Ovarian response to repeated controlled stimulation in in-vitro fertilization cycles in patients with ovarian endometriosis

Evidence based management of patients with endometriosis undergoing assisted conception: British fertility society policy and practice recommendations

Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory condition in women of reproductive age, which can lead to infertility and pelvic pain. Endometriosis associated infertility is multifactorial in nature adversely affecting each step of the natural reproductive physiology and thereby processes and outcomes of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) cycles. These outcomes are further complicated by the subtype of endometriosis, being peritoneal, deep infiltrating and ovarian, which bear negative effects on ovarian reserve, response to stimulation, accessibility for oocyte retrieval, intraoperative safety and endometrial receptivity. There is still a lack of clear guidance about the role of surgery for ovarian endometriosis/endometriomas. This guideline evaluates the evidence of the impact of pelvic endometriosis and endometriomas on the outcome of ART and provides recommendations for management options before and during ART including intra-uterine insemination. Recommendations are made based on the current evidence for the management of patients with endometriosis across each step of ART with the primary aim of improving ART outcomes.

Assessment of Repetitive Controlled Ovarian Stimulation (COS) Cycles on Oocyte Donors: Impact on Oocyte Quality and Viable Embryo Yield

The utilization of donor eggs has broadened the options for Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) among women facing challenges with egg quantity or quality. Given that donors are typically selected from young and fertile individuals, In Vitro Fertilization with egg donation (IVF-ED) tends to exhibit higher rates of implantation, pregnancy, and live births compared to IVF with the woman's own eggs, especially for females over 35 years old. This has led to a projected increase in the demand for IVF-ED, surpassing the number of available donors. Consequently, many centers opt to use oocyte donors for multiple cycles. However, the correlation between repeated Controlled Ovarian Stimulation (COS) cycles and the performance of donors in terms of viable blastocyst stage embryo (VEC) or blastocyst embryo rate is not definitively established and remains of interest. This study aims to explore the preimplantation characteristics of embryo development and oocyte maturation status based on the number of donor COS cycles, employing a Generalized Linear Mixed Model (GLMM) framework. The study encompasses 1965 embryo transfer (ET) cycles involving 399 donors who underwent a minimum of two and a maximum of nine controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COS) cycles. The findings indicate that, with the patient undergoing six or more cycles of ovarian stimulation, despite a 3.9% increase in both maturation and fertilization rates, there is a corresponding decrease of 4.5% in VEC rate and 4.7% in blastulation rates. In essence, an escalating number of donor COS cycles appears to be associated with a disadvantageous reduction in embryo quality.

Endometriosis and In Vitro Fertilization

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is an established option for the management of infertility in patients with endometriosis, though there remains ongoing debate around the extent to which endometriosis may compromise IVF treatment success, in which fertilization and preimplantation embryo development occur outside the pelvis. Whether endometriosis impacts oocyte and embryo quality and/or endometrial receptivity remains central to this debate. Here, we review the current literature relating to the impact of endometriosis on IVF outcomes and management strategies to consider when performing IVF treatment.

Comparing ART outcomes in women with endometriosis after GnRH agonist versus GnRH antagonist ovarian stimulation: a systematic review

Background

Endometriosis is an oestrogen-dependent disease that can cause subfertility in women who may require assisted reproductive technology (ART) to achieve their pregnancy goals.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to compare ART outcomes in women with endometriosis following the long GnRH-agonist controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) protocol with those taking the GnRH-antagonist COS protocol.

Data Sources and Methods

MEDLINE, Embase and Web of Science were systematically searched in June 2022. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies comparing the long GnRH-agonist COS protocol and the GnRH-antagonist COS protocol in women with all stages/subtypes of endometriosis were included. Data were synthesized into comprehensive tables for systematic review. The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) checklists were used for the risk of bias assessment of non-randomized studies and randomized studies, and all the included studies were deemed to have acceptable quality.

Main Results

Eight studies (one RCT and seven observational) with 2695 patients (2761 cycles) were included. Most studies generally reported non-significant differences in clinical pregnancy or live birth rates regardless of the COS protocol used. However, the GnRH-agonist protocol may yield a higher total number of oocytes retrieved, especially mature oocytes. Conversely, the GnRH-antagonist protocol required a shorter COS duration and lower gonadotrophin dose. Adverse outcomes, such as rates of cycle cancellation and miscarriage, were similar between both COS protocols.

Conclusion

Both the long GnRH-agonist and GnRH-antagonist COS protocols generally yield similar pregnancy outcomes. However, the long GnRH-agonist protocol may be associated with a higher cumulative pregnancy rate due to the higher number of retrieved oocytes available for cryopreservation. The underlying mechanisms of the two COS protocols on the female reproductive tract remain unclear. Clinicians should consider treatment costs, stage/subtype of endometriosis and pregnancy goals of their patients when selecting a GnRH analogue for COS. A well-powered RCT is needed to minimize the risk of bias and compare the risk for ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.

Registration

This review was prospectively registered at PROSPERO under Registration No. CRD42022327604.

Endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome are diametric disorders

Evolutionary and comparative approaches can yield novel insights into human adaptation and disease. Endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) each affect up to 10% of women and significantly reduce the health, fertility, and quality of life of those affected. PCOS and endometriosis have yet to be considered as related to one another, although both conditions involve alterations to prenatal testosterone levels and atypical functioning of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. Here, we propose and evaluate the novel hypothesis that endometriosis and PCOS represent extreme and diametric (opposite) outcomes of variation in HPG axis development and activity, with endometriosis mediated in notable part by low prenatal and postnatal testosterone, while PCOS is mediated by high prenatal testosterone. This diametric disorder hypothesis predicts that, for characteristics shaped by the HPG axis, including hormonal profiles, reproductive physiology, life-history traits, and body morphology, women with PCOS and women with endometriosis will manifest opposite phenotypes. To evaluate these predictions, we review and synthesize existing evidence from developmental biology, endocrinology, physiology, life history, and epidemiology. The hypothesis of diametric phenotypes between endometriosis and PCOS is strongly supported across these diverse fields of research. Furthermore, the contrasts between endometriosis and PCOS in humans parallel differences among nonhuman animals in effects of low versus high prenatal testosterone on female reproductive traits. These findings suggest that PCOS and endometriosis represent maladaptive extremes of both female life-history variation and expression of sexually dimorphic female reproductive traits. The diametric disorder hypothesis for endometriosis and PCOS provides novel, unifying, proximate, and evolutionary explanations for endometriosis risk, synthesizes diverse lines of research concerning the two most common female reproductive disorders, and generates future avenues of research for improving the quality of life and health of women.

Analysis of IVF/ICSI Outcomes in Endometriosis Patients With Recurrent Implantation Failure: Influence on Cumulative Live Birth Rate

OBJECTIVE

To study the influence of endometriosis activity on the pregnancy outcomes of patients with recurrent implantation failure (RIF) in in-vitro fertilization/intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) cycles. The pregnancy outcomes were compared between RIF patients with endometriosis who received treatment at different occasions to explore the appropriate treatment plan for these patients and to optimize the pregnancy-support strategies.

DESIGN

Ambispective cohort study.

