Clinical relevance of endometrial polyps diagnosed by hysteroscopy in 613 infertile women: a retrospective, single-center, cohort study

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to reveal the clinical significance of hysteroscopyin infertility treatment. Methods:This retrospective, single-center, cohort study included 613 women of reproductive age who underwent hysteroscopy between April 2011 and March 2016. All women underwent a routine infertility work-up including transvaginal sonography, hysterosalpingography, and blood tests, and analysis of their husband's semen was performed. The Student t, Mann-Whitney, and Fisher exact tests were used to analyze the data.Results: Hysteroscopy as a routine work-up revealed an abnormal uterine cavity in 141 women (22.1%) and 114 endometrial polyps (80.9%). Endometrial polyps were more frequently observed in those with primary infertility (p<.005) and endometriosis (p<.005) than those without these conditions. Endometrial polyps were rarely observed in those with recurrent pregnancy loss (p<.05). Conclusion:Hysteroscopy is recommended as a routine work-up before fertility treatment given the prevalence of endometrial polyps, especially for women with endometrioma, and their impacts on embryo implantation failure.