The Effectiveness of Infertility Treatment Methods in Patients with Stage I–II Endometriosis

Aim. To evaluate the effectiveness of surgical treatment and assisted reproductive technologies (ART) for infertility associated with stage I–II endometriosis, according to the revised American Society for Reproductive Medicine (rASRM) classification. Design. Randomized study. Materials and methods. This study included 62 women aged 25 to 41 years with infertility and stage I–II endometriosis, determined by clinical symptoms and magnetic resonance imaging data. Patients were randomized into 2 groups: group 1 (laparoscopy) — surgical treatment of endometriosis, followed by planning a spontaneous conception within 12 months (n = 35); group 2 (ART) — treatment of infertility associated with endometriosis using ART methods (n = 27). Reproductive outcomes in group 1 were assessed after 1 year from the date of surgical treatment; in group 2 — based on the results of 3 attempts of embryo transfer as part of the use of ART methods. Results. Rate of pregnancy (group 1 — 34.3%; group 2 — 33.3%; p = 0.937), pregnancy termination (group 1 — 25%; group 2 — 44.4%; p = 0.397), childbirth (group 1 — 20%; group 2 — 14.8%; p = 0.643) did not differ significantly between treatment groups. Conclusion. Surgical treatment and the use of ART methods in the treatment of infertility in patients with stage I–II endometriosis are equally effective. The choice of method may depend on the patient’s preference, medical history, characteristics and disease stage, the presence of concomitant pathology, as well as the other factors of infertility. Keywords: endometriosis, magnetic resonance imaging, surgical treatment of endometriosis, laparoscopy, infertility, assisted reproductive technologies, in vitro fertilisation, hormonal treatment.