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Semin Reprod Med 2003; 21(2): 183-192
DOI: 10.1055/s-2003-41325
Copyright © 2003 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA. Tel.: +1(212) 584-4662

Uterine and Ovarian Function in Endometriosis

Nicolás Garrido, Antonio Pellicer, José Remohí, Carlos Simón
  • Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad (IVI) Fundación IVI (FIVI) Valencia, Spain
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Publication History

Publication Date:
14 August 2003 (online)

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ABSTRACT

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.

KEYWORDS

Endometriosis - uterus - endometrium - ovary - oocyte

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