What was the study asking?

Does endometriosis affect the clinical outcomes in women with infertility using assisted reproductive technology (ART)?

What did they find?

The timing of diagnosis with endometriosis influenced clinical outcomes of ART. Women who were not diagnosed prior to fertility treatment underwent more ART cycles and were less likely to report a birth, compared with women who were diagnosed prior to fertility treatment.

What is the take-home message? 

This study reflects what I see frequently in clinical practice, which is how long it normally takes for women to be diagnosed with endometriosis due to missed or delayed diagnosis. This delay has a significant impact on women’s fertility as seen in this study, but also their general health and quality of life.

A vital first step in the effective clinical management of endometriosis is an early and accurate diagnosis.