Abstract
We read with interest the systematic review by Hamdan and colleagues1 examining the effects of endometriosis on in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes. The authors conclude that minor degrees of endometriosis have no effect on IVF pregnancy outcomes but that more severe grades of endometriosis appear to diminish IVF live birth rates. Although we agree with this conclusion, we feel that the discussion is incomplete because it fails to mention the possible role of adenomyosis.
Adenomyosis recently has been linked with an increase in early pregnancy loss and a significant reduction in clinical pregnancy rates during IVF treatment.2 Furthermore, studies have shown that adenomyosis is very commonly present in women with severe endometriosis3 and that adenomyosis is associated with multiple alterations in endometrial function.4 Therefore, we believe that the reported reduction in IVF live birth rates seen in women with severe endometriosis is most likely related to the negative effects of adenomyosis on implantation.
Adenomyosis recently has been linked with an increase in early pregnancy loss and a significant reduction in clinical pregnancy rates during IVF treatment.2 Furthermore, studies have shown that adenomyosis is very commonly present in women with severe endometriosis3 and that adenomyosis is associated with multiple alterations in endometrial function.4 Therefore, we believe that the reported reduction in IVF live birth rates seen in women with severe endometriosis is most likely related to the negative effects of adenomyosis on implantation.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 1498-1499 |
| Number of pages | 2 |
| Journal | Obstetrics and Gynecology |
| Volume | 125 |
| Issue number | 6 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 28 Jun 2015 |
Keywords
- Endometriosis
- assisted reproductive technology
- in vitro fertilization (IVF)