METHODS

A total of 330 patients with endometriosis were enrolled from 2008 to 2018 and included 1043 IVF/ICSI cycles. All patients were diagnosed with RIF after IVF/ICSI. Patients were assigned to three subtypes according to different control states of endometriosis, including the untreated, early-treatment, and late-treatment groups. The clinical pregnancy rate, live birth rate, and cumulative live birth rate of endometriosis patients with RIF were the main outcomes; additionally, the fertilization rate, available embryonic rate, and high-quality embryonic rate were also compared.

RESULTS

The early-treatment and late-treatment groups showed higher cumulative live birth rate than the untreated group (early-treated 43.6% vs. late-treated 46.3% vs. untreated 27.7%, P<0.001), though patients in the two treatment groups had higher rates of adenomyosis and ovarian surgery. The two treatment group showed a better laboratory result than the untreated and especially, the early-treatment group. The untreated group (46.24%) had a lower IVF fertilization rate than the treated group (early-treated [64.40%] and late-treated [60.27%] (P<0.001). In addition, the rates of available embryos and high-quality embryos in the early-treated group were much higher those that in the untreated group (90.30% vs. 85.20%, 76.50% vs. 64.47%). Kaplan-Meier curve showed that patients in the untreated group needed a mean of 23.126 months to achieve one live birth; whereas those in the treated group needed a comparatively shorter duration (early-treated: 18.479 ± 0.882 months and late-treated: 14.183 ± 1.102 months, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Endometriosis has a negative influence on IVF/ICSI outcome. The control of endometriosis activity can result in a higher cumulative live birth rate in patients. It is necessary for endometriosis patients to receive medical treatment to achieve a better prognosis especially for those with RIF.

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.

Reproductive, obstetric, and perinatal outcomes of women with adenomyosis and endometriosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The reproductive impact of adenomyosis and endometriosis is widely researched but the extent of these impacts remains elusive. It has been demonstrated that endometriosis, in particular, is known to result in subfertility but endometriosis and adenomyosis are increasingly linked to late pregnancy complications such as those caused by placental insufficiency. At the molecular level, the presence of ectopic endometrium perturbs the endometrial hormonal, cellular, and immunological milieu, negatively influencing decidualization, placentation, and developmental programming of the embryo. It is unclear if and how such early aberrant reproductive development relates to pregnancy outcomes in endometriosis and adenomyosis.

OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE

The aims of this systematic review and meta-analysis were to (i) investigate the association of adenomyosis and endometriosis with fertility, obstetric, and neonatal outcomes of women through both assisted reproduction and natural conception and (ii) determine whether endometriosis disease subtypes have specific impacts on different stages of the reproductive process.

SEARCH METHODS

A systematic literature review of NHS evidence electronic databases and the Cochrane database identified all comparative and observational studies between 1980 and December 2018 in any language on adenomyosis and endometriosis with fertility, obstetric, and neonatal outcomes (23 search terms used). A total of 104 papers were selected for data extraction and meta-analysis, with use of Downs and Black standardized checklist to evaluate quality and bias.

OUTCOMES

We found that endometriosis consistently leads to reduced oocyte yield and a reduced fertilization rate (FR), in line with current evidence. Milder forms of endometriosis were most likely to affect the fertilization (FR OR 0.77, CI 0.63-0.93) and earlier implantation processes (implantation rate OR 0.76, CI 0.62-0.93). The more severe disease by American Society for Reproductive Medicine staging (ASRM III and IV) influenced all stages of reproduction. Ovarian endometriosis negatively affects the oocyte yield (MD -1.22, CI -1.96, -0.49) and number of mature oocytes (MD -2.24, CI -3.4, -1.09). We found an increased risk of miscarriage in both adenomyosis and endometriosis (OR 3.40, CI 1.41-8.65 and OR 1.30, CI 1.25-1.35, respectively), and endometriosis can be associated with a range of obstetric and fetal complications including preterm delivery (OR 1.38, CI 1.01-1.89), caesarean section delivery (OR 1.98 CI 1.64-2.38), and neonatal unit admission following delivery (OR 1.29, CI 1.07-1.55).

WIDER IMPLICATIONS

Adenomyosis and the subtypes of endometriosis may have specific complication profiles though further evidence is needed to be able to draw conclusions. Several known pregnancy complications are likely to be associated with these conditions. The complications are possibly caused by dysfunctional uterine changes leading to implantation and placentation issues and therefore could potentially have far-reaching consequences as suggested by Barker's hypothesis. Our findings would suggest that women with these conditions should ideally receive pre-natal counselling and should be considered higher risk in pregnancy and at delivery, until evidence to the contrary is available. In order to expand our knowledge of these conditions and better advise on future management of these patients in reproductive and maternal medicine, a more unified approach to studying fertility and reproductive outcomes with longer term follow-up of the offspring and attention to the subtype of disease is necessary.

Could art cycles have a detrimental effect on ovarian reserve? A retrospective case control study

BACKGROUND

Even if it is supposed damage of repeated ART (assisted reproductive technology) cycles on oocyte pool, there is still no evidence in literature. Aim of the study is to investigate whether infertile women who undergo to several ART cycles can show a lower ovarian reserve measured by AMH (Anti-Mullerian hormone) levels.

METHODS

The study includes 282 infertile women, between 18 and 42 years, and allocated into two groups: 159 women previously submitted to two or more ART cycles (group A) and 123 women never submitted naïve to-ART cycles (group B). We tested whether AMH, FSH, LH and E2 levels were significantly different between the two groups, stratifying according to age.

RESULTS

Regardless to the age ranges bands, the AMH in group A was statistically significant lower than in group B with a statistical significance (P=0.047). In particular women aged over 35 previously submitted to one or more ART cycles showed lower AMH levels, than those paired with age, which had never been treated with ART.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the limitations of the study, our data demonstrate a reduced AMH levels in women aged over 35 previously submitted to two or more repeated ART-cycles compared to patients never treated before. The strength of this study is the actuality of the topic that has not been discussed before in detail.

Do ovarian endometriomas affect ovarian response to ovarian stimulation for IVF/ICSI?

RESEARCH QUESTION

Does the presence of ovarian endometriomas affect ovarian response to ovarian stimulation after adjusting for age and ovarian reserve markers?

DESIGN

This retrospective cross-sectional study compared the ovarian response between patients with ovarian endometriomas and women with other infertility factors undergoing their first ovarian stimulation for IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). An age-specific nomogram model for the number of oocytes retrieved was built for both groups, and ovarian response was compared after adjusting for age, gonadotrophin dose, anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) concentration and antral follicle count (AFC).

RESULTS

A total of 923 patients were included: 101 women with at least one ovarian endometrioma, and 822 patients with other infertility factors. Comparisons of the nomograms for the number of oocytes retrieved demonstrated that response was significantly lower for women with endometrioma when the results were adjusted for age the z-score for the number of oocytes retrieved (-0.49 ± 0.71 versus -0.20 ± 0.86; 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.47 to -0.12) and also after adjustment for the total dose of gonadotrophins and AMH values (z-score mean difference -0.338; 95% CI -0.54, -0.14). When the z-score was adjusted for gonadotrophin dose and AFC, the number of oocytes retrieved was comparable between the two groups (z-score mean difference -0.038; 95% CI -0.34 to 0.27).

