Outcome of IVF in patients with endometriosis in comparison with tubal-factor infertility.

PURPOSE: The aim of this retrospective study was to compare the outcome of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer in women with endometriosis and a control group with tubal-factor infertility.

METHODS

Forty-eight patients with endometriosis underwent 65 cycles of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer at Huddinge University Hospital. The matched control group with tubal-factor infertility consisted of 98 cycles in 98 patients. These groups were retrospectively analyzed regarding stimulation, fertilization, embryo development, implantation, and pregnancy outcome.

RESULTS

The fertilization rate was significantly lower in women with endometriosis, but the cleavage, implantation, and pregnancy rates did not differ.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show that women with endometriosis have a lower fertilization rate compared with women with tubal-factor infertility. However, once the oocyte is fertilized, it seems that the preembryo has a normal chance of implantation, leading to similar pregnancy rates.