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

Risk factors associated with changes in serum anti-Müllerian hormone levels before and after laparoscopic cystectomy for endometrioma

Background

The objective of our study was to investigate the risk factors for a decrease in ovarian reserve in patients with endometriomas after standardized laparoscopic procedures and evaluation to provide corresponding clinical guidance for patients with fertility requirements.

Methods

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels and other clinical data from 233 patients with endometriomas and 57 patients with non-endometrioma ovarian cysts admitted to the Peking Union Medical College Hospital between January 2018 and September 2023 were prospectively analysed. The pretreatment AMH levels of the study groups were compared to assess the impact of endometrioma on ovarian reserve, and the decrease in AMH after treatment was analysed to determine potential risk factors contributing to this change.

Results

Pretreatment AMH levels did not significantly differ between patients with endometriomas and those with non-endometrioma ovarian cysts. Within the endometrioma group, older age, higher body mass index (BMI), and shorter menstrual cycles were found to be associated with decreased AMH levels prior to treatment (p<0.05). Participants presenting with bilateral cysts, advanced surgical staging, or a completely enclosed Douglas pouch demonstrated significantly lower levels of AMH prior to treatment compared to those without these conditions (p<0.05). Furthermore, their AMH levels further declined within one year after undergoing laparoscopic cystectomy (p<0.05). However, there was no difference in AMH levels after surgery between patients who successfully became pregnant and those who did not (p>0.05).

Conclusion

Laparoscopic removal of endometriomas can adversely affect ovarian reserve, especially during bilateral cysts removal and when patients are diagnosed as having a higher stage of endometriosis, further impacting ovarian function. It should be noted that a decrease in AMH levels may not necessarily indicate an absolute decline in fertility. Therefore, it is crucial to conduct thorough patient evaluations and provide comprehensive patient education to offer appropriate guidance for fertility preservation.

Using a Modified Polysaccharide as a Hemostatic Agent Results in Less Reduction of the Ovarian Reserve after Laparoscopic Surgery of Ovarian Tumors-Prospective Study

Background and Objectives: The study investigated whether the method of achieving hemostasis affects the ovarian reserve in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery due to ovarian tumors or cysts. Materials and Methods: Patients with unilateral tumors or ovarian cysts, who qualified for laparoscopic tumor enucleation, were randomly selected to receive modified polysaccharides or bipolar coagulation. Ovarian reserve was analyzed by anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) level. Results: The study included 38 patients: 19 patients in the modified polysaccharide group and 19 in the bipolar coagulation group. Patients after bipolar coagulation treatment had statistically significantly lower AMH 6 months after surgery compared to the group treated with modified starch. The levels of AMH in the study and control groups were 3.96 +/- 2.12 vs. 2.51 +/- 1.39 ng/mL, respectively; p = 0.018. A statistically significant decrease in AMH was also demonstrated in the bipolar coagulation group as compared to the preoperative assessment (p = 0.049). There was no statistically significant decrease in AMH in the group of patients treated with the modified starch. Conclusions: Using a modified polysaccharide during laparoscopic cystectomy is effective and has a positive effect on the ovarian reserve compared to the use of bipolar coagulation. Both the AMH level 6 months after surgery and the percentage decrease in AMH were more favorable in the group of patients treated with modified starch.

Does current ovarian endometrioma increase the time for DOR patients to reach live birth in IVF?

Background

The contents of ovarian endometrioma (OMA) such as inflammatory mediators, reactive oxygen species, and iron may disrupt normal folliculogenesis and result in subsequent oocyte apoptosis. Therefore, women with OMA have a potential risk of diminished ovarian reserve (DOR). The purpose of this study is to compare the in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes and efficiency between DOR patients with and without current OMA.

Methods

This retrospective case-control study included a total of 493 women with DOR (serum anti-Müllerian hormone level < 1.1 ng/mL). Ninety patients with OMA (Group A) underwent 191 IVF cycles and 403 patients without ovarian OMA (Group B) underwent 888 IVF cycles in our center between January 2014 and December 2018. Basal characteristics and IVF outcomes were compared between Group A and Group B. Time to achieve live birth were compared between patients with live birth in two groups (Group A1, 31 patients; Group B1, 132 patients).

