Ovarian dysfunction in endometriosis-associated and unexplained infertility.
OBJECTIVE
The impact of endometriosis and unexplained infertility on follicular function and fertilization of oocytes in cycles totally unperturbed by exogenous gonadotrophins, when compared with controls with tubal damage, were examined.


METHODS
In natural cycles, without any exogenous gonadotropins, endocrine and ultrasonographic studies of follicular maturation in 18 women with minor endometriosis (41 cycles), 15 women with unexplained infertility (31 cycles), and 34 women with tubal damage (88 cycles) were performed.


RESULTS
The endometriosis group had a significantly longer follicular phase (median: 15, 13, and 13 days). Both endometriosis and unexplained infertility had significantly reduced LH concentrations in follicular fluid compared with tubal damage (median: 12.1, 11.5, and 15.9 IU/L, respectively). Endometriosis was associated with a significantly reduced fertilization rate compared with unexplained infertility or tubal damage (46, 65, and 69%, respectively).


CONCLUSIONS
These data show continuing evidence of ovulatory dysfunction leading to reduced fertilization rates in women with minor endometriosis.
Cahill
D J
DJ
Department of Hospital Medicine, University of Bristol, St. Michael's Hospital, England.
Wardle
P G
PG
Maile
L A
LA
Harlow
C R
CR
Hull
M G
MG
D000328:Adult; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004958:Estradiol / Q000032:analysis / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000032:analysis / Q000097:blood; D015571:Follicular Fluid / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000503:physiopathology*; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000032:analysis / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008597:Menstrual Cycle; D009865:Oocytes / Q000502:physiology; D010053:Ovary / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D018873:Pregnancy Rate; D011374:Progesterone / Q000032:analysis; D013076:Sperm Count; D014463:Ultrasonography
D011374:Progesterone; D004958:Estradiol; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone