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Management of Ovarian Endometrioma in Asymptomatic Reproductive Age Women

  • Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI) (R Anchan, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

In asymptomatic women of reproductive age, the presence of an ovarian endometrioma raises a significant management dilemma.

Recent Findings

Surgical management may afford more definitive treatment as well as an opportunity to treat concurrent extra-ovarian endometriotic disease. However, the associated impact on ovarian reserve with ovarian surgery may be an example of the cure being worse than the disease. Several conservative treatments have been studied, all with varying clinical benefits. Expectant management, while a conservative option, may complicate access to growing ovarian follicles and raise risk of surgical site infection during assisted reproductive treatment. Furthermore, a growing body of data suggests that prolonged exposure to the inflammatory endometrioma contributes to ovarian follicular burnout and cortical scarring.

Summary

For patients with a diagnosis of endometrioma who are actively trying to conceive, careful patient counseling and shared decision making represent the best way to decide on a management strategy in order to maximize patient-centered outcomes and reproductive potential.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, 1305 York Ave, 6th Floor, New York, NY, 10021, USA

    Pietro Bortoletto

  2. Weill Cornell Medical College, 1300 York Ave, New York, NY, 10065, USA

    Meridith Pollie

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  1. Pietro Bortoletto
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  2. Meridith Pollie
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Bortoletto, P., Pollie, M. Management of Ovarian Endometrioma in Asymptomatic Reproductive Age Women. Curr Obstet Gynecol Rep 10, 53–60 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13669-021-00311-6

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