CONCLUSIONS

Ovarian response after ovarian stimulation for IVF/ICSI in women with endometriomas is significantly lower than in controls after adjusting for age, gonadotrophin dose and AMH. Dose and protocol selection for ovarian stimulation in patients with endometrioma should be based on AFC rather than AMH, as the latter may be overestimated.

Analysis of IVF/ICSI-FET Outcomes in Women With Advanced Endometriosis: Influence on Ovarian Response and Oocyte Competence

Aims: To determine the impact of advanced endometriosis (EMS) on in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection and frozen-thawed embryo transfer (IVF/ICSI-FET) outcomes and analyze the influencing factors. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on sterile women with ovarian endometriomas (OMAs), including patients who underwent laparoscopic cystectomy (n = 224, 224 IVF/ICSI cycles, 205 FET cycles) and aspiration (n = 139, 139 IVF/ICSI cycles, 148 FET cycles); peritoneal EMS (n = 96, 96 IVF/ICSI cycles, 89 FET cycles); and tubal factors (n = 360, 360 IVF/ICSI cycles, 474 FET cycles). Our main outcomes included the number of MII oocytes retrieved, fertilization rate, the number of viable embryos, viable embryo rate per oocyte retrieved in oocyte retrieval cycles, and clinical pregnancy rate per transfer, live birth rate per transfer, and cumulative clinical pregnancy rate of this oocyte retrieval cycle in FET cycles. Finally, binary logistic regression analysis was performed to generate a prediction model for cumulative clinical pregnancy. Results: The results showed that significantly fewer MII oocytes retrieved and viable embryos and lower viable embryo rate and cumulative clinical pregnancy rate were observed in women with EMS compared with the control. Women with peritoneal EMS had lower fertilization rate and viable embryo rate per oocyte retrieved than patients with OMA (all p < 0.05). However, the pregnancy outcomes were not significantly different between the two phenotypes. The patients who underwent laparoscopic cystectomy had fewer MII oocytes retrieved and viable embryos compared with those with intact endometrioma(s) but no significant difference in pregnancy outcomes between the two types of OMA patients. By binary logistic regression analysis, antral follicle count (AFC) was found to be an independent factor associated with cumulative clinical pregnancy in this oocyte retrieval cycle (odds ratio = 1.054; 95% confidence interval, 1.011-1.100; p = 0.014), and the AFC prediction model of cumulative clinical pregnancy was established, with an area under the curve of 0.60. Conclusions: Our data supported that advanced EMS has negative effect on cumulative clinical pregnancy per oocyte retrieval cycle, and AFC is an independent predictor, which is mainly caused by poor ovarian response associated with OMA per se or its surgery and the damage of peritoneal EMS to oocyte maturation.

The impact of the localisation of endometriosis lesions on ovarian reserve and assisted reproduction techniques outcomes

This case-control study was designed to evaluate the impact of endometriosis and the presence of endometrioma (OMA) per se on the serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) level and also to compare the in vitro fertilisation/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) outcomes after therapeutic surgery in endometriosis patients, according to the localisation of endometriosis lesions. One hundred and fifty two infertile women ≤40 years with suspicious symptoms were surgically evaluated to detect the aetiology of infertility at the Royan Institute during this study and, in parallel, 131 patients with a male factor infertility diagnosis were considered as the control group. The serum AMH level and IVF/ICSI outcomes were compared according to the nature and extension degree of endometriosis lesions. The results demonstrated that the existence of a deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) with and without OMA was associated with a significant decrease in AMH level, antral follicle count and ovarian sensitivity index (OSI) (p < .001 and p = .007, respectively). The multivariable logistic regression analysis adjusted for confounding factors indicated that the OSI and the existence of DIE with and without OMA were a significant predictive variable for clinical pregnancy and for live birth. On the basis of our results, the severity of endometriosis and the location of its lesions could affect an ovarian reserve and the ovarian stimulation outcomes. Impact Statement What is already known on this subject? Previous studies have evaluated the impact of endometrioma (OMA) on ovarian reserve and the assisted reproduction technology (ART) outcomes and controversial results have been reported; therefore, it seems that this topic still needs further research. What the results of this study add? In the present study, the effect of endometriosis lesions' localisation on ovarian reserve and the success rate of the in vitro fertilisation/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) cycle after therapeutic surgery were compared with that of the control group. It was found that the existence of a deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) with and without OMA was associated with a significant decrease in the anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) level, antral follicle count, ovarian sensitivity index (OSI), clinical pregnancy and live birth rates. What the implications are of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? The results of this study has a practical value in the decision making process for the ovarian stimulation protocol in patients with the different severity of endometriosis and the counselling regarding the success rate of IVF or ICSI/embryo transfer cycles.

Comparison of clinical outcomes among dual ovarian stimulation, mild stimulation and luteal phase stimulation protocols in women with poor ovarian response

This study aimed to determine whether consecutive ovarian stimulation in follicular and luteal phases within a single menstrual cycle (dual stimulation) is achievable and superior to conventional stimulation for poor ovarian responders (PORs). Data of 260 PORs were retrospectively collected and divided into three groups. Group A comprised of cycles with dual ovarian stimulation (n = 76), which were divided into two subgroups (follicular [group A-F] and luteal phase stimulation [group A-L]); group B comprised of cycles with ovarian stimulation that was performed only in the luteal phase (n = 52). Group C comprised of mild ovarian stimulation cycles (n = 132). Baseline parameters were not different among the three groups. The numbers of oocytes and embryo obtained were less in group A-F than group B and C, while group A overall had significantly more oocytes and viable embryo retrieved than did group B and C. Group A-L consumed significantly less gonadotropin than group B, without compromising the number of retrieved oocytes and embryo. The pregnancy outcomes of transfer of embryo from different stimulation phases were similar. We conclude that dual ovarian stimulation protocol is effective and potentially optimal for PORs.

A preliminary evaluation of influence of body mass index on in vitro fertilization outcome in non-obese endometriosis patients

Background/aims

Obese and overweight women experience a lower probability for pregnancy after IVF. However, despite the increasing prevalence of obesity, the large majority of infertile women are non-obese. One of the most common indications for IVF is endometriosis. Thought-provoking inverse correlation has been established between BMI and endometriosis. Lower BMI is a risk factor for development of endometriosis and a predictive factor for severe endometriosis. Since severe endometriosis carries lower reproductive chances, even after IVF, we preliminary tested a hypothesis that higher BMI among non-obese endometriosis patients improves IVF outcomes.

Methods

Preliminary retrospective observational cross-sectional study was performed in women with endometriosis as a sole infertility cause who underwent IVF. During analyzed period we performed 2782 IVF procedures. In order to achieve highly homogenous study sample and to eliminate almost all confound factors that could lead to bias, we implemented strict study criteria. The number of eligible subjects was 156 and they were divided into underweight, normal weight and overweight groups. Primary outcomes were number of retrieved oocytes, good quality oocytes, embryos, and the rates of biochemical, clinical and ongoing pregnancies. For group comparisons, we used parametric test, analysis of variance, and non-parametric tests (Kruskal-Wallis test, Chi-square test). Logistic regression and General linear model was used to assess correlation between BMI and dependent variables (outcome and stimulation duration) when adjusted for age.