Results

Clinical and demographic characteristics of patients were similar respectively between groups (A vs. B, A1 vs. B1). There were no statistically significant differences in implantation rate, live birth rate per OPU and per ET cycle and the cumulative live birth rate per patient and per patient with good-quality embryos between Group A and Group B (P > 0.05). Total time to achieve live birth has no statistically significant difference between Group A1 and Group B1 (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

For DOR women, presence of endometrioma did not affect the IVF outcomes. Even the time to get live birth was not prolonged by current OMA.

IVF Outcome in Patients with Different Stages of Endometriosis: Can AMH Be a Predictor?

Background and Objectives: The role of Anti Mullerian Hormone (AMH) in determining the outcome of in vitro fertilization (IVF) in endometriosis has been controversial. This study was conducted to assess whether AMH can predict poor response in endometriosis patients undergoing IVF and to compare the IVF outcomes among the different stages of endometriosis.

Methodology: A retrospective study was conducted among 90 endometriosis patients undergoing IVF using the flexible antagonist protocol from January 2016 to December 2018 at DY Patil Medical College, Navi Mumbai. Serum AMH levels were obtained from different patients, primary outcome being clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) while the secondary outcome included the number of oocytes retrieved, number of mature oocytes obtained, fertilization rates (FR), and number of good quality embryos formed. Data was analyzed with SPSS 16.0. Mann-Whitney U and chi-square tests were used to compare the outcomes of IVF with AMH level in different stages of endometriosis. Receiver Operator Characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted to know the predictive ability of AMH by determining the area under the curve (AUC), P value < 0.05 was considered significant for all statistical tests.

Results: AUC was found to be significant for AMH in detecting poor response among those with late staged endometriosis but with poor accuracy (AUC = 0.65, P = 0.02∗). Considering a median AMH level of 1.24 ng/mL with sensitivity and specificity of > 60%, the primary and secondary outcomes were significantly higher among those with median AMH levels of more than 1.24 ng/mL compared to those with the median ≤ 1.24 ng/mL. The significance, however, was mainly found in the late stages of endometriosis (P < 0.05). Fertilization rates, good quality embryos, and CPR did not vary with AMH levels among those with early stages of endometriosis (P > 0.05). The outcomes of IVF did not vary significantly across the different stages of endometriosis except for good quality embryos which were formed in patients with early staged endometriosis (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: AMH levels may be a predictor of nonconception with poor accuracy in late stages of endometriosis (III/IV), while good quality embryos were obtained in patients with early stages of endometriosis.

Role of surgical treatment in endometriosis

Endometriosis can take one of three forms depending on its clinical presentation and management: endometriotic ovarian cyst (ovarian endometrioma), superficial or peritoneal endometriosis and deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE).¹Among them, DIE is considered the most aggressive, and the patient is often affected by more than one type together. The therapeutic methodology should not be influenced by a combination of different types of endometriotic lesion. According to the clinical context and the patient's needs, the treatment of this pathology can be medical or surgical. Although medical therapy could improve endometriosis-associated symptoms, it never offers a definite treatment for symptomatic patients, who often require surgical treatment. The rationale behind endometriosis surgical treatment is to achieve the complete removal of all lesions through a one-step surgical procedure; to obtain promising long-term results for pelvic pain, recurrence rate, and fertility; and to protect the functionality of the involved organs. Achieving these results depends on the total removal of the pathology from the pelvis, in an attempt to preserve, as much as possible, the healthy tissues surrounding the site of the disease. The choice of a surgical approach rather than medical therapy is subject to the patient's expectations, such as pregnancy desire, the effectiveness of treatment compared to possible complications, the type of pain and its intensity, and the location and severity of the disease. In this context, surgical management using a multidisciplinary endometriosis team is an important factor for achieving good outcomes.

Impact of endometrioma and bilaterality on IVF / ICSI cycles in patients with endometriosis

AIM

Endometriosis, one of the most common gynecological disorder, is a challenging disease observed in 20 %-40 % of subfertile women. Endometriomas affect 17-44 % of women with endometriosis. Because endometrioma has detrimental effects on fertility, many of these women need Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) to conceive. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of endometrioma presence and impact of bilaterality over In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) outcomes.

METHOD

The study was designed retrospectively. A total of 159 women enrolled in IVF / ICSI cycles were included. Patients were divided into two groups as Endometrioma group (n: 73) and control group (n:86). In Endometrioma group, subgroup analysis was performed according to whether endometrioma was unilateral or bilateral. Demographic characters, clinical and laboratory parameters were recorded. SPSS was used for analysis.

