The presence of ovarian endometriomas is associated with a reduced responsiveness to gonadotropins.
OBJECTIVE
To clarify whether the presence of ovarian endometriomas is associated with a reduced responsiveness to ovarian hyperstimulation.


METHODS
Observational study.


METHODS
University teaching hospital.


METHODS
Women selected for in vitro fertilization-intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF-ICSI) cycles who were found to have unilateral ovarian endometriomas and who did not undergo previous ovarian surgery.


METHODS
Ovarian hyperstimulation using gonadotropins.


METHODS
Number of codominant follicles (mean diameter >15 mm) in the affected and in the contralateral intact gonads.


RESULTS
Thirty-six patients were enrolled. They underwent 56 IVF-ICSI cycles. The number of codominant follicles in the intact and affected ovaries were 4.0 +/- 2.2 and 3.0 +/- 1.7, respectively (P=.01). This difference corresponded to a mean reduction (95% confidence interval [CI]) of 25% (6%-44%). This deleterious effect was more evident in women with larger cysts, in those with more than one cyst, and in those who were more responsive to ovarian hyperstimulation.


CONCLUSIONS
The presence of ovarian endometriomas is associated with a reduced responsiveness to gonadotropins.
Somigliana
Edgardo
E
Infertility Unit, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Neonatology, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Mangiagalli and Regina Elena, Milan, Italy. dadosomigliana@yahoo.it
Infantino
Mirco
M
Benedetti
Francesca
F
Arnoldi
Mariangela
M
Calanna
Graziella
G
Ragni
Guido
G
D000328:Adult; D015897:Comorbidity; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006062:Gonadotropins / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D007558:Italy / Q000453:epidemiology; D010049:Ovarian Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000473:pathology; D006080:Ovarian Follicle / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology*; D010062:Ovulation Induction / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015995:Prevalence; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D006062:Gonadotropins