Endometrial pathology and infertility

Abstract

Objective: To call attention to endometrial pathologies, which in addition to causing menstrual problems, are a cause of infertility. Design: Controlled clinical study. Setting: Specialized unit in the management of infertile patients. Patient(s): Fifteen infertile women between the ages of 26 and 39 years and suffering infertility from endometrial problems for a period of 4 to 18 years were included in the study. Six patients had primary infertility and nine others had secondary infertility. Intervention(s): Once the endometrial pathology was diagnosed, treatment was initiated according to the type of problem: hysteroscopy, curettage, and hormonal replacement with or without corticoids or antiphymic drugs. Main Outcome Measure(s): Clinical studies, laboratory tests, hormonal serum levels, and endoscopy. Result(s): After initiating specific treatment for each of the pathologies, menstruation was re-established in 14 of 15 patients. Nine patients became pregnant (8 of 10 cases with bone, squamous cell, or muscular metaplasia). Conclusion(s): Pathological changes of the endometrium are causes of infertility. These problems are not as rare as thought. They must be searched for carefully and diagnosed promptly. The majority carry a good prognosis when adequately treated.