Evidence based management of patients with endometriosis undergoing assisted conception: British fertility society policy and practice recommendations

Abstract

Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory condition in women of reproductive age, which can lead to infertility and pelvic pain. Endometriosis associated infertility is multifactorial in nature adversely affecting each step of the natural reproductive physiology and thereby processes and outcomes of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) cycles. These outcomes are further complicated by the subtype of endometriosis, being peritoneal, deep infiltrating and ovarian, which bear negative effects on ovarian reserve, response to stimulation, accessibility for oocyte retrieval, intraoperative safety and endometrial receptivity. There is still a lack of clear guidance about the role of surgery for ovarian endometriosis/endometriomas. This guideline evaluates the evidence of the impact of pelvic endometriosis and endometriomas on the outcome of ART and provides recommendations for management options before and during ART including intra-uterine insemination. Recommendations are made based on the current evidence for the management of patients with endometriosis across each step of ART with the primary aim of improving ART outcomes.

Keywords:

• Assisted conception
• assisted reproductive technology (ART)
• endometriosis

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank Carla Cressy, expert patient and campaigner, for her involvement and insight whilst this guideline was written.

Disclosure statement

The authors have no competing interests to declare.