In a nutshell
This study investigated factors affecting fertility in women with endometriosis (EDM). They found that age and infertility time were associated with pregnancy rates in these women.
Some background
Endometriosis (EDM) is a common condition in women. EDM is caused by uterine tissue growing outside the womb. This can cause pain and infertility. One treatment option for EDM is surgery. It usually involves a laparoscopy. This is minimally invasive. During laparoscopic surgery (LS) uterine tissue can be removed. This can improve EDM symptoms. In some cases, this can also improve fertility in EDM patients.
Many factors can influence fertility. This is also true in EDM. LS does not always restore fertility. A scoring system can be used to predict if LS may improve fertility. This is called the Endometriosis Fertility Index (EFI). This score takes into account factors that affect fertility. This includes age, infertility time (IT), and medical history. It is unclear what factors can predict the success of LS to improve infertility in women with EDM.
Methods & findings
This study included 258 patients with EDM. Patients were grouped according to the EFI score. These groups were EFI of 9 or greater, 7-8, 4-6, and less than 4. Patients underwent a number of follow-ups. An ultrasound was performed after surgery. The main outcome was the natural pregnancy rate. Patients were followed up for 3 years.
A number of factors were associated with a positive pregnancy. Higher EFI scores were significantly associated with higher PRs. At 3 years, 92.2% of women with an EFI of 9 or greater got pregnant. This rate was 85.9% for 7-8 EFI, 62.5% for 4-6 EFI, and 5.9% for an EFI lower than 4.
Patients under the age of 35 were more likely to become pregnant. An infertility time of fewer than 5 years was also associated with higher pregnancy rates. The use of assisted reproductive techniques also improved pregnancy rates.
The bottom line
The authors concluded that age and infertility time were factors associated with pregnancy rates in women with EDM.
The fine print
The number of patients in this study was relatively small. Body mass index (BMI) was not included in this analysis. Larger studies are needed.
Published By :
Medicine
Date :
May 29, 2020
