Reproductive Outcomes after Fertility-Sparing Surgery for Focal and Diffuse Adenomyosis: A Systematic Review

Mid-Cycle Pain in Endometriosis: Clinical Correlations and Potential Etiological Factors

Rojas HE et al., 2026 · Journal of women's health (2002)

To characterize differences between individuals with and without mid-cycle pain in a registry cohort with endometriosis. Prospective analysis of data from the Endometriosis Pelvic Pain Interdisciplinary Cohort Data Registry (Clinicaltrials.gov #NCT02911090) at a tertiary referral center in Western Canada. Three hundred forty-five individuals aged 18-49 years who: (1) had at least one episode of menstrual bleeding in the last 3 months, (2) attended a baseline initial visit, and (3) subsequently had surgery with histological confirmation of endometriosis between January 2018 and December 2023. Exclusion criteria included (1) previous hysterectomy; (2) hormonal suppressive therapy use in the last 3 months; and (3) missing data on mid-cycle pain, history of hormonal therapy use, or menstrual cycle regularity. N/A. Mid-cycle pain in the last month versus No mid-cycle pain in the last month. Of the 345 participants, 67% (n = 232) reported mid-cycle pain in the last month. Mid-cycle pain in the last month was significantly associated with higher mean Central Sensitization Inventory score (48 ± 17 versus 36 ± 16, p < 0.001) and more months of prior hormonal suppressive therapy use (58 [14-120] versus 26 [0-109], p = 0.012). Abnormal anatomy at the time of surgery (e.g., endometrioma, ovarian adhesions) was not associated with mid-cycle pain in the last month. In this endometriosis cohort at a tertiary referral center, most participants reported mid-cycle pain in the last month, which was associated with central sensitization but was not clearly related to endometriosis anatomical distortion.

Impact of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on reproductive outcomes in patients with recurrent pregnancy loss

Balachandran S et al., 2026 · Journal of obstetrics and gynaecology Canada : JOGC = Journal d'obstetrique et gynecologie du Canada : JOGC

To assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on reproductive outcomes in patients with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) and the influence of material and social deprivation on these outcomes. This retrospective cohort study included RPL patients seen at a specialized clinic between March 1, 2018, and February 28, 2022. Patients were categorized into two groups based on care period: pre-pandemic (March 1, 2018-February 29, 2020) and pandemic (March 1, 2020-February 28, 2022). Cumulative probabilities of birth were estimated using the cumulative incidence function within a competing risk framework, treating pregnancy loss as a competing event. Fine and Gray regression models calculated sub-distribution hazard ratio (sHR) of birth. 544 patients were included in the study, with 255 in the pre-pandemic group and 289 in the pandemic group. Individuals in the pandemic group were less likely to achieve pregnancy than those in the pre-pandemic group (relative risk = 0.50, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.39 - 0.66). Among those who conceived, the cumulative probability of live birth was 0.77 in both groups. Relative to individuals residing in high-social deprivation neighborhoods, those living in moderately deprived areas had higher sub-distribution hazards of live birth (adjusted sHR = 1.97, 95% CI 1.25 - 3.10; P = 0.003). Within specialized RPL care and a universal maternity care system, pregnancy rates were lower during the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, among those who conceived, the probability of achieving a live birth remained similar between the pre-pandemic and pandemic periods.

Using corpus luteum formation with dominant follicle collapse to improve the criteria for identifying ovulation

Bouchard TP et al., 2026 · Reproductive biomedicine online · Free to read

Does formation of the corpus luteum help to identify the day of ovulation on ultrasound when follicular collapse is missed, and how reliable are sonographers versus a review panel in identifying the day of ovulation on ultrasound? Sonographers in a clinic in Canada performed serial endovaginal ultrasound scans (six to eight per cycle) to identify the day of ovulation in regularly cycling women (n = 40) who were followed for one to five cycles (n = 85). The day of ovulation was identified by: (i) identification of the dominant follicle; (ii) disappearance of the dominant follicle; and (iii) identification and dating of the corpus luteum. The main outcome measures were inter-rater reliability between two sonographers, and Bland-Altman agreement between the supervising sonographer and a panel that reviewed each scan to identify the day of ovulation. Of the 85 menstrual cycles reviewed, two cycles did not have sufficient data to date ovulation, one cycle showed an incidental dermoid cyst, and 11 cycles showed anovulatory patterns. This left a total of 71 cycles (84%) for which intra-rater reliability between two sonographers for identifying the day of ovulation was high (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.99, P < 0.0001), and Bland-Altman agreement showed no significant difference in the estimated day of ovulation between the supervising sonographer and the panel (t = -0.28, P = 0.78). Corpus luteum criteria were necessary to help identify the day of ovulation in 14 of 71 cycles (20%). The estimated day of ovulation can be determined reliably on ultrasound by trained sonographers using collapse of the dominant follicle and formation of the corpus luteum based on six to eight scans per cycle.

Guideline No. 468: Clinical Management of Endometriosis

Yong PJ et al., 2026 · Journal of obstetrics and gynaecology Canada : JOGC = Journal d'obstetrique et gynecologie du Canada : JOGC

To provide health care professionals with an evidence-based approach to the management of endometriosis and its associated symptoms. Women and gender-diverse individuals affected by endometriosis. BENEFITS, HARMS, Timely and effective management of endometriosis has the potential to reduce pain, improve fertility and quality of life, and enhance long-term health outcomes. Early intervention may also help mitigate the financial and health system burdens associated with delayed diagnosis and treatment. Published literature was retrieved through searches of PubMed, Ovid, Medline, Embase, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library from August 2010 through December 2025, using relevant MeSH heading and keywords. Results were restricted to systematic reviews, meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials/controlled clinical trials, observational studies, and clinical practice guidelines. Results were limited to English or French language materials. Evidence was supplemented with references from the 2010 Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada guideline No. 244. The authors rated the quality of evidence and strength of recommendations using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. See online Appendix A (Tables A1 for definitions and A2 for interpretations of strong and conditional recommendations). Health care providers involved in the care of individuals with endometriosis. Early identification and management of endometriosis can significantly improve patient outcomes, reduce long-term health care costs and improve their quality of life. RECOMMENDATIONS.

