Received March 02, 1997
Accepted May 17, 1997

Introduction: The "in vitro" fertilization (lVF) technique is used for the treatment of infertility in patients with endometriosis. ln the present study we investigated the efficiency of this treatment. Material and Methods: A total of 70 patients with a diagnosis of endometriosis made by laparoscopy and/or laparotomy were included in an 1VF program from 1994 to 1996. Mean patient age was 31.57±3.8 years and the duration of infertility was 5.85±3. 6 years. Ovarian stimulation was performed with GnRH analogues and gonadotropins, or using a semi-programmed cycle (pill, clomiphene citrate, gonadotropins and dexamethasone). The luteal phase was maintained with progesterone at the dose of 50mg/day 1M for 14 days and/or human chorionic gonadotropin, 1000UI on the 4th, 6th, 8th and 10th day after embryo transfer. Results: A total of 70 punctures were performed and a mean number of 5.87±3.1 oocytes were obtained. The mean oocyte fertilization rate was 62.82±35%. Total failure of fertilization occurred in 12.8% of the cycles. An average of 2.63±1.7 embryos were transferred, and a 12% rate of embryo implantation was obtained. The clinical pregnancy rate per puncture was 25.7%, with an abortion rate of 27.8%. Conclusion: The data show that the presence of endometriosis did not alter the results of the IVF program, which is an effective therapy for these patients.