Endometriosis related to infertility.

Endometriosis is a disease affecting the physical health and emotional well being of many women worldwide. General estimates indicate that at least 25% of all women in their 30s and 40s may be suffering from endometriosis and 30-50% of the affected women are also infertile. Medical therapy, surgery and assisted reproduction are the 3 main options available to women affected by this condition. The etiology and pathophysiology of endometriosis-associated infertility are still obscure, despite an enormous effort over many decades. The management of this disease is a source of controversy and so far no consensus has been reached. Most studies show considerable variation in methodology, may not have enough statistical power or report results that are exactly the opposite of what has been previously published. In light of the disagreement that surrounds the study of endometriosis-associated infertility, a new comprehensive multi-centre study should be designed with the international collaboration of all major experts in this field.