Endometrioma, fertility, and assisted reproductive treatments: connecting the dots

Surgery has traditionally been the primary treatment option for endometriosis-related infertility of any phenotype. However, advances and refinements of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) permit a more conservative approach in many scenarios. This review summarizes the latest findings in the field of reproductive medicine, which have supported a paradigm shift towards more conservative management of ovarian endometrioma.

The presence of ovarian endometrioma per se is likely to impair ovarian reserve and alter ovarian functional anatomy. Conventional laparoscopic surgery is associated with significant risk of additional damage, and less invasive treatment approaches require further evaluation. With regard to infertile women with ovarian endometrioma who are scheduled for ART treatment, current data indicate that prior surgical intervention does not improve ART outcomes, and that controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) does not affect quality of life or pain symptoms.

Reproductive medicine physicians frequently encounter patients with ovarian endometrioma. The current evidence does not support the postponement of infertility treatment in favour of surgery, except in cases with severe symptoms or to improve follicle accessibility. Although these patients may exhibit diminished ovarian response to COH, their endometrial receptivity, aneuploidy rates, and fertility outcomes are similar to healthy controls. Surgery for ovarian endometrioma provides no benefits in ART treatments.

Journal of Women’s Health and Reproductive Medicine is an interdisciplinary journal that explores clinical, medical, social and economic aspects of female reproductive health and medication worldwide. This scholarly journal thus focuses on a wide range of topics within this field by including research on Pregnancy, menopause, prenatal care, breast cancer, cervical cancer, Osteoarthritis, urinary tract infections, fibroids, infertility, premature birth, breastfeeding, menstruation and menstrual irregularities, andrology, anamnesis, Childbearing, maternal mortality, Obstetric transition, Abortion, obstetrics and gynecology, reproductive endocrinology, In vitro fertilization, menstruation, ovulation, pregnancy, and menopause.

Authors can Submit manuscript as an e-mail attachment to the Editorial Office at https://www.imedpub.com/submissions/womens-health-reproductive-medicine.html

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Journal of Women’s Health and Reproductive Medicine
Email: womenshealth@emedscholar.com