Is the dimension of ovarian endometriomas significantly modified by IVF-ICSI cycles?

Abstract

Information regarding the growth and development of endometriomas during IVF-intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles is lacking. In this study, the aim was to estimate the influence of IVF-ICSI on the dimension of these cysts and to assess whether this treatment contributes to the manifestation of new endometriomas in patients already affected. Women were eligible if they had been diagnosed with ovarian endometrioma(s). Recruited patients who failed to become pregnant were scanned again 3-6 months later to evaluate the modification of the dimension of the cysts and/or the manifestation of new endometriomas. Forty-eight women completed the study protocol. The median (interquartile range) values for the volume of the cysts before and after the IVF-ICSI cycle were 3.9 (2.9-7.9) ml and 4.9 (2.4-9.9) ml, respectively (Wilcoxon rank test for paired data, not significant). The development of a new endometrioma was documented in one case (2.1%, 95% confidence interval 0.1-11.1%). Fear about the growth of ovarian endometriomas in women who have to undergo IVF-ICSI is not justified.