Frequency of recurrence of fibroids after myomectomy has been evaluated in 145 women (median age 38 years, range 21-52) who underwent myomectomy. After surgery all women returned for follow-up visit every 12 months after surgery. Transvaginal ultrasound examination was performed routinely in every patient at 24 and 60 months and at 12, 36 and 48 months if there were any abnormal pelvic findings or suspicious symptomatology. A total of 39 (27%) women gave birth after myomectomy. For the whole series, the cumulative probability of recurrence (CPR) increased constantly during the study period reaching 51% in 5 years. The 5-year CPR decreased with parity after myomectomy, being 55% for women with no childbirth after surgery and 42% (based on 13 recurrences, P < 0.01) for those who gave birth.