Impact of cesarean scar defect on reproductive outcomes after assisted reproductive technology.

In last twenty years, the cesarean section rate has been rising in China, leading to an increased prevalence of cesarean scar defect (CSD) and secondary infertility. CSD decreases receptivity of endometrium, induces adenomyosis and endometriosis, disrupts uterine micro-environment, causes difficulty of embryo transplant operation and further pregnancy complications. For women undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART), CSD significantly reduces embryo implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate. CSD can be effectively treated by hysteroscopic surgery, laparoscopic surgery and transvaginal surgery to increase the pregnancy rate. This article reviews the research progress on the impact of CSD on the reproductive outcomes of ART, the potential factors and related treatment, to provide reference for CSD management in ART patients.