Results

Endometriosis as a single infertility factor among IVF couples had prevalence of 5.61%. Underweight women accounted for 10.26%, normal weight 71.15% and overweight 18.59% of study population. Significant differences were not found in number of retrieved oocytes (p = 0.880), good quality oocytes (p = 0.476), obtained embryos (p = 0.706), and biochemical (p = 0.298), clinical (p = 0.770) and ongoing (p = 0.822) pregnancy rates between study groups.

Conclusion

Although preliminary results do not support our hypothesis, increase in BMI did not adversely affect the outcome of IVF in non-obese endometriosis patients, which is in contrast to literature data as regards general population of infertile women undergoing IVF. Prospective studies with large number of patients with endometriosis or prospective case-control studies should address these issues and provide more comprehensive counseling of infertile endometriosis patients regarding achievement of optimal BMI prior to IVF with the intention of achievement higher pregnancy rates.

Use of medroxyprogesterone acetate in women with ovarian endometriosis undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation for in vitro fertilization

This study investigated the use of medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) or a short protocol for controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) in patients with advanced endometriosis who have normal ovarian function, and to compare cycle characteristics and pregnancy outcomes after frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET). This was a retrospective case-control study of 244 patients with advanced endometriosis undering COH. The patients were allocated to three groups: the surgery group with MPA COH (62 patients, 71 IVF/ICSI cycles, 78 FET cycles); the aspiration group with MPA COH (85 patients had ovarian “chocolate” cysts (>3 cm) aspirated, 90 IVF/ICSI cycles, 76 FET cycles); and the short protocol group (97 patients, 101 IVF/ICSI cycles, 51 FET cycles). The results showed that higher rates of mature oocyte, D3 high quality embryo, hMG dose were observed in the two study groups using MPA compared with the short protocol. The number of >10–14 mm follicles on the trigger day, D3 top-quality embryos, viable embryos, rates of cancellation, fertilization, implantation, pregnancy outcomes were similar among the three groups. The oocytes, embryos, and pregnancy outcomes were not influenced by endometrioma surgery or presence of endometrioma. MPA COH could be effective for women with ovarian advanced endometriosis who had normal ovarian function.

In vitro fertilization outcomes in women with surgery induced diminished ovarian reserve after endometrioma operation: Comparison with diminished ovarian reserve without ovarian surgery

Objective

To compare the in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes between women with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) after endometrioma operation and women with DOR without ovarian surgery.

Methods

This retrospective case-control study included 124 women aged under 40 and had DOR (serum anti-Müllerian hormone level <1.1 ng/mL or antral follicle count ≤6). They participated in fresh first and/or second IVF cycles between March in 2010 and December in 2015. Basal characteristics and IVF outcomes were compared between 47 cycles (32 women) with surgery-induced DOR and 119 cycles (92 women) with DOR without ovarian surgery.

Results

Basal characteristics were similar in both groups except that the median ages were lower in the surgery-induced DOR group compared to the DOR group without ovarian surgery. The data regarding the controlled ovarian stimulation and IVF cycle outcomes showed similar result in both groups. Also, clinical pregnancy and live birth rate were not different significantly between two groups.

Conclusion

In the same condition of DOR, clinical pregnancy and live birth rate were not different significantly between two groups regarding etiology of DOR.

Endometriosis-Related Infertility: The Role of the Assisted Reproductive Technologies

The assisted reproductive technologies, particularly in vitro fertilization (IVF), represent the most efficient and successful means of overcoming infertility associated with endometriosis. Although older studies suggest that IVF outcomes are compromised in endometriosis patients, more contemporary reports show no differences compared to controls. The exception may be evidence of poorer outcomes and diminished ovarian response in women with advanced disease, particularly those with significant ovarian involvement or prior ovarian surgery. Prolonged pre-IVF cycle suppressive medical therapy, particularly gonadotropin releasing hormone agonists, appears to improve success rates in a subset of endometriosis patients. However, as of yet, there is no diagnostic marker to specifically identify those who would most benefit from this approach. Pre-IVF cycle surgical resection of nonovarian disease has not been consistently shown to improve outcomes with the possible exception of resection of deeply invasive disease, although the data is limited. Precycle resection of ovarian endometriomas does not have benefit and should only be performed for gynecologic indications. Indeed, there is a large body of evidence to suggest that this procedure may have a deleterious impact on ovarian reserve and response. A dearth of appropriately designed trials makes development of definitive treatment paradigms challenging.

Impact of ovarian endometrioma on ovarian responsiveness and IVF: a systematic review and meta-analysis

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, the effect of ovarian endometrioma on ovarian responsiveness to stimulation and on assisted reproduction outcomes was evaluated. Nine published studies (1039 cases) were included. The number of oocytes retrieved (mean difference [MD] -1.50; 95% CI, -2.84 to -0.15, P = 0.03), metaphase II (MII) oocytes retrieved (MD -3.61; 95% CI -4.44 to -2.78, P < 0.00001) and total embryos formed (MD -0.66; 95% CI -1.13 to -0.18, P = 0.007) were significantly lower in women with ovarian endometrioma than the control group. Gonadotrophin dose, duration of stimulation, number of good-quality embryos, implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate were similar. Comparisons between ovaries with endometriomas and healthy ovaries of the same individuals were also made. Number of oocytes retrieved, MII oocytes retrieved and total embryos formed were not statistically significantly different between the affected ovaries and contralateral normal ovaries. Observational studies showed that ovarian endometrioma was associated with fewer oocytes retrieved, fewer MII oocytes retrieved and fewer total formed embryos. Clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rates were not affected. Intra-patient comparisons in women with unilateral endometrioma suggested the number of oocytes retrieved, MII oocytes retrieved and total embryos formed were similar.

Surgical diminished ovarian reserve after endometrioma cystectomy versus idiopathic DOR: comparison of in vitro fertilization outcome

STUDY QUESTION

Does the live birth rate after IVF depend on the etiology of diminished ovarian reserve (DOR)?

SUMMARY ANSWER

IVF outcome and live birth rate are significantly impaired in women with DOR caused by a previous cystectomy for endometrioma compared with women with idiopathic DOR.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

The safety of the surgical treatment of endometriomas is being discussed in terms of damage to ovarian reserve. Several studies have reported a poor response to controlled ovarian stimulation and a significantly impaired IVF outcome in women with DOR consecutive to an endometrioma cystectomy compared with women with tubal factor infertility.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

Retrospective case-control study conducted in women aged under 40 treated in our Reproductive Medicine Center between January 2010 and January 2014 for a DOR defined by anti-Müllerian hormone level <2 ng/ml. Two groups of patients were selected: group A included patients with a DOR diagnosed after cystectomy(s) for endometrioma(s), group B included patients with an idiopathic DOR. In each group, subgroups of patients 'poor ovarian responders', based on the ESHRE criteria ('Bologna criteria'), have been established.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

A total of 51 patients in group A were matched to 116 patients in group B, representing respectively 125 and 243 IVF cycles. Among them, 39 patients in group A and 78 patients in group B validated strictly by the Bologna criteria, representing 99 and 189 IVF cycles, respectively. Each patient underwent a controlled ovarian hyperstimulation and IVF with fresh embryo transfer. Primary end-point was the live birth rate. Secondary end-points were the number of retrieved oocytes, fertilization rate, implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, spontaneous abortion rate and cycle cancelation rate.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

