title: IVF and endometriosis-related symptom progression: insights from a prospective study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  A possible and neglected concern in women with endometriosis undergoing IVF is the potential risk of progression of the disease. We set up a prospective study mainly aimed at evaluating the impact of IVF on endometriosis-related symptoms.
  
  
  METHODS
  Women with surgical or echographic diagnosis of endometriosis and selected for IVF were included. In the month preceding the IVF attempt and at a second evaluation 3-6 months after the cycle, women who did not get pregnant underwent clinical assessment and transvaginal ultrasonography. Each patient was requested to complete a questionnaire on the presence, severity and modifications of endometriosis-related symptoms before and after the IVF cycle.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Overall, 64 patients completed the study protocol. The Biberoglu-Behrman Scores and the Verbal Rate Scales for dysmenorrhea, dispareunia and chronic pelvic pain did not worsen after the procedure. Other endometriosis-related symptoms also did not change. There was no modification in size and number of endometriomas and deep peritoneal nodules. The number (%) of women reporting general improvement and worsening were 14 (22%) and 7 (11%), respectively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  IVF does not expose women to a consistent risk of endometriosis-related symptoms progression.
authors.affiliation: Infertility Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via M. Fanti, 6, 20122 Milan, Italy. laurabenaglia@hotmail.it
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Benaglia
authors.forename: Edgardo
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Somigliana
authors.forename: Giulia
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Santi
authors.forename: Claudia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Scarduelli
authors.forename: Guido
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ragni
authors.forename: Luigi
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Fedele
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D018450:Disease Progression; D004412:Dysmenorrhea / Q000150:complications; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000628:therapy*; D017699:Pelvic Pain / Q000150:complications; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014463:Ultrasonography