IVF and endometriosis-related symptom progression: insights from a prospective study

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 echog...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Human reproduction (Oxford) 2011-09, Vol.26 (9), p.2368-2372
Main Authors: Benaglia, Laura, Somigliana, Edgardo, Santi, Giulia, Scarduelli, Claudia, Ragni, Guido, Fedele, Luigi
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Biological and medical sciences
Disease Progression
Dysmenorrhea - complications
Endometriosis - diagnostic imaging
Female
Fertilization in Vitro - adverse effects
Follow-Up Studies
Gynecology. Andrology. Obstetrics
Humans
Infertility, Female - therapy
Medical sciences
Pelvic Pain - complications
Pregnancy
Prospective Studies
Risk Assessment
Treatment Outcome
Ultrasonography
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Summary: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.
ISSN:0268-1161
1460-2350
DOI:10.1093/humrep/der208