Significantly lower pregnancy (11.2% in group A versus 20.6% in group B, P = 0.02) and live birth (7.2 versus 16.9% respectively, P = 0.01) rates per cycle were assessed in women in group A compared with women in group B. The same results were obtained in the Bologna criteria subgroup analysis with a significantly lower pregnancy (9.1 versus 20.1%, P = 0.016) and live birth (5.1 versus 15.3%, P = 0.001) rates per cycle in women in subgroup A compared with women in subgroup B. Patients in group A required significantly higher gonadotrophins doses (2881 IU ± 1111 versus 2526 IU ± 795, P = 0.005), longer ovarian stimulation (10.6 Days ± 2.8 versus 9.9 Days ± 2.4, P = 0.019) and higher cancelation rate for poor response (12 versus 6.2%, P = 0.05). Despite a mean number of retrieved oocytes similar with the group B (5.4 ± 3.1 and 5.1 ± 3.2, NS), and a significantly higher fertilization rate (65.7 versus 47.2%, P < 0.001), women in group A showed a significantly lower implantation rate (7.2 versus 13.5%, P = 0.03). Abortion rate, ectopic pregnancy rate and multiple pregnancy rate were similar in both groups.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

Data were collected retrospectively using the database of our Department. Sample size is relatively small but our study provides statistically significant evidence that the chances of IVF success are decreased in women with DOR after cystectomy for endometrioma. Further larger series are needed to confirm these findings.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

To our knowledge, this is the first study evaluating IVF outcome in patients with DOR after cystectomy(s) for endometrioma(s) versus in patients with an idiopathic DOR. In addition to the risk of damaging ovarian reserve, we hypothesize that endometrioma surgery would not have qualitative benefits on results in IVF in patients with DOR.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS

The authors have no competing interests to declare.

Ovarian reserve markers and assisted reproductive technique (ART) outcomes in women with advanced endometriosis

BACKGROUND

The role of ovarian reserve markers as predictors of the controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) response in intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles in women with endometriosis has been much debated. The aim of the present study is to assess the predictability of ovarian reserve markers for the number of mature oocytes (MII) retrieved and to assess the pregnancy rate and live birth rate in women with advanced endometriosis.

METHODS

Two hundred eighty-five infertile women who had laparoscopy followed by a first ICSI cycle were recruited in this prospective study. One hundred ten patients were diagnosed with endometriosis stage III-IV (group 1), and 175 patients had no endometriosis (group II). Sixty-three patients in group 1 had no history of previous endometrioma surgery (group Ia), and 47 patients had a history of previous endometrioma surgery (group Ib).

RESULTS

The number of mature oocytes retrieved was significantly lower in women with advanced endometriosis than in women with no endometriosis. The number of mature oocytes retrieved in women with and without endometriosis was best predicted by antral follicle count (AFC) and age, whereas only AFC was a predictor in women with previous endometrioma surgery (odds ratio: 0.49; 95% confidence interval: 0.13-0.60). Women with endometriosis had a lower rate of live births than the control group, but this difference was not statistically significant; the number of live births was significantly lower in those with previous endometrioma surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

The best predictor of the COS response in ICSI was AFC, followed by age. Women receiving ICSI following surgery for ovarian endometrioma had a poorer clinical outcome and lower rate of live births compared with those with endometriosis but no previous surgery and the control group.

Impact of endometriosis and its staging on assisted reproduction outcome: systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether the presence or severity of endometriosis affects the outcome of assisted reproductive techniques (ART).

METHODS

In this systematic review, all studies comparing the outcome of ART in women with and those without endometriosis, or at different stages of the disease, were considered eligible. We used either risk ratio (RR) or mean difference (MD) and their 95%CIs for comparisons. The primary outcome was live birth; the secondary outcome was clinical pregnancy. Miscarriage and the number of oocytes retrieved were examined as additional outcomes.

RESULTS

We included 92 studies in the review and 78 in the meta-analysis: 20,167 women with endometriosis were compared with 121,931 women without endometriosis, and 1703 women with Stage-III/IV endometriosis were compared with 2227 women with Stage-I/II endometriosis. The following results were observed for the comparison of women with endometriosis vs women without endometriosis: live birth, RR = 0.99 (95%CI, 0.92-1.06); clinical pregnancy, RR = 0.95 (95%CI, 0.89-1.02); miscarriage, RR = 1.31 (95%CI, 1.07-1.59); number of oocytes retrieved, MD = -1.56 (95%CI, -2.05 to -1.08). The following results were observed for the comparison of women with Stage-III/IV vs Stage-I/II endometriosis: live birth, RR = 0.94 (95%CI, 0.80-1.11); clinical pregnancy, RR = 0.90 (95%CI, 0.82-1.00); miscarriage, RR = 0.99 (95%CI, 0.73-1.36); number of oocytes retrieved, MD = -1.03 (95%CI, -1.67 to -0.39).

CONCLUSIONS

Women with endometriosis undergoing ART have practically the same chance of achieving clinical pregnancy and live birth as do women with other causes of infertility. No relevant difference was observed in the chance of achieving clinical pregnancy and live birth following ART when comparing Stage-III/IV with Stage-I/II endometriosis. The quality of the evidence for the additional examined outcomes was very low, not allowing meaningful conclusions to be drawn.

Endometriosis and infertility: how and when to treat?

Endometriosis is defined as the presence of endometrial-like tissue (glands or stroma) outside the uterus, which induces a chronic inflammatory reaction. Although endometriosis impairs fertility, it does not usually completely prevent conception. The question of evidence based-medicine guidelines in endometriosis-associated infertility is weak in many situations. Therefore, we will highlight in this issue where the challenges are.

Comparing long term impact on ovarian reserve between laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy and open laprotomy for ovarian endometrioma

Objective

To compare the long term impact on ovarian reserve between laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy with bipolar electrocoagulation and laparotomic cystectomy with suturing for ovarian endometrotic cyst.

Patient and method(s)

121 patients with benign ovarian endometroitic cysts were randomised to either laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy using bipolar electrocoagulation (61 patients) or laparotomic ovarian cystectomy using sutures (60 patients). Serum follicle-stimulating hormone, Antimullerian hormon, Basal antral follicle Count, mean ovarian diameter, and ovarian stromal blood flow velocity were measured at 6, 12 and 18 months after surgery and compared in both groups.

Result(s)

A statistically significant increase of serum FSH was found in the laproscopic bipolar group at 6-, 12 and 18-month postoperativly compared to open laparotomy suture group. Also, a statistically significant decrease of the mean AMH value occurred in laproscopic bipolar group at 6-, 12 and 18-month follow- up compared to open laparotomy suture group. Basal antral follicle number, mean ovarian diameter and peak systolic velocity were significantly decreased during the 6-, 12,18 -month follow-up in laproscopic bipolar group compared to open laparotomy suture group.

Conclusion(s)

After laproscopic ovarian cystecomy for endometrioma all pareameter of ovarian reseve are significantly decreased on long term follow up as compared to open laprotomy.

Preoperative serum anti-mullerian hormone level in women with ovarian endometrioma and mature cystic teratoma

PURPOSE

To investigate whether preoperative serum anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) levels are lower in women with ovarian endometrioma and in women with mature cystic teratoma of the ovaries.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In a tertiary university hospital, a retrospective case-control study was performed. Serum AMH levels between an advanced (stage III and IV) endometrioma group (n=102) and an age- and body mass index (BMI)-matched control group were compared. Serum AMH levels between an ovarian mature cystic teratoma group (n=48) and age- and BMI-matched controls were also compared.

