Although numerous studies have attempted to elucidate the implication of endometriosis for infertility, this matter still remains unexplained. Diverse clinical approaches based on assisted reproduction techniques have produced conflicting results on this issue. Nevertheless, impairment of implantation and pregnancy rates seems to affect women who suffer from endometriosis. Whether this effect is due to alteration of the oocyte/embryo or the endometrium still remains to be elucidated, although actual data allude to deficiencies in both. Infertility due to poor quality embryos derived from impaired oocytes obtained from malfunctioning ovaries have been described by some groups. Endometrial defects have been argued by others. Adding more confusion to this topic, the influence of peritoneal fluid in women with endometriosis and/or mixed causes also needs to be considered. The aim of this review is to describe the current situation in the endometriosis-related infertility literature.
PMID 12917788 12917788 DOI 10.1055/s-2003-41325 10.1055/s-2003-41325
Cite this article
Garrido, N., Pellicer, A., Remohí, J., & Simón, C. (2003). Uterine and ovarian function in endometriosis. Seminars in reproductive medicine, 21(2), 183-192. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2003-41325
Garrido N, Pellicer A, Remohí J, Simón C. Uterine and ovarian function in endometriosis. Semin Reprod Med. 2003;21(2):183-192. doi:10.1055/s-2003-41325
Garrido, N., et al. "Uterine and ovarian function in endometriosis." Seminars in reproductive medicine, vol. 21, no. 2, 2003, pp. 183-192.
This review article summarizes the epidemiological findings published between 2011 and 2016 concerning bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, dioxins, pesticides, air pollution, fracking chemicals, triclosan, and parabens and fertility parameters in men (i.e., semen volume, sperm concentration, sperm motility, and sperm morphology) as well as fertility parameters in women (i.e., cyclicity, fertility treatment outcomes), pregnancy outcomes (i.e., preterm birth,miscarriage), and reproductive disorders (i.e., polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis, and uterine fibroids). Overall, this review indicates that several environmental toxicants are significantly associated with reduced fertility parameters in men and women as well as several reproductive disorders in women. Although many studies reported that the selected exposures are associated with adverse fertility outcomes, several studies reported null associations. Thus, future studies are still needed to better elucidate the associations and potential mechanisms between these environmental chemicals and fertility outcomes in men and women.
Novak C et al., 2013·Seminars in Reproductive Medicine
Health disparities are observed in all fields of medicine and reproductive health is not immune to this phenomenon. The incidence of women using infertility treatments to conceive is increasing. Women undergoing assisted reproduction appear to be at increased risk of adverse outcomes, and minority women tend to be at even greater risk. This article examines several adverse obstetrical outcomes including preterm birth, congenital malformations, and preeclampsia among women receiving infertility treatments compared with those who conceive spontaneously. It will further examine societal costs associated with these procedures.
Oxidative stress can contribute to impairment in spermatogenesis leading to male-factor infertility. The effectiveness of various antioxidants (such as carnitine, vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, carotenoids, glutathione, N-acetylcysteine, zinc, folic acid, and coenzyme Q10) is variable with respect to improving semen parameters and pregnancy rates. A recent Cochrane review determined that men taking antioxidants had a statistically significant increase in both live birth rates and pregnancy rates. For those undergoing assisted reproduction, the odds ratio that antioxidant use would improve pregnancy rates was 4.18, with a 4.85-fold improvement in live birth rate also noted. Further investigation with randomized, controlled clinical trials is needed to confirm the safety and efficacy of antioxidant supplementation in the medical management and treatment of male infertility.
Skora D et al., 2012·Seminars in Reproductive Medicine
Since the advent of ART, much research has focused on the potential adverse for resultant harm. Prematurity, low birth-weight, PIH, congenital malformations, and CP are closely tied to multiple gestation. With the increase in elective single embryo transfer, there will be a reduction in adversity related to multiple birth. It is understood that underlying causes of infertility, including advanced maternal age, PCOS, thyroid disease, and uterine fibroids, predispose to adverse outcomes. However, imprinting abnormalities do not appear to stem from multiple births, and thus the need to consider the association between fertility treatment and methylation disorders remains essential. These, as well as risks of multi-fetal gestation, must be discussed with patients when considering using assisted reproduction.