Endometriosis Associated Infertility: A Critical Review and Analysis on Etiopathogenesis and Therapeutic Approaches
Lidia Filip,
Florentina Duică,
Alina Prădatu,
Dragoș Crețoiu,
Nicolae Suciu,
Sanda Maria Crețoiu,
Dragoș-Valentin Predescu,
Valentin Nicolae Varlas,
Silviu-Cristian Voinea
Affiliations
Lidia Filip
Alessandrescu-Rusescu National Institute for Mother and Child Health, Fetal Medicine Excellence Research Center, 020395 Bucharest, Romania
Florentina Duică
Alessandrescu-Rusescu National Institute for Mother and Child Health, Fetal Medicine Excellence Research Center, 020395 Bucharest, Romania
Alina Prădatu
Alessandrescu-Rusescu National Institute for Mother and Child Health, Fetal Medicine Excellence Research Center, 020395 Bucharest, Romania
Dragoș Crețoiu
Alessandrescu-Rusescu National Institute for Mother and Child Health, Fetal Medicine Excellence Research Center, 020395 Bucharest, Romania
Nicolae Suciu
Alessandrescu-Rusescu National Institute for Mother and Child Health, Fetal Medicine Excellence Research Center, 020395 Bucharest, Romania
Sanda Maria Crețoiu
Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Histology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
Dragoș-Valentin Predescu
Department of General Surgery, Sf. Maria Clinical Hospital, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 011172 Bucharest, Romania
Valentin Nicolae Varlas
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Filantropia Clinical Hospital, 01171 Bucharest, Romania
Silviu-Cristian Voinea
Department of Surgical Oncology, Alexandru Trestioreanu Oncology Institute, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 022328 Bucharest, Romania
Endometriosis represents a frequently diagnosed gynecological affliction in the reproductive timespan of women, defined by symptoms ranging from pelvic pain to infertility. A complex interplay between the genetic profile, hormonal activity, menstrual cyclicity, inflammation status, and immunological factors define the phenotypic presentation of endometriosis. To date, imaging techniques represent the gold standard in diagnosing endometriosis, of which transvaginal ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging bring the most value to the diagnostic step. Current medical treatment options for endometriosis-associated infertility focus on either stimulating the follicular development and ovulation or on inhibiting the growth and development of endometriotic lesions. Techniques of assisted reproduction consisting of superovulation with in vitro fertilization or intrauterine insemination represent effective treatment alternatives that improve fertility in patients suffering from endometriosis. Emerging therapies such as the usage of antioxidant molecules and stem cells still need future research to prove the therapeutic efficacy in this pathology.
