Complete FSFI study and QOL study were obtained in 170 and 192 women, respectively. At 1 year post-UFE, improvement of FSFI score was seen in 134/170 women (78.8%), QOL scores were improved in 183/203 women (90.2%) and symptoms severity in 163/192 (84.9%). The relation between main fibroid reduction, decrease of fibroid enhancement and global UFS-QOL and FSFI scores was not established.

CONCLUSION: At one year post-embolization, UFE significantly improves all aspects of sexual function and quality of life.