Nicole Sänger1, Marco Menabrito2, Attilio Di Spiezo Sardo3, Josep Estadella4, Jasper Verguts5,6. 1. Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany. 2. Gedeon Richter Plc/PregLem S.A., 41A Route de Frontenex, 1207, Geneva, Switzerland. 3. Department of Public Health, University Federico II of Naples, Corso Umberto I, 80131, Naples, Italy. 4. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital de La Santa Creu I Sant Pau-Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Carrer de Sant Quintí 89, 08025, Barcelona, Spain. 5. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jessa Hospital, Stadsomvaart 11, 3500, Hasselt, Belgium. jasper.verguts@jessazh.be. 6. University Hasselt, Martelarenlaan 42, 3500, Hasselt, Belgium. jasper.verguts@jessazh.be.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Endometriosis is a common cause for infertility. Decreased ovarian reserve due to pathology or surgical management can reduce the chances of natural pregnancy and limit the effectiveness of controlled ovarian stimulation during fertility treatment. Cryopreservation of oocytes or ovarian cortex prior to surgery or before loss of follicular capital is a strategy to preserve fecundity. METHODS: An online survey was sent to reproductive specialists and gynecological surgeons representing major centers of reproductive medicine in Europe to investigate current fertility preservation practices for endometriosis patients. RESULTS: Of 58 responses, 45 (77.6%) in 11/13 countries reported the existence of endometriosis management guidelines, of which 37/45 (82.2%) included treatment recommendations for infertile patients. Most centers (51.7%) reserved fertility counselling for severe endometriosis (large endometriomas with or without deep endometriosis) while 15.5% of centers did not offer fertility preservation for endometriosis. CONCLUSIONS: To address non-uniformity in available guidelines and the diversity in fertility preservation practices, we propose an algorithm for managing patients with severe endometriosis most likely to be impacted by reduced ovarian reserve. Improved awareness about the possibilities of fertility preservation and clear communication between gynaecological surgeons and reproductive medicine specialists is mandatory to address the unmet clinical need of preventing infertility in women with endometriosis.
BACKGROUND: Endometriosis is a common cause for infertility. Decreased ovarian reserve due to pathology or surgical management can reduce the chances of natural pregnancy and limit the effectiveness of controlled ovarian stimulation during fertility treatment. Cryopreservation of oocytes or ovarian cortex prior to surgery or before loss of follicular capital is a strategy to preserve fecundity. METHODS: An online survey was sent to reproductive specialists and gynecological surgeons representing major centers of reproductive medicine in Europe to investigate current fertility preservation practices for endometriosis patients. RESULTS: Of 58 responses, 45 (77.6%) in 11/13 countries reported the existence of endometriosis management guidelines, of which 37/45 (82.2%) included treatment recommendations for infertile patients. Most centers (51.7%) reserved fertility counselling for severe endometriosis (large endometriomas with or without deep endometriosis) while 15.5% of centers did not offer fertility preservation for endometriosis. CONCLUSIONS: To address non-uniformity in available guidelines and the diversity in fertility preservation practices, we propose an algorithm for managing patients with severe endometriosis most likely to be impacted by reduced ovarian reserve. Improved awareness about the possibilities of fertility preservation and clear communication between gynaecological surgeons and reproductive medicine specialists is mandatory to address the unmet clinical need of preventing infertility in women with endometriosis.
Authors: Laura Rienzi; Clarisa Gracia; Roberta Maggiulli; Andrew R LaBarbera; Daniel J Kaser; Filippo M Ubaldi; Sheryl Vanderpoel; Catherine Racowsky Journal: Hum Reprod Update Date: 2017-03-01 Impact factor: 15.610