Antioxidant Supplementation for Fertility in Endometriosis

Limitations on Direct Fertility Improvement

• The American Academy of Family Physicians notes that current clinical guidelines do not establish that medical treatment of endometriosis, including antioxidants, improves future fertility 1, 2
• There is no evidence that medical treatment of endometriosis affects future fertility in women 1, 2
• The American College of Radiology reports that endometriosis affects at least one-third of women with infertility, but the exact mechanism remains unclear 3

Clinical Practice Approach

• The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends combining vitamin C and E supplementation with first-line hormonal treatment (combined oral contraceptives or progestins) for managing pain in women with endometriosis 5
• Up to 44% of women experience recurrence of symptoms within the first year after surgical treatment, requiring chronic management 5