The Effect of Endometriosis on the Quality of Oocytes and Embryos Obtained by IVF

Endometriosis-associated infertility is a consequence of complex pathogenetic interactions occurring in the development and course of disease, owing to genetic and epigenetic mechanisms. Predominant causative factors for impaired fecundity due to endometriosis pertain to decreased oocyte count and aberrant morphology that emerge due to inflammatory events, oxidative stress, meiotic spindle and cytoskeleton abnormalities and epigenetic alterations, along with hormonal imbalances and dysregulated gene expression. Oocyte and embryo competence are affected by these alterations, hindering assisted reproduction outcomes by lowering fertilization, hatching and pregnancy rates, and increasing incidence of aneuploidy. The effects on oocyte and embryo quality in IVF success are not presented in a distinctive manner, due to the multifactorial nature of disease. Therefore, the identification and development of prognostic biomarkers would enable the implementation of personalized medicine, for the optimal management of endometriosis-associated infertility.