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

Abstract

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 36 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 BiberogluBehrman 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. © 2011 The Author.