Endometriosis and infertility
Article information
J Korean Med Assoc. 2019;62(10):519-524
Publication date (electronic) : 2019 October 11
doi :
https://doi.org/10.5124/jkma.2019.62.10.519
Received 2019 September 04; Accepted 2019 September 28.
Abstract
Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects 10% to 15% of all women of reproductive age. Several studies show an association between endometriosis and infertility; however, clear causality remains unproven. The association between endometriosis and infertility is attributable to distorted pelvic anatomy secondary to adhesions, altered endocrine and ovarian function, impaired uterine implantation, and poor quality of oocytes/embryos. Medical treatment shows limited efficacy, without any evidence to support its role in improving fertility. Surgical treatment can improve ongoing pregnancy rates in minimal-to-mild endometriosis, although this approach may cause inevitable ovarian injury in women with ovarian endometrioma. Tailored treatment should be used in women with infertility and endometriosis. Age, ovarian reserve, a history of ovarian surgery, and bilateral endometriomas are important factors that should be carefully considered in these cases.
Keywords: Endometriosis; Infertility; Ovarian reserve; Surgical treatment; Assisted reproductive technology
Notes
Conflict of Interest
No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.
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