The effectiveness of danazol on subsequent fertility in minimal endometriosis

Abstract

Sixty-five patients with minimal endometriosis were studied for the purpose of prospectively comparing conservative medical management in the form of danazol with no therapy in the treatment of this disease. After completion of the basic infertility evaluation and correction of additional factors affecting fertility, a diagnostic laparoscopy, dilatation and curettage (D and C), and tubal lavage were performed. A randomly selected cord determined whether the patient received no treatment for 6 months or danazol for 6 months followed by no treatment for 6 months. The dosage of danazol was 800 mg daily for the first 2 months, 600 mg daily for the next 2 months, and 400 mg daily for the final 2 months. The mean age of both the danazol-treated group and the group that received no danazol was 31 years. Conception occurred in 30% of the danazol-treated patients and 50% of the untreated patients. These results suggest that infertile patients with minimal endometriosis should be given an opportunity to conceive after laparoscopy, D and C, and tubal lavage. This would seem particularly true in older patients where a 6-month delay in permitting attempts at conception represents a significant interval of time.