IVF is a Very Good Treatment for Infertile Women With Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a significant cause of infertility. Until recently surgery was thought best for treating this terrible disease. However, recent studies have shown that surgical removal of endometriosis from the ovaries called endometriomas can reduce ovarian reserve and impair the number of eggs retrieved after ovarian stimulation.

A recent study published in Fertility and Sterility 2012;97:912-8 asked the question, “What is the effect of endometriosis on infertility treatment with IVF? The authors of this study discovered that women with endometriosis had similar pregnancy rates and live birth or ongoing pregnancy rates as did women with tubal factor infertility. Although, those with Stage I and II disease had lower fertilization rates and women with Stage III and IV had decreased numbers of eggs retrieved despite the use of higher medication (FSH) doses. Reduction in ovarian reserve in women with Stage III and IV was due to the presence of an endometrioma.

The bottom line is that IVF is a very good treatment for infertile women with endometriosis. The presence of an endometrioma, especially if there is a history of previous surgery involving ovarian cystectomy for removal of an endometrioma can significantly reduce ovarian reserve.

If you have endometriosis or have questions, please contact us for a free initial consult!