Endometriosis and Uterine Anomalies: Diagnosis and Treatment

Abstract

Endometriosis is a common disease in women of reproductive age. In addition to causing pain, it may also reduce fertility. The coexistence of endometriosis and congenital uterine anomalies (CUA) has been described often in the published literature. Endometriosis is associated with obstructive anomalies and nonobstructive malformations, especially those concerning the septate uterus. Endometriosis and CUA are frequently detected in the exploration of infertility, because both of these are liable to impair fertility. The diagnosis and management of CUA have been discussed for several years and various classification systems have been proposed. To date there is no consensus about the diagnosis, classification, and management of CUA, especially with regard to the septate uterus. We need to find and speak a common language in order to define CUA, avoid inadequate or unnecessary surgery, eliminate conflicts between the different classification systems, and optimize the individual patient's treatment. The combined presence of CUA and endometriosis is a reason to perform precise diagnostic imaging investigations and early surgery for the purpose of enhancing the chances of pregnancy in infertile patients.