Endometriosis and infertility
10.5124/jkma.2019.62.10.519
- Author:
Hyun Jin KIM
1
;
Sung Hoon KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. kimsung@amc.seoul.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Endometriosis;
Infertility;
Ovarian reserve;
Surgical treatment;
Assisted reproductive technology
- MeSH:
Endometriosis;
Female;
Fertility;
Humans;
Infertility;
Ovarian Reserve;
Pregnancy Rate;
Reproductive Techniques, Assisted
- From:Journal of the Korean Medical Association
2019;62(10):519-524
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
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.
