The use and effectiveness of in vitro fertilization in women with endometriosis: the surgeon's perspective

Fertil Steril. 2009 May;91(5):1775-9. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2008.02.004. Epub 2008 Apr 3.

Abstract

Objective: To assess the use and effectiveness of IVF in a cohort of women undergoing surgery for endometriosis.

Design: Cohort study.

Setting: University hospital.

Patient(s): Four hundred thirty-eight patients who attempted to become pregnant after conservative surgery for endometriosis.

Intervention(s): Interview.

Main outcome measure(s): Pregnancy and IVF use.

Result(s): One hundred ninety-four women conceived in vivo (44%). One hundred twenty-four women did not undergo IVF despite their infertility status (51% of the group of women who failed to conceive in vivo). One hundred thirty-nine women underwent at least one IVF attempt. The cumulative rate of IVF use at 36 months of infertility was 33%. The live-birth/ongoing pregnancy rate per started cycle and per patient was 10% and 20%, respectively.

Conclusion(s): In a large tertiary care and referral center, IVF played only a minor role in the treatment of endometriosis-associated infertility.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cohort Studies
  • Embryo Transfer
  • Endometriosis / physiopathology
  • Endometriosis / surgery*
  • Female
  • Fertilization in Vitro*
  • Humans
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Rate