The effects of endometrioma size and bilaterality on ovarian reserve

Assessment of ovarian reserve function in patients with adenomyosis and ovarian endometriosis by three-dimensional transvaginal ultrasound and Anti-Müllerian hormone

We evaluated the impact of adenomyosis and ovarian endometriosis on ovarian reserve function through transvaginal three-dimensional ultrasound and anti-mullerian hormone testing. A total of 150 female patients who were admitted to our hospital from January 2023 to May 2024 were selected; 58 cases had adenomyosis (adenomyosis group), 36 had ovarian endometriosis (ovarian endometriosis group), and 56 were healthy (healthy group). There were no statistically significant differences in clinical baseline data among the three groups (all P > 0.05). However, significant overall differences were found in anti-Mullerian hormone levels, antral follicle count, ovarian volume, vascularization index, flow index, and vascularization flow index among the three groups (F values were 90.34, 146.50, 92.61, 63.87, 59.50, 49.36 respectively; all P < 0.001); compared to the healthy group, these indicators were all decreased in the adenomyosis group and ovarian endometriosis group (all P < 0.05). Pearson correlation analysis revealed that serum anti-mullerian hormone levels were positively correlated with antral follicle count, ovarian volume, vascularization index, flow index, and vascularization flow index (r = 0.80, 0.73, 0.50, 0.48, 0.45, respectively; all P < 0.01). These data suggest that adenomyosis and ovarian endometriosis can lead to a decline in ovarian reserve function in women of reproductive age compared to their peers. Also, antral follicle count and ovarian volume are the optimal indicators for evaluating ovarian reserve function in these patients.

Oocyte cryopreservation for women with endometriosis: Justification, indications, and reproductive outcomes

Women with endometriosis often experience diminished ovarian reserve and a decreased number of oocytes retrieved. This reduction is exacerbated after surgery. Nevertheless, oocyte quality does not seem to be compromised in these patients. When embryos of good quality are obtained, in vitro fertilization outcomes are generally satisfactory. Oocyte cryopreservation may represent a fertility preservation option for women with planned and/or prior surgery, as it enables the collection of oocytes in advance. Given the diverse manifestations of endometriosis, which vary by type, age, and ovarian reserve, the decision to pursue oocyte cryopreservation should be weighed individually. Moreover, the potential benefits of this approach on future fertility must be carefully considered. Considering current guidelines, the most appropriate candidates for oocyte cryopreservation among women with endometriosis are: patients with bilateral endometriomas, typically larger than 3 cm; those with prior surgery for unilateral endometrioma who exhibit ipsilateral or contralateral recurrence; and those with unilateral endometrioma on a single ovary. However, the size criteria for endometrioma warrant further discussion. Conversely, oocyte cryopreservation is inadvisable for patients: with unilateral endometrioma smaller than 3 cm and good ovarian reserve; who have undergone surgery for bilateral endometriomas, regardless of recurrence; and who have diminished ovarian reserve. While consensus indicates that decisions regarding diminished ovarian reserve should be individualized, fertility preservation should often be considered for patients with serum anti-Müllerian hormone levels below 0.5 ng/mL. In such cases, a prolonged duration may be necessary to retrieve the desired 10 to 15 oocytes.

Oocyte Quality in Women with Endometriosis

BACKGROUND

Endometriosis is a chronic gynecological condition that affects approximately 10% of women of reproductive age globally. It is associated with significant morbidity due to symptoms such as pelvic pain and infertility. Current knowledge suggests that endometriosis impacts oocyte quality, a critical factor for successful fertilization and pregnancy. Despite extensive research, the exact mechanisms remain unclear, and further updates are necessary to optimize treatment strategies.

OBJECTIVES

This review aims to summarize current evidence regarding the impact of endometriosis on oocyte quality and its subsequent effects on fertility outcomes, particularly in the context of in vitro fertilization (IVF).

METHODS

A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed using the terms "endometriosis AND oocyte quality," "endometriosis AND infertility, and "endometriosis AND IVF." The review included studies published up to July 2024.

