What is the link between adenomyosis markers and lower live birth rates?
Adenomyosis is a condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows into the muscle wall. This growth can make it harder to get pregnant or carry a pregnancy to term. Research shows that specific signs seen on an ultrasound scan are connected to worse outcomes in fertility treatments.
What the research says
A 2024 study found that women with adenomyosis had lower live birth rates per embryo transfer compared to those without the condition. The study also showed a significantly higher rate of pregnancy loss in women with adenomyosis who had a positive pregnancy test 3.
The type of ultrasound sign matters. Direct markers, such as myometrial cysts and hyperechogenic islands, were found to be strongly linked to reduced live birth rates. When the analysis focused only on these direct markers, the association with lower success rates became even stronger 3.
Other reviews note that adenomyosis generally has a negative impact on IVF outcomes, particularly when the disease is diffuse or involves the junctional zone. This suggests that the severity and spread of the condition play a role in fertility success 1.
The location of the adenomyosis within the uterus may also influence results. Some research categorizes the disease as intrinsic or extrinsic and aims to determine if these specific locations correlate with infertility or lower live birth rates in assisted reproduction 4.
What to ask your doctor
- What specific ultrasound markers do I have, and are they direct or indirect signs of adenomyosis?
- How might my specific type of adenomyosis affect my chances of a live birth with IVF?
- Could treating my adenomyosis before starting fertility treatment improve my outcomes?
- Is a frozen embryo transfer cycle recommended for me given my adenomyosis diagnosis?
This question is drawn from common patient questions about OB/GYN & Women's Health and answered using cited medical research. We do not provide individualized advice.