The Value of Assisted Reproductive Technologies in Endometriosis Associated Infertility

Endometriosis, a common gynecological disease, is characterized by local and systemic inflammation, which causes pelvic pain and infertility and eventually, increased utilization of assisted reproductive technologies (ART). This methods, especially in vitro fertilization (IVF), represent efficient and useful means for women affected by endometriosis and infertility. Despite the fact that older studies suggest that in vitro fertilization outcomes are negatively affected by endometriosis, with lower pregnancy rates, recent studies show no significant differences compared to controls. Moreover, there is no clear evidence to support that treatment administration for endometriosis prior to in vitro fertilization will improve success rates, though some studies encouraged the administration of pre-in vitro fertilization cycle suppressive medical therapy in a subset of endometriosis patients. There is controversial evidence regarding removal of endometriomas as it may not have any benefit and may have a deleterious impact on ovarian reserve and response. The correct management of these patients with endometriosis associated infertility should focus on early recognition of disease, and prompt referral to assisted reproductive techniques as needed. The assisted reproductive technologies are considered the most successful in achieving conception in endometriosis patients struggling with infertility.