Implementation of ethiodized oil for treatment of endometriosis-associated infertility.

Abstract

One of the leading health conditions associated with female infertility is endometriosis, which is the presence of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterine cavity. It is estimated that endometriosis can be demonstrated in up to half of infertile patients, but this does not mean that in all cases, it is the only cause that reduces fertility. Apart from the relatively rare case of endometriosis-induced anatomical changes that mechanically impede fertilization, the main effect is to modify the immune system by the secretion of soluble signaling factors by ectopic endometriotic lesions. The primary treatment of endometriosis in patients trying to become pregnant is radical excision of foci outside the uterus, which is associated with the normalization of immune system disorders and often leads to pregnancy. However, the significant technical complexity and the possibility of complications make the surgery a good solution, mainly for patients who, apart from infertility, pain is also an important factor. An important medical problem remains the development of methods that could eliminate disorders caused by endometriosis and, at the same time, could be used in patients with minor or moderate ailments and in patients with contraindications to surgery. At present, despite many approaches, there are no specific immunotherapy methods. It is interesting that for several decades, it has been reported that the examination of the patency of the Fallopian tubes has a beneficial effect on the possibility of pregnancy. Detailed analyzes have shown that this is not a common effect, but it mainly concerns patients with endometriosis and the use of etiodized oil contrast. In this group, there is a significant, five-fold increase in infertility. Therefore, every second previously infertile patient becomes pregnant within six months. A smaller but also distinct effect is observed in the case of idiopathic infertility. The impact is so significant that it can be used both for the practical treatment of patients as well as to understand the mechanisms underlying fertility disorders occurring in endometriosis. The data so far show that the immunotherapeutic effect of etiodized oil contrast is overwhelming. However, it is not entirely clear why the improvement is not achieved using other currently more popular water contrasts. The dissemination of perfusion of the uterine cavity and Fallopian tubes with the use of oil contrast seems to be a simple, safe and effective strategy that allows patients to offer patients alternative treatment methods and improve the final effectiveness and increase the pharmacoeconomics of treatment of endometriosis-related infertility.