Surgery in adenomyosis

Oliveira MAP et al., 2018 · Archives of gynecology and obstetrics

Adenomyosis is defined as the presence of endometrial glands and stroma within the myometrium. The true prevalence is unknown and has been reported to range from 1 to 70%. It has a significantly negative impact on women's quality of life, causing abnormal uterine bleeding, dysmenorrhea, and chronic pelvic pain. The definitive treatment for adenomyosis is hysterectomy, although it does not contemplate patients who wish to preserve their fertility. The aim of this paper is to discuss the latest evidence on the surgical techniques for the treatment of adenomyosis published in medical-scientific databases. A comprehensive literature search for articles published from 1996 to 2017 related to surgery for adenomyosis was made in Pubmed, Medline, the Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar, in English, by the following MeSH terms: adenomyosis, surgery, pathogenesis, dysmenorrhea and infertility. There is extensive evidence on several surgical approaches for the improvement of adenomyosis-related symptoms; however, there is no robust evidence that they are effective for infertility. The management of adenomyosis is quite complex and controversial. Complications after extensive uterine reconstruction, such as uterine rupture, should be considered and discussed with the patient. There are still limited data to support surgery effectiveness, especially for infertility, and further well-designed studies are required.

Clinical efficacy of a novel method of fertility-preserving adenomyomectomy in infertile women with diffuse adenomyosis

Yoon SH et al., 2023 · Medicine (Baltimore) · Free full text on PubMed Central

Beneficial and detrimental effect of surgical adenomyomectomy is still controversial in infertile women with severely diffuse adenomyosis. The primary objective of this study was to assess whether a novel method of fertility-preserving adenomyomectomy could improve pregnancy rates. The secondary objective was to evaluate whether it could improve dysmenorrhea and menorrhagia symptoms in infertile patients with severe adenomyosis. A prospective clinical trial was conducted between December 2007 and September 2016. Fifty women with infertility due to adenomyosis were enrolled in this study after clinical assessments by infertility experts. A novel method of fertility-preserving adenomyomectomy was performed on 45 of 50 patients. The procedure included T- or transverse H-incision of the uterine serosa followed by preparation of the serosal flap, excision of the adenomyotic tissue using argon laser under ultrasonographic monitoring, and a novel technique of suturing between the residual myometrium and serosal flap. All patients obtained dysmenorrhea relief 6 months postoperatively (NRS 7.28 vs 1.56, P<.001). The amount of menstrual blood decreased significantly (140.44 vs 66.33 mL, P<.05). Of the 33 patients who attempted pregnancy postoperatively, 18 (54.5%) conceived either by natural means, in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET), or thawing embryo transfer. Miscarriage occurred in 8 patients, while 10 (30.3%) had viable pregnancies. This novel method of adenomyomectomy resulted in improved pregnancy rates, as well as relief of dysmenorrhea and menorrhagia. This operation is effective in preserving fertility potential in infertile women with diffuse adenomyosis.

Intravaginal progesterone as a fertility-sparing treatment for symptomatic adenomyosis: preliminary results from a monocentric study

De Cicco Nardone C et al., 2026 · Archives of gynecology and obstetrics · Free full text on PubMed Central

Adenomyosis is a chronic uterine disorder characterised by ectopic endometrial tissue within the myometrium, frequently associated with dysmenorrhea, abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB), chronic pelvic pain (CPP), and dyspareunia. No standardised guidelines are currently available for its management, and therapeutic options remain limited for women seeking fertility preservation. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of intravaginal progesterone in alleviating adenomyosis-related symptoms in patients seeking fertility preservation. In this prospective monocentric observational study, 85 patients aged 22-50 years with ultrasound-confirmed symptomatic adenomyosis were enrolled between April 2020 and April 2024. Inclusion criteria were age 18-55 years, BMI 18-35, and a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score ≥ 7 for dysmenorrhea, AUB, CPP, or dyspareunia. All patients received 200 mg/day of intravaginal progesterone for 10 days per cycle. Symptom severity was assessed using VAS scores at baseline and at 6 months. Data were analysed using non-parametric statistical tests. Sixty-five patients completed the 6-month follow-up. Four patients conceived during treatment and were excluded from the final analysis. Statistically significant improvements were observed for all assessed symptoms (all p < 0.05). Median VAS scores decreased for dysmenorrhea (9 to 6, p < 0.001), AUB (8 to 6, p < 0.001), chronic pelvic pain (5.5 to 3.5, p < 0.001), and dyspareunia (2 to 0, p = 0.020). The overall treatment satisfaction was high, with a mean Likert score of 7.5 out of 10. Intravaginal progesterone appears to be an effective fertility-sparing treatment for symptomatic adenomyosis, providing significant relief across all primary symptoms, with high patient satisfaction. Larger controlled studies are warranted to confirm these preliminary findings and further define its role in clinical practice.

Pregnancy Outcomes after Uterus-sparing Operative Treatment for Adenomyosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Fu K et al., 2023 · Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology