In vitro sperm phagocytosis by human peritoneal macrophages in endometriosis-associated infertility.

PROBLEM

The mechanism of infertility in women with endometriosis remains obscure. In this context the role of peritoneal macrophage's sperm phagocytic ability in infertile women with and without endometriosis was investigated.

METHOD

Analysis of peritoneal macrophage concentration and in vitro sperm phagocytosis in 10 infertile women with endometriosis and 10 infertile women without endometriosis was carried out.

RESULTS

It was observed that infertile women with endometriosis are associated with higher concentration and higher sperm phagocytic activity of peritoneal macrophages than those without endometriosis.

CONCLUSION

Despite the small number of women in this study, it may be concluded that the increased number of peritoneal macrophages coupled with enhanced in vitro sperm phagocytosis may disturb fertilization and thereby cause infertility.