Exploring the relationship between endometriomas and infertility

Abstract

Several clinical and epidemiological studies demonstrated an association between endometriosis and infertility. A role in the genesis of infertility may be played by endometriomas, which may interfere with ovulation or damage ovarian tissue. Unlike peritoneal implants, the availability of an accurate noninvasive sonographic diagnosis facilitates the investigation of endometrioma associated infertility. The laparoscopic excision of an endometrioma relieves the ovary from the damage caused by the cyst itself, which may be progressive over time, but at the same time is associated with a detrimental effect on ovarian reserve and with high rates of postoperative endometrioma recurrence. Therefore, the management of endometrioma-related infertility should not be based upon surgery alone, but upon a combination of surgery, with a refinement of the operating technique, long-term oral contraceptive, in vitro fertilization and oocyte cryopreservation.