Background: Endometriosis has a complex multifactorial pathophysiology and is a leading cause of female infertility. Emerging evidence suggests the role of endocrine disrupting chemicals and environmental factors such as Diethyl phthalate (DEP) in the pathophysiology of the disease.

Aim: To investigate the serum DEP levels in females with infertility having endometriosis and normal healthy counter parts.

Methods: Married females (n=50) age 20-40 years, diagnosed with endometriosis and having history of >1 year of infertility, were selected as cases. Age matched women (n=50) with proven fertility and screened negative for endometriosis were included as controls. Females on any medicine, having co morbid conditions were also excluded from the study. DEP concentration in serum was determined by using High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

Results: Significantly higher levels (p=0.003) of DEP were seen in endometriosis females (3.76± 1.28 ng/ml) as compared to controls (2.61± 1.72 ng/ml). The comparison of DEP levels between different stages of endometriosis revealed an increasing, but no significant trend with advancement of the disease.

Conclusion: High serum DEP levels in patients substantiate their role in disease pathophysiology. Therefore, it may be advisable to pay attention while using such compounds. There is an increased need to regulate the levels of such industrial compounds manufactured for daily use of human beings by efficient and judicious quality assurance plastics and by using the standards set by WHO and/or FDA.

Keywords: Phthalate, Endometriosis, Diethyl phthalate, plasticizers, Infertility