Infertility as a complication of perforated appendicitis. Late follow-up of a clinical series.

In a retrospective study the frequency of infertility was estimated in women operated for perforated or non-perforated appendicitis before the age of 25. Of the 48 patients with simple perforation 19% were infertile, while this frequency was 31% in 16 patients with Douglas abscess. In the control group of 58 patients 12% could not have children. It is concluded that it is unlikely that appendicitis with perforation will cause infertility unless there is a Douglas abscess.