RESULTS

In endometrioma group, although basal FSH levels was higher than control group, it was within normal limits, while estradiol levels was lower (p < 0.001, p 0.042, respectively). Antral follicle count (AFC), dominant follicle number, total oocyte count, MII oocyte numbers were found to be significantly lower, whereas numbers of embryos achieved, clinical pregnancy rates (PR) and live birth rates (LBR) were found to be similar.There were no statistically significant differences in terms of Antimullerian Hormon (AMH) levels, oocyte and embryo quality, the numbers of embryos achieved, PR and LBR between unilateral and bilateral endometrioma groups.

CONCLUSION

This study shows that presence of endometrioma negatively effects fertility parameters albeit no significant effect over embryo quality, PR and LBR whereas bilaterality doesn't have any influence over any fertility parameters and PR.

Effects of laparoscopic cystectomy on ovarian reserve in patients with endometrioma and dermoid cyst

Objective:

To compare the effects of laparoscopic cystectomy on ovarian reserve between women with endometrioma and dermoid cyst.

Materials and Methods:

Thirty-six patients were diagnosed as having endometrioma (group A) and 32 patients with dermoid cyst (group B) using ultrasonography. Preoperative anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) levels were measured and unilateral antral follicle counts (AFC) were calculated for the ovary side containing the cyst. Laparoscopic cystectomy was performed using the stripping technique for all participants. After 3 months, all participants were re-evaluated between the third and sixth day of their menstrual cycle to determine AFC and AMH levels.

Results:

The mean serum preoperative AMH level and AFC level were significantly lower in group A than in group B (p=0.001, p=0.002), respectively. At 3 months after the surgery, serum AMH levels decreased significantly in group A from 2.04±0.68 to 1.47±0.55 (p=0.001), and from 2.60±0.57 to 2.17±0.56 in group B (p=0.001). In group A, unilateral (operated side) AFC levels decreased significantly from 4.05±1.24 to 2.16±0.94 (p=0.001), and in group B, it decreased significantly from 4.93±0.94 to 3.40±0.87 (p=0.001). The decrease in AMH levels was significantly higher in group A than in group B (p=0.033). The decrease in AFC levels was also significantly higher in group A than in group B (p=0.044).

Conclusion:

Laparoscopic stripping has destructive effects on serum AMH levels and the operated side AFC levels after surgery for patients with endometrioma and dermoid cysts, and laparoscopic excision of endometrioma has more destructive effects on ovarian reserve than dermoid cysts.

Management of endometriosis-related infertility: Considerations and treatment options

Endometriosis is a common inflammatory disease in women of reproductive age and is one of the major causes of infertility. Endometriosis causes a sustained reduction of ovarian reserve through both physical mechanisms and inflammatory reactions, which result in the production of reactive oxygen species and tissue fibrosis. The severity of endometriosis is related to ovarian reserve. With regard to infertility treatment, medical therapy as a neoadjuvant or adjuvant to surgical therapy has no definite beneficial effect. Surgical treatment of endometriosis can lead to ovarian injury during the resection of endometriotic tissue, which leads to the deterioration of ovarian reserve. To overcome this disadvantage, a multistep technique has been proposed to minimize the reduction of ovarian reserve. When considering surgical treatment of endometriosis in patients experiencing infertility, it should be kept in mind that ovarian reserve can be reduced both due to endometriosis itself and by the process of removing endometriosis. In cases of mild- to moderate-stage endometriosis, intrauterine insemination with ovarian stimulation after surgical treatment may increase the likelihood of pregnancy. In cases of severe endometriosis, the characteristics of the patient should be considered in a multidisciplinary manner to determine the prioritization of treatment modalities, including surgical treatment and assisted reproduction methods such as in vitro fertilization. The risk of cancer, complications after pregnancy, and infection during oocyte retrieval should also be considered when making treatment decisions.

Conservative treatment versus surgical excision of ovarian dermoid cysts: Impact on ovarian stimulation and IVF cycle success

OBJECTIVE

To analyze outcomes of IVF treatment among women diagnosed with an ovarian dermoid cyst (DC).

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of women with an ovarian DC who underwent IVF with fresh blastocyst transfer at a single center in New York from January 2010 to March 2018. Outcomes were compared between women with conservative treatment and those with surgical excision of the DC. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess associations between variables and the presence of a DC during treatment.

