Ovarian dysfunction in endometriosis-associated and unexplained infertility

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Endocrinology
• Infertility Research
• Gynecology

Background:

• Endometriosis and unexplained infertility are common causes of subfertility.
• Follicular function and oocyte fertilization are critical for successful conception.
• Understanding these processes in natural cycles is essential for targeted treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare follicular function and oocyte fertilization rates in women with endometriosis and unexplained infertility versus controls with tubal damage.
• To investigate these parameters in natural cycles without exogenous gonadotropins.

Main Methods:

• Natural cycle monitoring using endocrine and ultrasonographic assessments.
• Studied 18 women with endometriosis, 15 with unexplained infertility, and 34 with tubal damage.
• Compared follicular phase length, luteinizing hormone (LH) concentrations in follicular fluid, and fertilization rates.

Main Results:

• The endometriosis group exhibited a significantly longer follicular phase.
• Significantly reduced LH concentrations in follicular fluid were observed in both endometriosis and unexplained infertility groups compared to controls.
• Endometriosis was associated with a significantly lower oocyte fertilization rate (46%) compared to unexplained infertility (65%) and tubal damage (69%).

Conclusions:

• Minor endometriosis is linked to ovulatory dysfunction.
• Reduced fertilization rates in women with endometriosis suggest impaired oocyte quality or function.
• These findings highlight the impact of endometriosis on reproductive outcomes even in natural conception cycles.