Impact of endometriosis on female fertility: evidence and challenges in Argentina

Endometriosis was identified as a chronic, common and underdiagnosed gynecological condition affecting between 10% and 20% of women of reproductive age and closely associated with infertility. Between 30% and 50% of those who suffered from it faced difficulties conceiving, which reflected the complexity of its impact on reproductive health, especially in Latin America. This study carried out a systematic literature review that allowed for an analysis of the relationship between endometriosis and infertility, identifying proposed pathophysiological mechanisms, such as hormonal, immunological and anatomical alterations. Despite these advances, there was still a lack of consensus on the exact mechanisms involved and on the effectiveness of available treatments, such as laparoscopic surgery and hormone therapies, whose results were variable and contradictory. The work was contextualized in the Argentine scenario between the years 2020 and 2024, a period marked by the COVID-19 pandemic and an increased visibility of sexual and reproductive rights. However, endometriosis remained absent from the public agenda, and difficulties in early diagnosis and access to specialized treatments continued to affect thousands of women. It was concluded that there is an urgent need to strengthen research, improve medical training and develop public policies that include endometriosis as a priority within reproductive health, in order to guarantee comprehensive care that improves the quality of life of the women affected.