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Ovarian Reserve in Patients with Endometriosis

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Endometriosis

Abstract

The number of follicles present in human ovaries is finite. Ovarian reserve is currently defined as the number and quality of the follicles left in the ovary at any given time. As several novel tests for ovarian reserve, such as anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and antral follicle count (AFC), are widely introduced into gynecological practice recently, the knowledge on the physiology of follicular development and mechanism of maintenance of ovarian reserve are rapidly accumulating. Diminished ovarian reserve is a major concern in women with endometriosis-associated infertility. Cystectomy for endometriomas could negatively impact on postoperative ovarian reserve. Some women who had surgery for endometriomas suffer from poor ovarian response, which is directly linked to treatment results in infertility care. In addition, endometriomas themselves may be a cause of diminished ovarian reserve. Chronic inflammation in the local pelvic environment may affect the status of the dormant follicle in the ovarian cortex. Determination of ovarian reserve may serve as an important role in the management of reproductive health issues in women with endometriosis.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan

    Michio Kitajima & Hideaki Masuzaki

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  1. Michio Kitajima
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  2. Hideaki Masuzaki
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Correspondence to Michio Kitajima .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tottori University Faculty of Medicine, Yonago, Tottori, Japan

    Tasuku Harada

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Kitajima, M., Masuzaki, H. (2014). Ovarian Reserve in Patients with Endometriosis. In: Harada, T. (eds) Endometriosis. Springer, Tokyo. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-4-431-54421-0_26

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-4-431-54421-0_26

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