OUTCOME

The review findings indicate that endometriosis may be associated with decreased oocyte quality, characterized by impaired morphological features and molecular abnormalities. These defects potentially lead to lower fertilization rates, impaired embryo development, and reduced pregnancy outcomes. However, some studies suggest that with controlled factors such as age and ovarian reserve, IVF outcomes may be comparable to those without endometriosis.

CONCLUSIONS AND OUTLOOK

For clinicians and scientists working in medically assisted reproduction, understanding the impact of endometriosis on oocyte quality is crucial for improving fertility treatment outcomes. Advances in assisted reproductive technologies and personalized treatment approaches may mitigate these adverse effects. The potential for using artificial intelligence to assess oocyte quality presents a promising avenue for future research, as currently there is no direct and objective measure to assess this parameter.

Histological analysis of (antral) follicle density in ovarian cortex tissue attached to stripped endometriomas

PURPOSE

When resecting endometriomas with the stripping technique, in the majority of cases, a thin line of adjacent ovarian cortex is attached to the endometrioma. In this study, we performed histological analysis to determine (antral) follicle density in the ovarian cortex tissue attached to stripped endometriomas and assessed patient- and surgical characteristics that could affect this.

METHODS

Histological slides of previously removed endometriomas were assessed. Follicles in the attached ovarian tissue were classified according to maturation, and follicular density was determined. Immunofluorescent staining of antral follicles in a subset of endometriomas was also performed.

RESULTS

In 90 out of 96 included endometriomas (93.7%), ovarian tissue attached to the cyst wall was observed. One thousand nine hundred forty-four follicles at different maturation stages were identified (3 follicles/mm3). Follicle density was negatively associated with age (p < 0.001). Antral follicles (< 7-mm diameter) were present in the ovarian tissue attached to 35 endometriomas (36.5%) derived from younger patients compared to endometriomas where none were detected (30 versus 35 years, p = 0.003). Antral follicle density was 1 follicle/mm3. Based on immunofluorescence, healthy antral follicles were identified in two out of four examined endometriomas.

CONCLUSIONS

Ovarian tissue attached to stripped endometriomas holds potential as a non-invasive source for antral follicles. In theory, application of IVM could be an interesting alternative FP option in young patients with endometriomas who undergo cystectomy in order to transform the surgical collateral damage to a potential oocyte source. Our results encourage future research with fresh tissue to further assess the quality and potential of these follicles.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinical Trials.gov Identifier: B21.055 (METC LDD), date of registration 12-08-2021, retrospectively registered.

IVF stimulation protocols and outcomes in women with endometriosis

Endometriosis is a complex medical condition with a high prevalence in women of reproductive age. Fertility is compromised in patients with endometriosis, and success in IVF treatments has been a challenge leading to evaluation of different stimulation protocols. The long-standing debate between GnRH agonist long protocols and short GnRH antagonist protocols is being resolved in favor of the latter, since in addition to presenting equivalent results with respect to the traditional option, they have the additional benefit of safety. The good results derived from vitrification techniques have led to the development of new stimulation strategies, such as progestin-primed ovarian stimulation (PPOS), with a greater degree of approval among patients. None of the stimulation protocols currently applied in women with endometriosis has been shown to be superior, so early intervention with an Assisted Reproduction treatment, regardless of the chosen protocol, can provide these women with good chances of motherhood. Women with endometrioma should be counseled for fertility preservation before planned ovarian endometrioma excision. The number of cryopreserved oocytes or embryos can be increased by repeated cycles.

Diminished Ovarian Reserve in Endometriosis: Insights from In Vitro, In Vivo, and Human Studies-A Systematic Review

Endometriosis, a prevalent disorder in women of reproductive age, is often associated with undesired infertility. Ovarian reserve, an essential measure of ovarian function that is crucial for maintaining fecundity, is frequently diminished in women with endometriosis. Though the causative relationship between endometriosis and reduced ovarian reserve is not fully understood due to the lack of standardized and precise measurements of ovarian reserve, there is ongoing discussion regarding the impact of interventions for endometriosis on ovarian reserve. Therefore, in this review, we investigate articles that have related keywords and which were also published in recent years. Thereafter, we provide a comprehensive summary of evidence from in vitro, in vivo, and human studies, thereby shedding light on the decreased ovarian reserve in endometriosis. This research consolidates evidence from in vitro, in vivo, and human studies on the diminished ovarian reserve associated with endometriosis, as well as enhances our understanding of whether and how endometriosis, as well as its interventions, contribute to reductions in ovarian reserve. Furthermore, we explore potential strategies to modify existing therapy options that could help prevent diminished ovarian reserve in patients with endometriosis.

