Endometriosis and Subfertility: A Literature Review

Dimitrios Kanellopoulos, Dimitra Karagianni, Vasilios Pergialiotis, Nikolaos Nikiteas, Andreas C Lazaris, Dimitrios Iliopoulos
Maedica · 2022 · vol. 17(2) , pp. 458–463 · doi:10.26574/maedica.2022.17.2.458 · PMID:36032627 · PMC9375884 · W4293678253
editorial OA: green CC0 ⤵ 4 in-corpus citations
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This review highlights the need for improved management of endometriosis-related subfertility by focusing on diagnostic and treatment advancements, better classification, avoiding surgery, and developing novel non-invasive therapies targeting specific pathogenic pathways.

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Abstract

Introduction: Endometriosis is a condition that mainly concerns women of reproductive age, which causes several problems, including subfertility. The phenotypic presentation of endometriosis is defined by a complex interplay between genetic profile, immunological and mechanical factors. In this literature review we examine the causality between endometriosis and subfertility, outlining possible mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis. Aim: The purpose of this study was to conduct a literature review in order to identify the correlation between endometriosis and subfertility through possible mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of endometriosis-associated subfertility and treatment. Methods:A search in Medline/PubMed was done, using the terms "endometriosis" and "subfertility", to identify the most relevant studies that were published during the last six years. Results:Pathogenesis of endometriosis-associated subfertility is not clear yet, although some data indicate that there are several factors that could affect a patient's fertility. Involved mechanisms include mechanical obstruction such as ovarian tubal dysfunction and the abnormal peritoneal microenvironment, genetic, and epigenetic mechanisms, and immunological traits. It is fundamental to better understand these mechanisms in order to improve the therapeutic approach. Conclusions:The clinical management of endometiosis-related subfertility has to be improved. It is important to consider a change in the classification of endometriosis and, more importantly, an effort to avoid surgical procedures. There is a crucial need for effective protocols and novel targets for specific diagnosis and treatment. Consequently, the importance of understanding pathogenesis and genetic mechanisms is underlined. Future researchers should focus on novel non-invasive treatment methods that target specific pathogenic pathways.

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Condition tags

endometriosis

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Papers in the corpus that this work cites (lower rings, blue) and that cite this one (upper rings, green). Dot size scales with the paper's in-corpus citation count — bigger dot = more influential within the endo/adeno field. Click a dot to open that paper. [ expand to 2 hops ] — adds papers reached through this work's immediate citers/citees. Heavier; up to 60 extra dots.

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