What is the best fertility treatment for endometriosis?

Question

For women with mild to moderate endometriosis, other options like controlled ovarian stimulation combined with intrauterine insemination (IUI) may also be effective. However, IVF tends to offer higher success rates, especially in cases of severe endometriosis where other methods may not yield satisfactory results.

Below, you will find out about the success rate of IVF on this issue and get the answer to this question: is this issue that bad for fertility? 

Then, it guides you with general info about the IVF protocol for women with endometriosis and the options you have for treating it in Iran an affordable cost.

How successful is IVF with endometriosis?

The success rates of IVF in women with endometriosis can vary significantly based on the severity of the disease. Studies indicate that pregnancy rates can reach 50% to 60% per transfer using chromosomally normal embryos. However, women with advanced-stage endometriosis may experience lower success rates due to factors such as poor ovarian reserve and reduced egg quality.

Read more: What is the most successful treatment for infertility?

How bad is infertility with endometriosis?

Infertility is a common issue among women with endometriosis, affecting approximately 30% to 50% of this population. The condition can lead to various complications, including pelvic adhesions and anatomical distortions that hinder natural conception. In untreated cases, fecundity rates can drop significantly, from a standard range of 15% to 20% down to as low as 2% to 10% in women with severe endometriosis.

Do I need to remove endometriosis before IVF?

The necessity of removing endometriosis before IVF largely depends on individual circumstances. For women with severe pain or large endometriomas (cysts), surgical intervention may be recommended before IVF to alleviate symptoms and potentially improve outcomes. However, for many women with advanced-stage endometriosis, immediate IVF is often suggested without prior surgery since surgical removal does not consistently enhance reproductive outcomes.

Read more: Is IVF good for recurrent miscarriage?

Which IVF protocol is best for endometriosis?

The optimal IVF protocol for women with endometriosis may involve tailored approaches that consider the individual's specific condition. Protocols often include:

• Long GnRH agonist protocols: These may help suppress residual disease before stimulation.
• Antagonist protocols: These can also be effective and are generally well-tolerated.

ProtocolDescriptionEffectivenessLong GnRH AgonistSuppresses ovarian function and endometriosis lesions before stimulation.High for stage III-IV endometriosisGnRH AntagonistInhibiting follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) to prevent premature ovulation, which is generally well-tolerated.Compares favorably with agonist protocols, providing safety and ease of use.Progestin-primed Ovarian Stimulation (PPOS)Involves hormonal priming with progestins before ovarian stimulation. Promising results with a focus on individual responsiveness.
A fertility specialist should guide the protocol, assess the patient's situation, and adjust treatment accordingly.

Read more: How can you increase your chances of getting pregnant with IVF?

Where can I have affordable IVF with high success rates?

Finding low-cost IVF choices with high success rates usually means looking into different fertility clinics in your area and comparing their success rates and prices. Many clinics give payment plans or fees that change based on your income.

In some countries, there are also public health programs that pay for fertility treatments. Talking to a reproductive endocrinologist can help you find clinics that treat people with endometriosis in a way that is both cost-effective and successful.

Read more: Is ICSI More Expensive Than IVF?

Infertility Caused by Endometriosis in Iran

In Iran, about 2.5% to 3.3% of women of childbearing age have endometriosis, which makes it hard for them to get pregnant. A meta-analysis found that about 5.4% of people in Iran who can't have children have endometriosis as a reason. Some important things to know about endometriosis and impotence in Iran:

1.