Can an endometrioma affect egg quality?

Endometriosis may affect the ovarian environment and, in some women, may be associated with changes in egg quality. However, egg quality also depends on several other factors, including age.

Can an endometrioma grow during fertility treatment?

Hormonal stimulation may sometimes cause an endometrioma to change in size, although this does not happen in every woman. Your doctor can monitor it with ultrasound during treatment.

Will removing an endometrioma improve my chances of IVF?

Not necessarily. Surgery may be helpful in certain situations but can also affect healthy ovarian tissue. Your doctor will weigh the potential benefits and risks before recommending removal.

Ovarian Endometrioma and Egg Retrieval: What to Know

Planning IVF often involves looking closely at your ovarian health, including the number and development of your follicles. If an endometrioma is present, your fertility specialist may pay closer attention to the affected ovary while planning your treatment.

Overview of Ovarian Endometrioma

An ovarian endometrioma is a type of ovarian cyst caused by endometriosis, in which tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. It develops when this tissue affects the ovary and repeated bleeding leads to a cyst filled with old, thickened blood, giving it the name “chocolate cyst.”

The exact cause of endometriomas is not fully understood, but hormonal changes, inflammation and repeated bleeding may contribute to their development.

Some women may have an endometrioma without noticeable symptoms. Others may experience painful periods, pelvic or lower abdominal pain, pain during sex, discomfort during ovulation, or pain during bowel movements or urination, particularly around menstruation. Larger endometriomas may also affect the normal structure of the ovary.

Can an Endometrioma Affect Egg Retrieval?

An endometrioma does not mean egg retrieval will be unsuccessful. However, it may affect how your doctor plans your IVF treatment.

Ovarian reserve: Endometriosis may reduce egg reserve in some women.
Egg numbers: The number of eggs collected can vary from woman to woman.

Follicle access: A large or poorly positioned cyst may make some follicles harder to reach.

IVF planning: Your doctor will consider your scan and ovarian reserve before treatment.

“An endometrioma can sometimes make egg retrieval more technically challenging, particularly when its size or location affects access to the follicles. Careful planning helps minimise potential risks during the procedure.”

Dr Kanchi Khurana, Associate Director – Department of Fertility, Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Chandigarh

Does an Endometrioma Need to Be Removed Before IVF?

Surgery is not always needed before starting IVF. In fact, removing an endometrioma can sometimes affect healthy ovarian tissue, so doctors carefully weigh the possible benefits and risks.

Your specialist may consider:

The size and position of the cyst
Whether it is causing significant pain
Your ovarian reserve
Whether it is affecting access to the follicles
Whether the cyst has unusual features on imaging
Your previous fertility treatment and pregnancy history

If the cyst is small, not causing problems, and does not interfere with egg retrieval, your doctor may recommend monitoring it instead of removing it.

What Happens During Egg Retrieval With an Endometrioma?

Egg retrieval is usually performed with ultrasound guidance. Before the procedure, your doctor checks the ovaries and identifies the follicles that have developed during ovarian stimulation.

During retrieval:

You receive medication to stay comfortable during the procedure.
An ultrasound probe is used to view the ovaries.
A thin needle is guided through the vaginal wall to reach the follicles.
The fluid containing the eggs is gently collected.
The embryology team then examines the eggs.

When an endometrioma is present, the doctor carefully plans the needle path and tries to avoid entering the cyst when possible. The approach depends on its location, size, and the position of the surrounding follicles.

When Should You See a Fertility Specialist?

It may be helpful to see a fertility specialist if you:

Have a known ovarian endometrioma and are planning a pregnancy.
Have been trying to conceive without success.
Are considering IVF or egg retrieval.
Have severe or ongoing pelvic pain.
Notice a sudden change or worsening of your symptoms.
Want to understand how the endometrioma may affect your fertility.
Need advice about monitoring or treating the cyst.

An ovarian endometrioma can affect fertility treatment differently for each woman. Careful evaluation of the ovaries, egg reserve, and cyst helps your fertility specialist decide the right treatment plan. With proper monitoring and individualised care, egg retrieval can often be planned safely.

Whether you’re trying to conceive or navigating IVF, you’re not alone. Join our supportive communities to connect, share, and find strength with others on the same journey.

FAQs on What Is an Ovarian Endometrioma and How Can It Affect Egg Retrieval?

Can an endometrioma affect egg quality?
Endometriosis may affect the ovarian environment and, in some women, may be associated with changes in egg quality. However, egg quality also depends on several other factors, including age.
Can an endometrioma grow during fertility treatment?
Hormonal stimulation may sometimes cause an endometrioma to change in size, although this does not happen in every woman. Your doctor can monitor it with ultrasound during treatment.
Will removing an endometrioma improve my chances of IVF?
Not necessarily. Surgery may be helpful in certain situations but can also affect healthy ovarian tissue. Your doctor will weigh the potential benefits and risks before recommending removal.

What Is an Ovarian Endometrioma and How Can It Affect Egg Retrieval?

An ovarian endometrioma can become an important consideration when you are trying to conceive or planning IVF. In this guide, our experts explain how it may influence ovarian function, what doctors consider before egg retrieval, and how treatment decisions are made.

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