RESULTS

Absolute serum AMH and multiples of the median for AMH (AMH-MoM) relevant to Korean standards were lower in the endometrioma group than controls, but this was not statistically significant (mean±SEM, 2.9±0.3 ng/mL vs. 3.3±0.3 ng/mL, p=0.28 and 1.3±0.1 vs. 1.6±0.1, p=0.29, respectively). Specifically, the stage IV endometriosis group (n=51) exhibited significantly lower serum AMH and AMH-MoM (2.1±0.3 vs. 3.1±0.4 ng/mL, p=0.02 and 1.1±0.1 vs. 1.7±0.2, p=0.03, respectively). Serum AMH and AMH-MoM levels were similar between stage III endometriosis and controls (3.7±0.5 vs. 3.4±0.5 ng/mL and 1.6±0.2 vs. 1.5±0.2, respectively), as well as between the mature cystic teratoma group and controls (4.0±0.5 ng/mL vs. 4.0±0.5 ng/mL and 1.6±0.2 vs. 1.6±0.3, respectively). Interestingly, AMH-MoM level was negatively correlated with endometriosis score with statistical significance (r²=0.13, p<0.01).

CONCLUSION

In women with advanced ovarian endometrioma, preoperative serum AMH values tended to be lower than those for age and BMI-matched controls. Notably, stage IV endometrioma appeared to be closely associated with decreased ovarian reserve, even before operation. Clinicians should keep this information in mind before undertaking surgery of ovarian endometrioma.

Cellular and molecular basis for endometriosis-associated infertility

Endometriosis is a gynecological disease characterized by the presence of endometrial glandular epithelial and stromal cells growing in the extra-uterine environment. The disease afflicts 10%–15% of menstruating women causing debilitating pain and infertility. Endometriosis appears to affect every part of a woman’s reproductive system including ovarian function, oocyte quality, embryo development and implantation, uterine function and the endocrine system choreographing the reproductive process and results in infertility or spontaneous pregnancy loss. Current treatments are laden with menopausal-like side effects and many cause cessation or chemical alteration of the reproductive cycle, neither of which is conducive to achieving a pregnancy. However, despite the prevalence, physical and psychological tolls and health care costs, a cure for endometriosis has not yet been found. We hypothesize that endometriosis causes infertility via multifaceted mechanisms that are intricately interwoven thereby contributing to our lack of understanding of this disease process. Identifying and understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms responsible for endometriosis-associated infertility might help unravel the confounding multiplicities of infertility and provide insights into novel therapeutic approaches and potentially curative treatments for endometriosis.

Contributing factors for the incidence of aneuploidy in older patients undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles

PURPOSE

To evaluate different factors that might affect the incidence of embryo aneuploidy in intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles (ICSI).

METHODS

One hundred and ninety ICSI cycles in conjunction with preimplantation genetic screening (PGS) were included. The influence of the following variables on the aneuploidy incidence was evaluated: (i) maternal and (ii) paternal ages, (iii) dose of FSH administered, (iv) dose of FSH per number of retrieved matured oocytes (FSH/MII), (v) serum 17β-oestradiol levels on the ovulation trigger day, (vi) aspirated follicles and (vii) retrieved oocytes.

RESULTS

A total of 440 embryos were successfully biopsied, of which 240 were considered euploid and 200 were considered aneuploid. The paternal age (Slope: 0.2, p = 0.372), total dose of FSH (Slope: 0.2, p = 0.218), FSH/MII (Slope: 0.1, p = 0.296) and 17β-oestradiol levels (Slope: 0.2, p = 0.378) were not correlated with the presence of aneuploidy. However, the maternal age (Slope: 1.7, p < 0.01), aspirated follicles (Slope: 1.9, p < 0.01) and retrieved oocytes (Slope: 2.6, p < 0.01) were negatively correlated with the incidence of aneuploidy.

CONCLUSIONS

Even in older patients, lower oocyte yields may represent a more appropriate response to ovarian stimulation, allowing the most competent follicles and oocytes to develop and thereby reducing the occurrence of embryo aneuploidy.

In vitro fertilization is a successful treatment in endometriosis-associated infertility

OBJECTIVE

To assess success rates of IVF and intracytoplasmic sperm injection in women with various stages of endometriosis.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Reproductive medicine unit in a university hospital.

PATIENT(S)

Infertile women (n = 2,245) with various stages of endometriosis or tubal factor infertility.

INTERVENTION(S)

IVF or intracytoplasmic sperm injection.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Dose of FSH, number of oocytes retrieved, fertilization rate, implantation rate, pregnancy rate (PR), live birth/ongoing PR.

RESULT(S)

Women with endometriosis had similar pregnancy and live birth/ongoing PR as did women with tubal factor infertility, but the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) stage I and II endometriosis patients had a lower fertilization rate, and stage III and IV patients required more FSH and had fewer oocytes retrieved. Splitting the stage III and IV groups into patients with and without endometriomas showed that the endometrioma group required more FSH and had a significantly lower pregnancy and live birth/ongoing PR.

CONCLUSION(S)

With the exception of patients with endometrioma, infertile women with various stages of endometriosis have the same success rates with IVF and intracytoplasmic sperm injection as patients with tubal factor. This contrasts with the systematic review on which the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology bases its recommendations.

The value of growth hormone supplements in ART for poor ovarian responders

Recently, three meta-analyses have concluded that cotreatment with GH improves assisted reproduction outcome in poor controlled ovarian stimulation responders. Although generally GH supplements did not increase controlled ovarian stimulation response or number of oocytes, the supplements improved pregnancy and live-birth rates-thus speaking for an effect on oocyte quality.

Impact of endometriosis on in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer cycles in young women: a stage-dependent interference

OBJECTIVE

Endometriosis is a frequent indication for in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET). Its influence on IVF-ET cycles remains controversial. We evaluated the impact of the severity of endometriosis on IVF-ET cycles in young women.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Academic tertiary referral centre.

SAMPLE AND METHODS

In a retrospective cohort analysis, 164 IVF-ET cycles in 148 women with endometriosis-associated infertility were analyzed. Eighty cycles performed during the same period on 72 consecutive women with tubal infertility were considered as controls. All patients were younger than 35 years old.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Response to controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH), number of oocytes retrieved, fertilization, implantation and pregnancy rate (PR).

RESULTS

Clinical PR was lower in the group with endometriosis (all stages) in comparison with the tubal factor group. Higher total gonadotropin requirements, lower response to COH and lower oocyte yield were also found in the endometriosis group. Stage-stratified analysis showed a lower fertilization rate in stage I-II (52.6% stage I-II, 70.5% stage III-IV and 71.9% tubal factor). In stage III-IV endometriosis there was a higher cycle cancellation rate, a reduced response to COH and a lower PR compared with both the stage I-II and the tubal infertility groups (PR 9.7, 25 and 26.1%, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Stage III-IV was strongly associated with poor IVF outcome. A decreased fertilization rate in stage I-II might be a cause of subfertility in these women, owing to a hostile environment caused by the disease.

