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Updated: Jun 11, 2026

Introduction of Intracapsular Rotary-cut Procedures (IRCP): A Modified Hysteromyomectomy Procedures Facilitating Fertility Preservation
Published on: January 17, 2019
Reproductive characteristics and risk of uterine leiomyomata
Kathryn L Terry1, Immaculata De Vivo, Susan E Hankinson
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA. kterry@partners.org
Objective:
To evaluate whether menstrual and reproductive characteristics may influence development of uterine leiomyomata since sex steroid hormones have been hypothesized to play a role in their development.
Design:
A prospective cohort study (Nurses' Health Study II).
Setting:
Participants were identified from 14 states and followed for 14 years.
Patient(S):
A cohort of 116,609 female registered nurses ages 25-42 at baseline.
Intervention(S):
We obtained data on uterine leiomyomata incidence and exposures through biennial questionnaires. We calculated hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals adjusted for known and suspected risk factors.
Main Outcome Measure(S):
Uterine leiomyomata confirmed by ultrasound or hysterectomy.
Result(S):
During 1,163,439 person-years of follow-up, 9,847 self-reported cases of hysterectomy- or ultrasound-confirmed uterine leiomyomata were reported. We observed a lower incidence of uterine leiomyomata with later age at menarche, longer menstrual cycles, parity, later age at first and last birth, shorter time since last birth, and breastfeeding.
Conclusion(S):
Hormonal and anatomical changes associated with menstruation and pregnancy may influence uterine leiomyomata incidence.
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