RESULTS

Overall, 119 women with a DC were included. No differences were found in demographic characteristics, controlled ovarian hyperstimulation parameters, and IVF outcomes between women with an intact DC (n=65, 54.6%) and those who underwent cystectomy (n=54, 45.4%) (all P<0.05). Similarly, there was no difference in anti-Mϋllerian hormone and basal antral follicle count among women with a DC (respectively, β=-0.1, P=0.8, and β=-1.0, P=0.28) or resected DC (respectively, β=0.9, P=0.07, and β=1.5, P=0.08) as compared with control women with no DC (n=352).

CONCLUSION

Ovarian reserve, embryo implantation and IVF success rates were not lower in the presence of an ovarian DC. Surgical therapy, if indicated, can be safely postponed until family planning goals have been achieved.

The effects of endometrioma size and bilaterality on ovarian reserve

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of endometrioma (OMAs) size and bilaterality on ovarian reserve. The patients with OMA were determined by ultrasonographic examination. Fifty patients with unilateral OMA (Group A), 30 patients with bilateral OMA (Group B), and 60 women without ovarian cysts (Group C) were included in this study. AMH levels were measured, and antral follicle count (AFC) was determined. The mean serum AMH levels were significantly lower in Group B than Groups C and A, and were significantly lower in Group A than Group C. There was a significant correlation between serum AMH level and OMA size in Group A (R = -.372, p = .008). OMAs per se appear to be associated with damage to the ovarian reserve. Increased OMA size is related to decreased AMH levels in patients with OMA. Bilateral OMAs have a more destructive effect on ovarian reserve.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? Previous Studies have demonstrated the effect of surgery on ovarian reserve but there have been contradictory findings reported about the effects of OMAs per se on serum AMH levels and it has not been clear what the relation between OMAs size and AMH levels is, if any.What the results of this study add? In this study, we found decreased AMH levels in patients with OMA. The results showed significant negative correlation between OMA size and AMH levels. The patients with bilateral OMAs had lower AMH levels than the unilateral ones.What the implications are of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Increasing OMA size might be harmful to ovarian reserve. Further studies should be done to evaluate whether increasing the size of the OMA is associated with a progressive decline in ovarian reserve and to better clarify the role of the OMAs per se or of laparoscopic surgery in the determination of damage to the ovarian reserve.

Ovarian function after the use of various hemostatic techniques during treatment for endometrioma: protocol for a randomized clinical trial

Background

Laparoscopic cystectomy is currently considered the gold standard for the treatment of ovarian endometrioma, resulting in an improvement in symptoms, a lower recurrence rate, and a higher pregnancy rate among infertile patients. However, this treatment is not free from risk, since it is associated with a reduction in ovarian reserve. There is still controversy in the literature regarding whether the cause of the reduction in ovarian reserve is due to damage caused by the coagulation energy during hemostasis or whether the procedure itself is the cause of the damage irrespective of the hemostatic method used. The aim of this study is to compare the effects of different hemostatic methods on the ovarian function of women subjected to laparoscopic surgery for ovarian endometrioma.

Methods

An open-label randomized clinical trial to be conducted at the Lauro Wanderley University Hospital between December 2017 and August 2020. Eighty-four patients will be randomly allocated to three groups according to the hemostatic technique used during laparoscopic surgery for ovarian endometrioma: bipolar coagulation; laparoscopic suture; and hemostatic matrix. Ovarian function will be assessed by serum anti-Müllerian hormone measurement and by performing an antral follicle count using ultrasound before surgery and one, three, and six months after surgery. The internal review board of the Medical Sciences Center, Federal University of Paraíba approved the study protocol under reference CAAE 71621717.9.0000.8069.

Discussion

Bearing in mind the need for more randomized clinical trials to clarify this issue, we hope to contribute with data that will determine whether there is any difference between hemostatic methods despite the rational use of bipolar energy or whether the procedure itself explains the ovarian damage irrespective of the hemostatic technique used.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NTC03430609. Registered on XX.10/31/2017.

ISRCTN Registry, ISRCTN11469394. Registered on XX.17/12/2017.

Unique Protocol ID: U1111–1203-2508.

Effects of mature cystic teratoma on reproductive health and malignant transformation: A retrospective analysis of 80 cases

Objective:

To examine cases of mature cystic teratoma (MCT) that were diagnosed and treated in our clinic regarding their association with fertility, and to detect the rate of malignant degeneration and the types of malignancies.