Aspiration and ethanol sclerotherapy to treat recurrent ovarian endometriomas prior to in vitro fertilization – a pilot study

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe the evolution of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation in women with recurrent ovarian endometriomas treated with sclerotherapy. Methods: Twenty-one patients with a laparoscopic diagnosis of stage III or IV endometriosis who had an endometrioma larger than 3 cm before ovarian hyperstimulation for in vitro fertilization were included in the study. After using a GnRH agonist analog for at least 20 days, the cysts were punctured using ultrasound guidance and subsequent ethanol sclerotherapy was performed. Then, the patients were stimulated with 100 or 200 U/day of recombinant follicle stimulating hormone, varying the dose according to the patient's age or history of a previous unilateral oophorectomy. Results: The ovarian cysts had an average diameter of 4.7 ± 1.4 cm and did not recur after aspiration during the ovulation induction. Oocyte extraction occurred after 11 days of hyperstimulation, with 3.95 ± 3.30 oocytes obtained per cycle, on average. Embryo transfer occurred in 71.4% (15/21) of patients, and the pregnancy rate after transfer was 20% (3/15). Conclusion: Aspiration followed by ethanol sclerotherapy prior to in vitro fertilization can be an option for patients who desire a pregnancy and have recurrent endometriomas.

Ovarian endometriomas and IVF: a retrospective case-control study

We performed this retrospective case-control study analyzing 428 first-attempt in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles, among which 254 involved women with a previous or present diagnosis of ovarian endometriosis. First, the results of these 254 cycles were compared with 174 cycles involving patients with proven non-endometriotic tubal infertility having similar age and body mass index. Women with ovarian endometriosis had a significantly higher cancellation rate, but similar pregnancy, implantation and delivery rates as patients with tubal infertility. Second, among the women with ovarian endometriosis, the women with a history of laparoscopic surgery for ovarian endometriomas prior to IVF and no visual endometriosis at ovum pick-up (n = 112) were compared with the non-operated women and visual endometriomas at ovum pick-up (n = 142). Patients who underwent ovarian surgery before IVF had significantly shorter period, lower antral follicle count and required higher gonadotropin doses than patients with non-operated endometriomas. The two groups of women with a previous or present ovarian endometriosis did, however, have similar pregnancy, implantation and live birth rates. In conclusion, ovarian endometriosis does not reduce IVF outcome compared with tubal factor. Furthermore, laparoscopic removal of endometriomas does not improve IVF results, but may cause a decrease of ovarian responsiveness to gonadotropins.

Endometriosis and infertility: pathophysiology and management

Endometriosis and infertility are associated clinically. Medical and surgical treatments for endometriosis have different effects on a woman's chances of conception, either spontaneously or via assisted reproductive technologies (ART). Medical treatments for endometriosis are contraceptive. Data, mostly uncontrolled, indicate that surgery at any stage of endometriosis enhances the chances of natural conception. Criteria for non-removal of endometriomas are: bilateral cysts, history of past surgery, and altered ovarian reserve. Fears that surgery can alter ovarian function that is already compromised sparked a rule of no surgery before ART. Exceptions to this guidance are pain, hydrosalpinges, and very large endometriomas. Medical treatment-eg, 3-6 months of gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues-improves the outcome of ART. When age, ovarian reserve, and male and tubal status permit, surgery should be considered immediately so that time is dedicated to attempts to conceive naturally. In other cases, the preference is for administration of gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues before ART, and no surgery beforehand. The strategy of early surgery, however, seems counterintuitive because of beliefs that milder non-surgical options should be offered first and surgery last (only if initial treatment attempts fail). Weighing up the relative advantages of surgery, medical treatment and ART are the foundations for a global approach to infertility associated with endometriosis.

Repetitive oocyte donation does not decrease serum anti-Müllerian hormone levels

OBJECTIVE

To determine if the anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), a proposed marker of ovarian aging, decreases with repetitive oocyte donation.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort.

SETTING

Academic.

PATIENT(S)

Thirty-six young women who underwent three to seven oocyte donation cycles.

INTERVENTION(S)

Assessor blind determination of AMH levels from serum samples collected during each treatment cycle.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Cycle trends of serum AMH levels.

RESULT(S)

The AMH was the only predictor of oocyte yield in the first cycles. The AMH was negatively associated with donor age and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) dose used. Serum AMH levels did not show any decrease per treatment cycle basis and per maximum number of oocyte donation cycles performed per woman. Whereas donors who underwent six cycles showed increasing AMH levels when controlled for studied covariates, the slopes of the multiple regression curves were not significantly different from donors who underwent three, four, and five cycles. Clinical outcome assessed by FSH dose/number of oocytes ratio did not show significant change over repetitive cycles. Intercycle variation of AMH in all patients over three cycles was found to be 12.5%, which was within the reported intermenstrual range.

CONCLUSION(S)

Serum AMH levels do not decrease over repetitive oocyte donation cycles, which may imply that accelerated ovarian aging may not occur in oocyte donors.

Endometriosis and infertility: epidemiology and evidence-based treatments

Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent disorder defined as the presence of endometrial tissue outside of the uterine cavity. A leading cause of infertility, endometriosis has a prevalence of 0.5-5% in fertile and 25-40% in infertile women. The optimal choice of management for endometriosis-associated infertility remains obscure. Removal or suppression of endometrial deposits by medical or surgical means constitutes the basis of endometriosis management. Current evidence indicates that suppressive medical treatment of endometriosis does not benefit fertility and should not be used for this indication alone. Surgery is probably efficacious for all stages of the disease. Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation with intrauterine insemination is recommended in early-stage and surgically corrected endometriosis when pelvic anatomy is normal. In advanced cases, in vitro fertilization is a treatment of choice, and its success may be augmented with prolonged gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog treatment. Further randomized clinical trials focusing on diverse etiopathogenic mechanisms and therapeutic innovation are necessary to find more conclusive, evidence-based answers regarding this enigmatic disease.

Excisional surgery versus ablative surgery for ovarian endometriomata

BACKGROUND

Endometriomata are endometriotic deposits within the ovary. The surgical management of these blood filled cysts is controversial. The laparoscopic approach to the management of endometriomata is favoured over a laparotomy approach as it offers the advantage of a shorter hospital stay, faster patient recovery and decreased hospital costs. Currently the commonest procedures for the treatment of ovarian endometriomata are either excision of the cyst capsule or drainage and electrocoagulation of the cyst wall.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this review was to determine the most effective technique of treating an ovarian endometrioma; either excision of the cyst capsule or drainage and electrocoagulation of the cyst wall. The end-points assessed were the relief of pain, recurrence of the endometrioma, recurrence of symptoms and in women desiring to conceive the subsequent pregnancy rate, either spontaneous or as part of fertility treatment.

SEARCH STRATEGY

The reviewers searched the Cochrane Menstrual Disorders and Subfertility Group specialised register of trials (searched 3rd March 2007), the Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library, Issue 3, 2007), MEDLINE (1966-August 2007), EMBASE (1980- March 2007) and reference lists of articles, the handsearching of relevant journals and conference proceedings and by contacting leaders in the field of endoscopic surgery throughout the world. The Cochrane Menstrual Disorders and Subfertility Group Trials Register is based on regular searches of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINHAL and CENTRAL.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials of excision of the cyst capsule versus drainage and electrocoagulation of the cyst in the management of ovarian endometriomata.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Reviewers assessed eligibility and trial quality.

