Endometrioma and assisted reproductive technology: a review

Endometriomas are a common cause of infertility necessitating assisted reproductive technology (ART). It had been previously thought that surgical removal of the endometriomas prior to ART would improve reproductive outcomes, but recent data suggests that surgical cystectomy might affect the ovarian reserve, decreasing the chances of ART success. The aim of this article is to review the literature on the effects of endometrioma surgery on ART outcomes providing an overview of the current evidence and assessing the need for further studies.

A literature search was performed using PubMed and MEDLINE databases to identify studies that discuss endometriomas and assisted reproductive technology before versus after surgery.

In women with an endometrioma requiring ART, growing evidence suggests that surgery might result in damage to the ovarian reserve and further decrease chances of fertility. However, pregnancy rates, implantation rates, fertilization rates, and live birth rates seemed to be consistently similar across both groups.

The current evidence is inconclusive on whether endometriomas should be surgically removed prior to ART. Further large randomized controlled trials are needed for a definite answer, and until then, management should be individualized.