Comparison of serum anti-Müllerian hormone between unilateral and bilateral ovarian endometriomas during follicular, luteal, and random menstrual phases: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Over the last two decades, serum levels of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) have been shown to be reliable markers of ovarian reserve. This study aimed to compare baseline serum AMH levels and well-controlled clinical factors between patients with unilateral and bilateral ovarian endometriomas during the menstrual phase.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study. We enrolled 136 patients aged 18 to 36 years who were diagnosed with unilateral or bilateral ovarian endometriomas. Serum AMH levels of all patients and their latest two to three menstrual cycles were measured before surgery for ovarian endometriomas. The latest menstrual cycle length ranged from 26 to 30 days. Patients with irregular menstruation, a recent medication history of hormonal drugs other than oral contraceptive pills, a previous history of ovarian surgery, or any medical history influencing ovarian function were excluded.

RESULTS

Of the 136 patients, 76 (55.9%) had unilateral ovarian endometriomas and 60 (44.1%) had bilateral ovarian endometriomas. Serum AMH levels were not significantly different between the two groups in the follicular phase, luteal phase, or at any random time point.

CONCLUSION

Serum AMH levels were not significantly different between unilateral and bilateral ovarian endometriomas in the follicular and luteal phases, or at any random time during the menstrual cycle when various confounding factors were excluded.

Oocyte Cryopreservation in Women with Ovarian Endometriosis

Ovarian endometriosis is a gynecological condition that is closely associated with infertility-from its pathogenesis to treatment modalities, this condition presents a challenge both for patients and clinicians alike when seeking conception, due to low AMH levels, peritoneal inflammation, and the inadvertent removal of healthy ovarian parenchyma at surgery. In fact, around half of endometriosis patients seeking fertility require tertiary-level assisted reproduction techniques to achieve a live birth. Oocyte cryopreservation, a procedure initially designed for oncology patients, has emerged over recent years as a very promising treatment strategy for patients who have been diagnosed with ovarian endometriosis in order to preserve their fertility and obtain a live birth at a later stage in their lives. Counseling patients about oocyte preservation techniques at an early stage in the diagnosis, ideally before the age of 35 and especially prior to any surgical treatment, provides an excellent opportunity to discuss future fertility and the benefits associated with oocyte cryopreservation.

Evaluation and management of endometriosis

The initial diagnostic investigations for endometriosis are physical examination and pelvic ultrasound. The pelvic examination should include a speculum examination and vaginal palpation. Mobility, fixation and/or tenderness of the uterus and site-specific tenderness in the pelvis should be evaluated. Transvaginal ultrasound and pelvic magnetic resonance imaging are recommended to evaluate the extent of the endometriosis and to determine whether any urinary tract or bowel procedures might also be required during surgical resection. Quality of life should be assessed by using the Endometriosis Health Profile-30, its short version EHP-5 or the generic quality of life questionnaire SF-36. Management of endometriosis is recommended when it has a functional impact (pain, infertility) or causes organ dysfunction. Many gynecological societies have published different guidelines for the evaluation and management of endometriosis. However, the complexity of this disease together with the different available treatments lead to significant discrepancies between the recommendations. Postmenopausal endometriosis should be considered when a patient has a history of symptoms before menopause including dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, dyschezia, infertility and chronic pelvic pain. Malignant transformation of endometriosis is estimated to occur in about 0.7-1.6% of women affected by endometriosis. Endometriosis is associated with an increased risk of ovarian cancer, specifically clear cell, endometrioid and low-grade serous types.

