Pelvic schistosomiasis and infertility

Area of Science:

• Reproductive medicine
• Infectious diseases
• Minimally invasive surgery

Background:

• Pelvic schistosomiasis is often asymptomatic.
• It can contribute to infertility through pelvic adhesions and ovulatory dysfunction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of asymptomatic pelvic schistosomiasis in female infertility.
• To evaluate the efficacy of laparoscopic diagnosis and subsequent treatment.

Main Methods:

• Laparoscopy was used to diagnose pelvic schistosomiasis in 13 infertile women.
• Assessment included pelvic adhesions, luteal phase defects, and anovulation.
• Treatment involved adnexolysis, antiparasitic medication, and ovulation induction.

Main Results:

• Schistosomiasis was diagnosed in all 13 women.
• Pelvic adhesions were present in 100% of cases.
• Luteal phase defects occurred in 23.1% and anovulation in 15.4%.
• Intrauterine pregnancy was achieved in 46% of patients post-treatment.

Conclusions:

• Laparoscopy is effective in diagnosing asymptomatic pelvic schistosomiasis in infertile women.
• Schistosomiasis-associated pelvic pathology significantly impacts fertility.
• A multidisciplinary treatment approach improves pregnancy rates.