[Endometrioma and management by assisted reproductive technology: CNGOF-HAS Endometriosis Guidelines]

Could the presence of an endometrioma change the management of Assisted Reproductive Technology? The presence of an endometrioma (<6cm) at the time of stimulation or an endometrioma operated prior to stimulation have no impact on the quality of the embryos and the final results of IVF about the pregnancy and live birth rates despite a possible decrease in the number of oocytes retrieved and potentially higher doses of gonadotropins used. The discovery of an endometrioma during IVF stimulation should not lead to an interruption of the attempt. Their surgical treatment before IVF is not recommended just to improve fertility. It is discussed in case of painful symptomatology, depending on the size and/or in case of diagnosis doubt. The associated indications for ART management and surgical history for endometrioma should also be taken into account. There is no benefit of prophylactic surgery to decrease the risk of tubo-ovarian abscess post ovarian retrieval. It is not recommended to make a systematic trans-vaginal ultrasound guided aspiration with or without sclerotherapy of endometriomas before IVF in order to increase pregnancy rates, but it is reserved in case of endometrioma that may hinder the oocyte retrieval. Ethanol sclerotherapy decreases the recurrence rate of endometriomas without altering the results of IVF while a second surgery would have a deleterious effect.