Endometriosis affects 10-15% of all women. Of women with endometriosis, 30-50% are estimated to have infertility; of women with infertility, 25-50% are estimated to have severe endometriosis. A hallmark of endometriosis is inflammation and subsequent formation of adhesions in the pelvis. These adhesions distort the pelvic anatomy and impacts the woman in a variety of ways. The most direct consequence of adhesions can be a disruption of the anatomical relationship between the ovaries and fallopian tubes. In advanced cases of endometriosis, tubal blockage may occur to the point of a hydrosalpinx which may require removal before any fertility treatment.
The most appropriate treatment for each couple will depend on a number of factors including the woman’s age, the duration of infertility, her ovarian reserve, the sperm analysis, a history of past surgery for endometriosis and its severity.
For women younger 35 years of age with low stage disease, a trial of Fertility treatment with intrauterine insemination (IUI) is recommended. However, for women greater than or equal to 35 years of age with advanced stages of endometriosis (stages III and IV), IVF is recommended due to the higher pregnancy rate. Of note, advanced endometriosis, compared to other diagnoses, may reduce the pregnancy rate with in vitro fertilization.