Material and Methods:

Patients who underwent surgery due to adnexal mass between April 2012 and August 2017 and were diagnosed as having MCT were retrospectively examined. The mean age of the 80 patients who met the inclusion criteria was 30.60±10.5 years. Nine had infertility according to hospital records. Sixty-seven percent of these (n=6) had accompanying endometriosis and MCT was bilateral in 55.5% (n=5). Malignant degeneration was present in 6.25% (n=5), all were monodermal tumors. Malignant degeneration was more common among patients with larger diameter adnexal masses (9.1±2.9 cm) and in those of postmenopausal age. Tumor markers were within the normal range for patients who developed malignancy. Malignant degeneration was not present among infertile patients with endometriosis.

Results:

Although MCTs do not seem to negatively affect the ovarian reserve, infertility is prominent in patients with concurrent endometriosis. During assessment, concurrent endometriosis should be considered. Imaging findings, large adnexal masses, and postmenopausal period are important for the assessment of MCT concerning malignant degeneration. It should not be overlooked because tumor markers may be normal.

Conclusion:

MCTs can be present concurrent with endometriomas. In such cases, infertility is more distinct. In MCT malignant degeneration, mass diameter, complex mass internal structure, and postmenopausal status are important factors.

Antimüllerian hormone is reduced in the presence of ovarian endometriomas: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate if the presence of endometriomas impacts on the ovarian reserve as evaluated with antimüllerian hormone (AMH).

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

SETTING

Not applicable.

PATIENT(S)

Patients with unoperated endometriomas versus controls without endometriomas.

INTERVENTION(S)

Electronic databases searched up to June 2017 to identify articles evaluating AMH levels in patients with unoperated endometriomas versus controls without endometriomas.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

The primary analysis was aimed at evaluation of AMH levels (mean and SD) in patients with and without endometriomas. Secondary analyses were aimed at evaluating AMH levels in patients with ovarian endometriomas compared to patients with either non-endometriosis benign ovarian cysts or healthy ovaries.

RESULT(S)

Of the 39 studies evaluated in detail, 17 were included, for a total of 968 patients with endometriomas and 1874 without endometriomas. AMH was significantly lower in patients with unoperated endometriomas compared to patients with no endometriomas (mean difference -0.84, with 95% confidence interval [CI] -1.16 to -0.52). At secondary analyses, AMH in patients with endometriomas was significantly lower both versus non-endometriosis benign ovarian cysts (mean difference -0.85, 95% CI -1.37 to -0.32, and versus women with healthy ovaries (mean difference -0.61, 95% CI -0.99 to -0.24).

CONCLUSION(S)

Ovarian reserve evaluated with AMH is reduced in patients with ovarian endometriomas compared both to patients with other benign ovarian cysts, and to patients with healthy ovaries.

Could surgical management improve the IVF outcomes in infertile women with endometrioma?: a review

Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects fertility and could be toxic to the ovary. Endometrioma per se and surgical interventions for endometrioma significantly reduce the ovarian reserve. Therefore, to prepare for surgical intervention for endometrioma, the high-risk group with decreased ovarian reserve must be considered. There is no evidence to support the use of surgical intervention before in vitro fertilization (IVF) to improve the reproductive outcomes of subsequent IVF in infertile women with advanced-stage endometriosis or endometrioma. As surgical treatment has few benefits, IVF could be recommended immediately for aiding conception in these women. However, the reproductive prognosis of IVF may be worse in the more advanced stages of endometriosis. When dysmenorrhea is severe or when cancer is suspected, surgery prior to IVF may be necessary and justified. When the size of the endometrioma is very large, surgery could be required prior to IVF to facilitate access to follicles during oocyte retrieval or to improve the ovarian response to controlled ovarian stimulation. Prolonged pituitary downregulation in women with surgically diagnosed endometriosis may be helpful to increase the clinical pregnancy rate in subsequent IVF cycles. The purpose of this paper was to review the efficiency and clinical application of the surgical intervention and IVF for infertile women with advanced-stage endometriosis or endometrioma.

Accuracy of anogenital distance and anti-Müllerian hormone in the diagnosis of endometriosis without surgery

OBJECTIVE

To assess the predictive ability of a combination of anogenital distance (AGD) and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) to diagnosis the presence of endometriosis without surgery.

METHODS

The present study included women diagnosed with endometriosis and a control group who attended the "Virgen de la Arrixaca" University Hospital, Murcia, Spain, between September 1, 2014, and May 31, 2015. Serum concentrations of AMH were measured, and two AGD measurements were obtained: from the anterior clitoral surface to the upper verge of the anus (AGD_AC ), and from the posterior fourchette to the upper verge of the anus (AGD_AF ). Data were assessed by receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves.

