Does IVF give women with severe endometriosis a significant chance of conceiving? Is it really worth the effort? What's the success rate for women with severe endo?

V.W.

Studies suggest that endometriosis probably does not interfere with IVF success rates. There are, however, some caveats. Repeated ovarian surgery, removal of an ovary, or removal of severe pelvic adhesions may compromise the ovaries' ability to produce enough eggs to warrant retrieval. Also, eggs that arise from an ovary with a large endometrioma (ovarian endometrial cyst) may have a reduced fertility potential.

Other researchers have suggested that antiphospholipid antibodies, more commonly seen in women who have endometriosis, may contribute to implantation failure unless treated. However, conflicting data suggest that although these antibodies may be seen more frequently in women with endometriosis, the benefits of treatment are as yet unproven.