Assessment of Ovarian Reserve in Women with Endometriosis

Endometriosis and endometriomas seem to affect ovarian reserve. Endometriosis is a chronic condition that can affect fertility, thus knowledge of ovarian reserve is critical for planning the management of the disease based on patient’s age and the desire for childbearing. Ultrasound and endocrine markers are used to estimate the quantity of primordial follicles. While antral follicle count with ultrasound provides side-specific information and is readily available during a physical examination, anatomic distortion caused by the disease and endometriomas renders this marker less reliable in women with endometriosis. Anti-Mullerian hormone stands out as an operator-independent and more reproducible marker in women with endometriosis. Regarding the qualitative aspect of ovarian reserve chronological age is still the only reliable parameter.