RESULTS

Women in the endometriosis group (n=57) had significantly shorter AGD_AF (22.8 ± 4.6 vs 27.2 ± 5.7 mm; P<0.001) and lower AMH (2.2 ± 2.5 vs 3.3 ± 1.9 ng/mL; P<0.003) compared with the control group (n=93). Women with serum AMH below the clinical cut-off (1 ng/mL) were 17.40-times more likely to have endometriosis (95% confidence interval [CI] 5.64-53.82). The area under the ROC curve of combined AMH and AGD_AF was 0.77 (95% CI 0.70-0.85).

CONCLUSION

The model for predicting endometriosis on the basis of AMH and AGD could be useful for clinicians and epidemiologists to improve diagnosis and prognosis of this condition.

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.

The long-term effects of endometrioma surgery on ovarian reserve: a prospective case-control study

The objective of this study was to evaluate the long-term effects of endometrioma excision on ovarian reserve. This study evaluated the long-term effects of endometrioma excision on ovarian reserve. A total of 63 women were enrolled in this prospective case-control study; 21 women had histories of endometrioma surgery (study group), 21 women had diagnoses of endometrioma, and 21 healthy age-matched women served as controls. Participants were recruited from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Inonu University Faculty of Medicine, between January 2007 and January 2016. The mean follow-up duration after endometrioma surgery was 30.4 ± 18.0 months for the study group. The mean follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone and estradiol levels were similar among groups, but the anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) level was significantly lower in the surgery group than in the control group (p < .001). The mean AMH level was 42% lower in the endometrioma surgery group than in the endometrioma group and 30% lower in the endometrioma group than in the control group (p = .080 and p = .160, respectively). Endometrioma has a detrimental effect on ovarian reserve, and decreased ovarian reserve compared with that in healthy fertile subjects without endometrioma is evident shortly after endometrioma excision. However, the endometrioma excision procedure does not significantly decrease the ovarian reserve in the long term.

Effects of Supplementation of Human Endometriotic Fluids on In Vitro Mouse Preantral Follicle Culture

This study aimed to investigate the potential detrimental effect of human endometriotic fluids (EFs) on in vitro growth of mouse preantral follicles. Preantral follicles (isolated from ovaries of 7- to 8-week-old mice) were cultured in growth medium for 10 days and then in maturation medium for 2 days. During in vitro culture, EF supernatants (0%, 2.5%, 5%, and 10%) were supplemented. Meiotic spindle integrity of metaphase II (MII) oocytes was analyzed. Hormone (17β-estradiol and anti-Müllerian hormone [AMH]) levels in the final spent media were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The survival rates of follicles at day 10 were significantly lower in 3 EF-supplemented groups (56.1%, 30.6%, and 6.2%; 83.6% in the nonsupplemented group). The production of total oocytes per initiated follicle was also significantly lower in the 3 EF-supplemented groups (34.7%, 18.4%, and 4.1%; 68.1% in the nonsupplemented group). Proportions of the oocyte with normal spindles were significantly lower in the 3 EF-supplemented groups (10%, 0% and 0%; 52% in the nonsupplemented group). In the final spent media, the level of 17β-estradiol was significantly lower only in the 10% EF-supplemented group, and the level of AMH was significantly lower in all 3 EF-supplemented groups, when compared with the nonsupplemented group. During in vitro culture of mouse preantral follicles, the survival rate, oocyte acquisition, spindle integrity of MII oocytes, and AMH production were greatly affected by EF supplementation. These findings suggest a possibility of detrimental effects of endometriotic cysts on folliculogenesis in adjacent ovarian tissues.

Treatment of endometrioma for improving fertility

Endometrioma is a frequent clinical manifestation of endometriosis. It is controversial how endometriomas may affect women's fertility. This review addresses: the impact of the endometrioma per se and of its surgical treatment on ovarian physiology, on the ovarian reserve, on spontaneous conception and pregnancy outcomes, and on IVF/ICSI outcomes. Based on current evidence, although there are plausible biological detrimental effects on the ovarian cortex surrounding the endometrioma and an impairment of the normal ovarian physiology, the clinical impact of the endometrioma per se is not significantly altered. There is a negligible detrimental effect on ovarian reserve with spontaneous ovulation not being impaired. Conversely, surgical excision of an endometrioma reduces ovarian reserve as measured by AMH levels. Studies investigating the impact of the endometrioma per se and of its surgical treatment in women requiring IVF/ICSI show similar implantation rates, clinical pregnancy rates and live birth rates between women with endometrioma and controls.

