Benefits of pregnancy on endometriosis: can we dispel the myths?

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Fertility and Sterility
Editorial Office, American Society for Reproductive Medicine
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Volume 112, Issue 2, Pages 226–227

Authors:

Brigitte Leeners, M.D.a, Cynthia M. Farquhar, MB.Ch.B., M.D., M.P.H.b,c

Abstract:

Regression of endometriotic lesions during pregnancy was first described by Sampson in 1921. Since that time pregnancy has often been recommended by health professionals as a useful strategy to reduce disease progression and symptoms. Lack of symptoms before menarche and after menopause, both associated with amenorrhoea, further supported the hypothesis that pregnancy was beneficial. Progesterone induces endometrial atrophy and endometriotic lesions show cyclic changes such as endometrial growth and luteal transformation throughout the menstrual cycle.


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Fertility and Sterility

Editorial Office, American Society for Reproductive Medicine

Fertility and Sterility® is an international journal for obstetricians, gynecologists, reproductive endocrinologists, urologists, basic scientists and others who treat and investigate problems of infertility and human reproductive disorders. The journal publishes juried original scientific articles in clinical and laboratory research relevant to reproductive endocrinology, urology, andrology, physiology, immunology, genetics, contraception, and menopause. Fertility and Sterility® encourages and supports meaningful basic and clinical research, and facilitates and promotes excellence in professional education, in the field of reproductive medicine.

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Go to the profile of Pandiyan Natarajan
Pandiyan Natarajan
over 1 year ago

Greetings.

That is an interesting 'Twist in the usual Tale,' of pregnancy ameliorating Endometriosis. However, I beg to differ. We strongly believe based on all available evidence that, ' Infertility causes Endometriosis and the primary recommended treatment should be Pregnancy. http://www.chcmj.ac.in/journal/pdf/vol6_no3/infertility.pdf

It is of course not suitable for all and is indeed the patient's prerogative to decide whether she wants to attempt a pregnancy or go on other ameliorative measures with high risk of recurrence. In our 42 years experience we have observed that though Pregnancy does not cure Endometriosis in all, the disease disappears or ameliorates in the large majority of patients as seen at future surgery.

Professor Dr Pandiyan Natarajan,

pandiyan1@yahoo.com

Professor and Head of the Department of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine,

Chettinad Super Speciality Hospital,

Kelambakkam,

Tamil Nadu,

India-603103