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

ABSTRACT

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.