Endometriosis as a detrimental condition for granulosa cell steroidogenesis and development: From molecular alterations to clinical impact

Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent chronic inflammatory condition that affects women in their reproductive period. Alterations in ovarian follicle morphology and function have been documented in affected women. The local intrafollicular environment has been as well examined by various groups. In the present review, we aimed to summarize the molecular evidence supporting the idea that endometriosis can negatively influence growth, steroidogenesis and the function of the granulosa cells (GCs). Reduced P450 aromatase expression, increased intracellular ROS generation and altered WNT signaling characterize the GCs of women with endometriosis. Clear evidence for an increased level of GC apoptosis has been provided in association with the downregulation of pro-survival factors. Other potentially negative effects include decreased progesterone production, locally decreased AMH production and lower inflammatory cytokine expression, although these have been only partially clarified. The possibility that endometriosis per se may influence IVF clinical results as a consequence of the detrimental impact on the local intrafollicular environment is also discussed.

Age-related trends in anti-Mullerian hormone serum level in women with unilateral and bilateral ovarian endometriomas prior to surgery

BACKGROUND

Endometriosis is a well-known cause of infertility, and the anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) is an accepted biomarker of ovarian reserve and response to artificial reproductive technology procedures. The present study was a prospective analysis of age-dependent AMH serum concentration in women with bilateral and unilateral ovarian endometriomas before therapy onset compared with healthy controls.

METHODS

This prospective cross-sectional study included 384 women aged 18-48 years. AMH serum concentration was assessed between days 3 and 6 of the menstrual cycle in 78 patients with bilateral and 157 patients with unilateral ovarian endometriomas and compared with 149 healthy controls. Ovarian endometriosis was confirmed histopathologically, and data were presented as medians with interquartile range (IQR).

RESULTS

Stage III endometriosis was diagnosed in 53.2 %, stage IV in 18.3 %, stage V in 23.4 % and stage VI in 5.4 % of the patients. Patients with bilateral ovarian endometriomas showed the lowest median AMH levels compared with patients suffering from unilateral ovarian endometriosis (0.55; IQR: 0.59 vs. 2.00; IQR: 2.80; p < 0.001) and the control group (0.55; IQR: 0.59 vs. 2.84; IQR: 3.2; p < 0.001). Median AMH concentration values were not significantly different between patients with unilateral ovarian endometriosis and the healthy controls (2.00; IQR: 2.80 vs. 2.84; IQR: 3.2; p = 0.182). A strongly negative correlation between AMH levels and age was confirmed in healthy individuals (R = -0.834; p < 0.001) and women with unilateral ovarian endometriomas (R = -0.774; p < 0.001). Patients with bilateral ovarian endometriosis showed a significantly negative but only moderate correlation between AMH levels and age (R = -0.633; p < 0.001), which was significantly lower than in the healthy controls (R = -0.633 vs. R = -0.834; p = 0.006) but not in the patients with unilateral ovarian endometriosis (R = -0.663 vs. R-0.774; p = 0.093). Based on a multivariate regression analysis, only bilateral localization of ovarian endometrial cysts (p = 0.003) and patient age (p < 0.001), but not left/right localization of unilateral cyst or cyst volume, were negatively associated with AMH serum concentration.

CONCLUSION

According to our data, unilateral ovarian endometriosis had a moderately negative and nonsignificant effect on AMH-based ovarian reserve evaluated prior to surgery, irrespective of age. In contrast, the ovarian reserve was significantly reduced in women with bilateral ovarian endometriomas.

The impact of previous ovarian surgery on ovarian reserve in patients with endometriosis

BACKGROUND

To investigate the impact of previous ovarian surgery on ovarian reserve in patients with endometriosis.

METHODS

A total of 829 female patients were recruited. Their medical records were reviewed retrospectively. Patients who had diagnoses of endometriosis or endometrioma were defined as the endometriosis group, and those without endometriosis were as the control group. We further divided these patients into four groups according to whether they had received ovarian surgeries before. Group 1: control group without previous surgery; Group 2: control group with previous surgery; Group 3: endometriosis group without previous surgery; Group 4: endometriosis group with previous surgery. The subgroups with endometrioma or not and different operative procedures were also analyzed. The parameters for comparison included age, body mass index, serum estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, cancer antigen 125, and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) level.