MAIN RESULTS

No randomised studies of the management of endometriomata by laparotomy were found. Two randomised studies of the laparoscopic management of ovarian endometriomata of greater than 3cm in size, for the primary symptom of pain were included. Laparoscopic excision of the cyst wall of the endometrioma was associated with a reduced recurrence rate of the symptoms of dysmenorrhea (OR 0.15 CI 0.06-0.38), dyspareunia (OR 0.08 CI 0.01-0.51) and non-menstrual pelvic pain (OR 0.10 CI 0.02-0.56), a reduced rate of recurrence of the endometrioma (OR 0.41 CI 0.18-0.93) and with a reduced requirement for further surgery (OR 0.21 CI 0.05-0.79) than surgery to ablate the endometrioma. For those women subsequently attempting to conceive it was also associated with a subsequent increased spontaneous pregnancy rate in women who had documented prior sub-fertility (OR 5.21 CI 2.04-13.29). A further randomised study was identified that demonstrated an increased ovarian follicular response to gonadotrophin stimulation for women who had undergone excsional surgery when compared to ablative surgery (WMD 0.6 CI 0.04-1.16). There is insufficient evidence to favour excisional surgery over ablative surgery with respect to the chance of pregnancy after controlled ovarian stimulation and intra-uterine insemination (OR 1.40 CI 0.47-4.15) .

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is good evidence that excisional surgery for endometriomata provides for a more favourable outcome than drainage and ablation with regard to the recurrence of the endometrioma, recurrence of pain symptoms, and in women who were previously subfertile, subsequent spontaneous pregnancy . Consequently this approach should be the favoured surgical approach. However in women who may subsequently may undergo fertility treatment insufficient evidence exists to determine the favoured surgical approach.

In vitro fertilization in normoresponder patients with endometriomas: comparison with basal simple ovarian cysts

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether the space-occupying effect of an endometrioma, rather than endometriosis itself, affects results in in vitro fertilization (IVF) using women with simple ovarian cysts as the control group.

METHODS

85 normoresponder patients with endometriomas of 10-50 mm who underwent IVF treatment directly without initial removal were compared with 83 normoresponder patients with simple ovarian cysts of 10-35 mm detected at the beginning of stimulation and initiated treatment without aspiration.

RESULTS

Gonadotropin consumption was higher in the endometrioma group (3,013 vs. 2,451 IU; p = 0.001), although significantly fewer numbers of oocytes were retrieved (13.9 vs. 16.4; p = 0.03). However, oocyte maturation rates were similar. The transferred grade I embryos ratio was evaluated and found to be better in the cyst group (79.7 vs. 70.7%; p = 0.03). Consequently, the implantation rate was found to be significantly higher in the cyst group (28 vs. 19%; p = 0.02), although pregnancy and ongoing pregnancy rates were similar.

CONCLUSION

The presence of an endometriotic cyst during the IVF cycle was demonstrated to be associated with a lower embryo quality and implantation rate, although pregnancy success was unaffected. This adverse effect is suggested to be the result of the disease itself, not the presence of a cystic mass.

Effects of Different Stages of Endometriosis on the Outcome of In Vitro Fertilization

OBJECTIVE

This study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of different stages of endometriosis on the outcome of treatment in an in vitro fertilization (IVF) program.

METHODS

This was a retrospective, matched case-control study in an academic tertiary referral centre. The study group consisted of 87 women with laparoscopically diagnosed endometriosis, and the control group consisted of 87 age-matched women undergoing IVF for different reasons. The primary outcomes were duration of stimulation, total gonadotropin dose requirement, peak serum estradiol level, total number of oocytes retrieved, fertilization rate, embryo quality, implantation rate, and clinical pregnancy rate. The effect of obliteration of the cul-de-sac by endometriosis was also evaluated.

RESULTS

Women with endometriosis required significantly higher gonadotropin doses than women in the control group (P < 0.01). The fertilization rate was significantly lower for women with endometriosis (P < 0.05), although there was no difference in embryo quality or in the number of embryos transferred. In patients with an obliterated cul-de-sac, fewer oocytes were retrieved than in patients in the control group (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The presence of endometriosis, including stages III and IV, does not affect IVF outcome. However, women with endometriosis require more gonadotropin stimulation than those with no endometriosis. Women with an obliterated cul-de-sac have fewer oocytes retrieved than women without obliteration.

Endométriomes ovariens : effet de la kystectomie laparoscopique sur la réponse ovarienne en fécondation in vitro

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the follicular response to controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) in IVF-ET cycles after laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy for large endometriomas.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In the set of a retrospective controlled study, the medical records of 113 infertile women who underwent IVF-ET cycles after laparoscopic surgery were reviewed. The study group (A) consisted of 63 patients with severe pelvic endometriosis and endometrioma excision. The control group (B) consisted of 50 infertile patients with mild or minimal endometriosis. Interventions were laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy in the study group, and COH in both groups.

RESULTS

Groups A and B were not different in terms of epidemiologic data. The total numbers of recruited follicles (9.1+/-3.3 vs 10.6+/-4.2; P = 0.001), mature follicles (> or =16 mm) (4.2+/-1.7 vs 4.8+/-2.2; P = 0.04), mature oocytes retrieved (5.8+/-3.8 vs 7.4+/-4.6; P = 0.02), and fertilization rate (48.9+/-34.9 vs 61.8+/-32.1%; P = 0.02) observed in group A were lower than those observed in group B, respectively. While the mean number of rFSH ampoules (75 IU) was increased in group A (38.1+/-20.4) compared to group B (29.3+/-16.4; P = 0.004), cumulative pregnancy rates were similar in both groups (27.5+/-8.8% vs 37.2+/-10.6%; P = 0.37).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

Ovarian response was reduced during IVF-ET cycles in patients with history of severe endometriosis and laparoscopic excision of endometriomas compared to women with mild or minimal endometriosis without ovarian surgery.

The presence of ovarian endometriomas is associated with a reduced responsiveness to gonadotropins

OBJECTIVE

To clarify whether the presence of ovarian endometriomas is associated with a reduced responsiveness to ovarian hyperstimulation.

DESIGN

Observational study.

SETTING

University teaching hospital.

PATIENT(S)

Women selected for in vitro fertilization-intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF-ICSI) cycles who were found to have unilateral ovarian endometriomas and who did not undergo previous ovarian surgery.

INTERVENTION(S)

Ovarian hyperstimulation using gonadotropins.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Number of codominant follicles (mean diameter >15 mm) in the affected and in the contralateral intact gonads.

RESULT(S)

Thirty-six patients were enrolled. They underwent 56 IVF-ICSI cycles. The number of codominant follicles in the intact and affected ovaries were 4.0 +/- 2.2 and 3.0 +/- 1.7, respectively (P=.01). This difference corresponded to a mean reduction (95% confidence interval [CI]) of 25% (6%-44%). This deleterious effect was more evident in women with larger cysts, in those with more than one cyst, and in those who were more responsive to ovarian hyperstimulation.

CONCLUSION(S)

The presence of ovarian endometriomas is associated with a reduced responsiveness to gonadotropins.