Pubmed
 2018 Aug;51:25-33. doi: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2018.06.002. Epub 2018 Jun 18.

Endometriosis and infertilityInsights into the causal link and management strategies.

Author information

1
University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven University Fertility Center, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium. Electronic address: [email protected].
2
Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven (University of Leuven), Belgium; Global Medical Affairs Fertility, Research and Development, Healthcare, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany.

Abstract

When evaluating the correlation between endometriosis and infertility with application of the evidence-based guidelines to establish causality in medicine, it becomes apparent that endometriosis causes infertility. This is supported by a strong and consistent association between the two in various settings (prevalence, natural conception, intrauterine insemination (IUI), and assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs)), evidence for a temporal relation, arguments for a dose-response gradient, and proven effects of the removal of lesions on infertility. Next to surgical treatment of endometriosis lesions, medically assisted reproduction treatments such as IUI and ART such as in vitro fertilization are cornerstones of the management of endometriosis-related infertility. Because the revised American Society for Reproductive Medicine (rASRM) staging system is poorly correlated with pregnancy rates as opposed to the Endometriosis Fertility Index (EFI), the latter should be used as the preferred clinical tool to counsel patients on their postoperative fertility management options.

KEYWORDS:

Causality; Endometriosis; Fertility treatment; Infertility; Prognosis

PMID:
30245115
DOI:
10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2018.06.002

Dr. K's Comment:

"Next to surgical treatment of endometriosis lesions, medically assisted reproduction treatments such as IUI and ART such as in vitro fertilization are cornerstones of the management of endometriosis-related infertility."

We would like to add: Surely, surgical treatment of endo lesions is superior to medically assisted reproduction treatments. The fact is that surgery, when done properly (i.e. complete excision), and successful, will help in all subsequent cycles. This is unlike IUI or IVF treatments that are limited to one cycle at a time.