RESULTS

The level of serum AMH was highest in group 1 and lowest in group 4. The decline was significant between group 1 and group 4 (p < 0.05). The serum AMH level was lower in group 4 than in group 3 but no significant difference. Serum estradiol level was significantly higher in group 3 than in group 2 (p < 0.05). Cancer antigen 125 levels were both significantly higher in group 3 and group 4 as compared with group 1 and group 2 (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Performing repeated ovarian surgery in patients with recurrent endometriosis needs careful consideration and adequate patient counselling because of the predictable deteriorating ovarian reserve.

An Update on Surgical versus Expectant Management of Ovarian Endometriomas in Infertile Women

Ovarian endometriomas are a common manifestation of endometriosis that can represent a more severe stage of the disease. There is much debate over the treatment of these cysts in infertile women, particularly before use of assisted reproductive technologies. Evidence exists that supports surgical excision of ovarian endometriomas, as well as evidence that cautions against surgical intervention. Certain factors need to be examined closely before proceeding with surgery or continuing with expectant management. These include the patient's symptoms, age, ovarian reserve, size and laterality of the cyst, prior surgical treatment, and level of suspicion for malignancy. The most recent evidence appears to suggest that certain patient profiles may benefit from proceeding directly to in vitro fertilization (IVF). These include symptomatic infertile patients, especially those that are older, those that have diminished ovarian reserve, those that have bilateral endometriomas, or those that have had prior surgical treatment. Although endometriomas can be detrimental to the ovarian reserve, surgical therapy may further lower a woman's ovarian reserve. Nevertheless, the presence of an endometrioma does not appear to adversely affect IVF outcomes, and surgical excision of endometriomas does not appear to improve IVF outcomes. Regardless of treatment plan, infertile patients with endometriomas must be counseled appropriately before choosing either treatment path.

Exploring the Relationship between Endometriomas and Infertility

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.

Assessment of ovarian reserve using anti-Müllerian hormone levels in benign gynecologic conditions and surgical interventions: a systematic narrative review

The usefulness of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) for the quantitative evaluation of ovarian reserve has been established. Therefore, serum AMH has been recently applied to the assessment of ovarian reserve outside infertility treatment. We conducted a computer-based search, using keywords, through the PubMed database from inception until May 2014 and summarized available studies evaluating ovarian damage caused by gynecologic diseases, such as endometriosis and ovarian tumor, as well as surgical interventions, such as cystectomy and uterine artery embolization (UAE), to discuss the usefulness of serum AMH. Most of the studies demonstrated a decline of serum AMH levels after cystectomy for endometriomas. It is not conclusive whether electrocoagulation or suturing is preferable. The effects of other gynecologic diseases and interventions, such as hysterectomy and UAE, on ovarian reserve are controversial. Serum AMH levels should be considered in determining the indication and selection of operative methods for benign gynecologic conditions.

The impact of laparoscopic cystectomy on ovarian reserve in patients with unilateral and bilateral endometriomas

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effects of laparoscopic cystectomy on ovarian reserve in patients with endometriomas.

DESIGN

Prospective study.

SETTING

Private and university hospitals.

PATIENT(S)

A total of 193 patients with endometriomas undergoing laparoscopic cyctectomy.

INTERVENTION(S)

Serum levels of antimüllerian hormone (AMH), FSH, and E₂, as well as antral follicle count (AFC) were measured preoperatively and 1 week, 3 and 9 months postoperatively for AMH, and 3 months for other values.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Ovarian reserve based on the comparison of AMH alterations. The secondary end points are changes in FSH, E₂, and AFC.

RESULT(S)

Serum AMH level decreased significantly from the baseline (3.86 ± 3.58 ng/mL) to 1 week (1.66 ± 1.92 ng/mL), 3 months (2.06 ± 2.5 ng/mL), and 9 months (1.77 ± 1.76 ng/mL) postoperatively. Those patients with bilateral endometriomas had significantly lower levels of AMH, 1 week, 3 and 9 months after operation. Also, patients older than 38 years had lower postoperative AMH levels. The FSH levels increased significantly from baseline to 3 months postoperatively. The AFC level increased significantly from baseline to 3 months after operation.

CONCLUSION(S)

The AMH level decreased and the FSH level increased after laparoscopic cystectomy for endometriomas, especially in older patients and those with bilateral cysts.