Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Infertility is a significant public health issue worldwide, and endometriosis is a major contributor to infertility, impacting 6%-10% of reproductive-aged women. The objective of the study is to assess the relationship between bioavailable 25(OH)D (BVD) levels and endometriosis among infertile women. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out among infertile women at Dhaka Medical College Hospital in Bangladesh, examining the association of bioavailable 25(OH)D levels with endometriosis in infertile Bangladeshi women. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference in BVD levels was observed between infertile women with and without endometriosis. Specifically, the mean BVD level was substantially higher in infertile women without endometriosis compared to those diagnosed with the condition. BVD levels were significantly lower among the participants aged between 26 and 30 years for women without endometriosis. Women aged 26-30 years had the highest BVD, while those aged 31-35 years had the lowest. The association between body mass index (BMI) and BVD levels is statistically significant in women with endometriosis. Notably, underweight women had the highest mean BVD, followed by obese women, while overweight and normal BMI participants had notably lower values. Rural women with endometriosis showed slightly higher BVD levels than urban women, though this was not statistically significant. In the non-endometriosis group, urban women had lower BVD levels than their rural counterparts. BVD levels show slight variations across educational levels, but without significant trends. However, we did not find any significant association between BVD levels and other variables. CONCLUSION: This study adds to the growing body of evidence linking BVD with infertility, particularly in the context of endometriosis. While consistent with global trends, the unique socio-demographic and cultural factors in Bangladesh highlight the need for region-specific approaches to address vitamin D deficiency and its reproductive health implications.