Impact of Ovarian Endometrioma and Surgery on Reproductive Outcomes: A Single-Center Spanish Cohort Study

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and antral follicular count (AFC) decrease in women with ovarian endometrioma (OMA) and in vitro fertilization (IVF). In addition, these parameters drop even further when women with OMA undergo surgery. In this study, the primary aim was to compare the reproductive variables in IVF-treated women with and without endometriosis. The secondary aim was to explore if the reproductive variables were modified by endometrioma surgery. In this retrospective study, 244 women undergoing IVF were enrolled at the Hospital Universitario La Paz (Madrid, Spain). Women were categorized as OMA not surgically treated (OMA; n = 124), OMA with surgery (OMA + S; n = 55), and women with infertility issues not related to OMA (control; n = 65). Demographic and clinical variables, including age, body mass index (BMI), and reproductive (AMH, AFC, number of extracted oocytes, and transferred embryos) and obstetrical data (biochemical pregnancy and fetal heart rate at 6 weeks) were collected. Adjusted logistic regression models were built to evaluate reproductive and pregnancy outcomes. The models showed that women with OMA (with and without surgery) had significantly decreased levels of AMH and AFC and numbers of cycles and C + D embryos. Women with OMA + S had similar rates of pregnancy to women in the control group. However, women with OMA had lower biochemical pregnancy than controls (aOR = 0.08 [0.01; 0.50]; p-value = 0.025). OMA surgery seems to improve pregnancy outcomes, at least until 6 weeks of gestation. However, it is important to counsel the patients about surgery expectations due to the fact that endometrioma itself reduces the quality of oocytes.

Impacts of endometrioma on ovarian aging from basic science to clinical management

Endometriosis is a common reproductive disorder characterized by the presence of endometrial implants outside of the uterus. It affects ~1 in 10 women of reproductive age. Endometriosis in the ovary, also known as endometrioma (OMA), is the most frequent implantation site and the leading cause of reproductive failure in affected women. Ovarian aging is one of the characteristic features of OMA, however its underlying mechanism yet to be determined. Accumulated evidence has shown that pelvic and local microenvironments in women with OMA are manifested, causing detrimental effects on ovarian development and functions. Whilst clinical associations of OMA with poor ovarian reserve, premature ovarian insufficiency, and early menopause have been reported. Moreover, surgical ablation, fenestration, and cystectomy of OMA can further damage the normal ovarian reservoir, and trigger hyperactivation of primordial follicles, subsequently resulting in the undesired deterioration of ovarian functions. Nevertheless, there is no effective treatment to delay or restore ovarian aging. This review comprehensively summarised the pathogenesis and study hypothesis of ovarian aging caused by OMA in order to propose potential therapeutic targets and interventions for future studies.

Fertility preservation counselling for women with endometriosis: a European online survey

BACKGROUND

Endometriosis is a common cause for infertility. Decreased ovarian reserve due to pathology or surgical management can reduce the chances of natural pregnancy and limit the effectiveness of controlled ovarian stimulation during fertility treatment. Cryopreservation of oocytes or ovarian cortex prior to surgery or before loss of follicular capital is a strategy to preserve fecundity.

METHODS

An online survey was sent to reproductive specialists and gynecological surgeons representing major centers of reproductive medicine in Europe to investigate current fertility preservation practices for endometriosis patients.

RESULTS

Of 58 responses, 45 (77.6%) in 11/13 countries reported the existence of endometriosis management guidelines, of which 37/45 (82.2%) included treatment recommendations for infertile patients. Most centers (51.7%) reserved fertility counselling for severe endometriosis (large endometriomas with or without deep endometriosis) while 15.5% of centers did not offer fertility preservation for endometriosis.

CONCLUSIONS

To address non-uniformity in available guidelines and the diversity in fertility preservation practices, we propose an algorithm for managing patients with severe endometriosis most likely to be impacted by reduced ovarian reserve. Improved awareness about the possibilities of fertility preservation and clear communication between gynaecological surgeons and reproductive medicine specialists is mandatory to address the unmet clinical need of preventing infertility in women with endometriosis.

