BACKGROUND
A possible and neglected concern in women with endometriosis undergoing IVF is the potential risk of progression of the disease. We set up a prospective study mainly aimed at evaluating the impact of IVF on endometriosis-related symptoms.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Women with surgical or echographic diagnosis of endometriosis and selected for IVF were included. In the month preceding the IVF attempt and at a second evaluation 3–6 months after the cycle, women who did not get pregnant underwent clinical assessment and transvaginal ultrasonography. Each patient was requested to complete a questionnaire on the presence, severity and modifications of endometriosis-related symptoms before and after the IVF cycle.
RESULTS
Overall, 64 patients completed the study protocol. The Biberoglu–Behrman Scores and the Verbal Rate Scales for dysmenorrhea, dispareunia and chronic pelvic pain did not worsen after the procedure. Other endometriosis-related symptoms also did not change. There was no modification in size and number of endometriomas and deep peritoneal nodules. The number (%) of women reporting general improvement and worsening were 14 (22%) and 7 (11%), respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
IVF does not expose women to a consistent risk of endometriosis-related symptoms progression.
Source:
http://humrep.oxfordjournals.org/rss/current.xml
Recommendation and review posted by G. Smith
