In a nutshell
This study investigated if oocyte cryopreservation (OCP) is useful in women with endometriosis (EDM). They found that OCP before surgery to treat EDM was useful in these women.
Some background
Infertility is a growing problem worldwide. One of the causes of female infertility is endometriosis (EDM). EDM can cause pain and irregular periods. It occurs when the uterine lining (endometrium, EM) grows in other areas. Ovarian endometriomas (OEs) are a common feature. These are cysts of EM within the ovaries.
OEs can cause significant pain. They also interfere with ovarian function. Women undergo surgery to remove OEs. This carries a risk of ovarian failure (OF). OF is when the ovary stops functioning normally. This may have negative fertility consequences. Oocyte cryopreservation (OCP) involves harvesting and freezing eggs. This can be used to preserve fertility in women with EDM. It is unclear if OCP is useful for fertility preservation prior to surgery to remove OEs.
Methods & findings
This study included 34 women with EDM. All women underwent OCP for fertility preservation. OCP was performed using controlled ovarian stimulation (COS). The results were compared to women with infertility without EDM.
Women with EDM had a lower ovarian reserve measured through the anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) compared to women without EDM. The number of oocytes retrieved was lower in patients with OE (5.4) compared to those without OE (8.1). 38.2% of patients with OE underwent repeated COS. The number of mature oocytes retrieved was similar between women with and without EDM.
The bottom line
The authors concluded that OCP before surgery was useful in women with EDM. The authors suggested that repeated ovarian stimulation may help in obtaining an optimal number of oocytes.
The fine print
The number of patients in this study was low. They did not analyze the viability of oocytes after thawing. It is still not clear if OCP prior to surgery improves fertility outcomes such as pregnancy and live birth. Larger controlled studies are needed.
What’s next?
If you have any concerns regarding infertility please consult with your doctor.
Published By :
Reproductive BioMedicine Online
Date :
Jun 01, 2020