Endometriosis-associated infertility: From pathophysiology to tailored treatment

Despite the clinically recognized association between endometriosis and infertility, the mechanisms implicated in endometriosis-associated infertility are not fully understood. Endometriosis is a multifactorial and systemic disease that has pleiotropic direct and indirect effects on reproduction. A complex interaction between endometriosis subtype, pain, inflammation, altered pelvic anatomy, adhesions, disrupted ovarian reserve/function, and compromised endometrial receptivity as well as systemic effects of the disease define endometriosis-associated infertility. The population of infertile women with endometriosis is heterogeneous, and diverse patients' phenotypes can be observed in the clinical setting, thus making difficult to establish a precise diagnosis and a single mechanism of endometriosis related infertility. Moreover, clinical management of infertility associated with endometriosis can be challenging due to this heterogeneity. Innovative non-invasive diagnostic tools are on the horizon that may allow us to target the specific dysfunctional alteration in the reproduction process. Currently the treatment should be individualized according to the clinical situation and to the suspected level of impairment. Here we review the etiology of endometriosis related infertility as well as current treatment options, including the roles of surgery and assisted reproductive technologies.

Do techniques of surgical management of ovarian endometrioma affect ovarian reserve? A narrative review

Endometriotic ovarian cysts are one of the more common gynecological disorders found in reproductive-aged and infertile women. The aim of this review is to summarise information regarding the effect of surgical treatment of endometrioma on ovarian reserve. In women with endometrioma ovarian reserve is decreased compared to similarly aged healthy women and surgical management techniques cause an additional reduction. Evidence suggests that laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy via stripping is the preferable surgical technique for management of endometrioma, compared with excisional/ablative techniques, in the fields of pain improvement, spontaneous pregnancy rates, and ovarian cyst recurrences. Ablation techniques, combined technique and three-step approach demonstrate a less decline in anti-Müllerian hormone postoperatively. A successful operation involves not only removal of ovarian pathology, but also maintenance of ovarian function and future reproductive potential. Patients should be counselled about the risks of surgery and the management plan should be individualised to patient's symptoms and reproductive goals.

Effect of endometrioma and its surgical excision on fertility (Review)

Endometrioma is the cystic lesion of ovaries originating from endometrial glands and stroma; it is identified in 17-44% of patients with endometriosis. Numerous existing studies have reported the association between endometrioma and infertility. However, an absolute cause-effect association requires further confirmation. Available evidence has suggested that ovarian reserve may be impaired by spatial occupation influences, local reaction or both, affecting the reproductive health of females. Given the increased focus on the pathophysiological mechanisms of endometrioma, surgical excision has commonly been considered to avoid further ovarian damage. However, the potential adverse effect of this surgery on the ovarian reserve has recently become a focal point. Whether or not surgical excision can facilitate subsequent conception in young females planning to be pregnant is controversial. As shown in the present review on the effects of endometrioma and its removal in females requiring assisted reproductive technology, prior surgery for endometrioma may not improve assisted fertility results and may further decrease the number of oocytes retrieved in the affected females. Subsequent studies are needed to ascertain the optimal management of infertility in the setting of endometriomas.

The impact of endometrioma on in vitro fertilisation/intra-cytoplasmic injection IVF/ICSI reproductive outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) are often used to aid fertility in women with endometrioma; however, the implications of endometrioma on ART are unresolved.

Objective

To determine the effect of endometrioma on reproductive outcomes in women undergoing IVF or ICSI.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to identify articles examining women who had endometrioma and had undergone IVF or ICSI. Electronic searches were performed in PubMed, BIOSIS and MEDLINE up to September 2019. The primary outcome was live birth rate (LBR). Secondary outcomes included clinical pregnancy rate (CPR), implantation rate (IR), number of oocytes retrieved, number of metaphase II (MII) oocytes retrieved, number of embryos and top-quality embryos and the duration of gonadotrophin stimulation and dose.

Results

Eight studies were included. Where significant heterogeneity between studies was identified, a random-effects model was used. The number of oocytes (weighted means difference; WMD-2.25; 95% CI 3.43 to − 1.06, p = 0.0002) and the number of MII oocytes retrieved (WMD-4.64; 95% CI 5.65 to − 3.63, p < 0.00001) were significantly lower in women with endometrioma versus controls. All other outcomes, including gonadotrophin dose and duration, the total number of embryos, high-quality embryos, CPR, IR and LBR were similar in women with and without endometrioma.

Conclusion

Even though women with endometriomas had a reduced number of oocytes and MII oocytes retrieved when compared to women without, no other differences in reproductive outcomes were identified. This implies that IVF/ICSI is a beneficial ART approach for women with endometrioma.