Endometriosis may affect one or (not rarely) both ovaries. Also known as a “chocolate cyst”, due to its contents, which resemble chocolate !
Non-invasive diagnosis of ovarian endometriosis is easy, since it is virtually always visible on classic imaging tests, namely transvaginal ultrasound and MRI. Since it often coexists with other forms of endometriosis, it is essential that imaging is always performed by a specialized gynecologist in endometriosis, so that other coexisting foci besides the ovaries, can be throughly identified at the same time.
Ovarian endometriosis is often associated with lower ovarian reserve and/or infertility, so a proper fertility assessment is of paramount importance, once a diagnosis of ovarian endometriosis has been reached.
Management options include surgery (laparoscopically), either by removing the endometrioma or by alternative approaches, such as laser.
Surgery can drastically improve pain, but also increase the likelihood of spontaneous conception (without IVF) in appropriately selected cases.
Hormonal medication are often used by many, either to avoid surgery or post-surgery, in order to reduce the risk of endometriosis recurring. In any case, regular monitoring with ultrasound or MRI is highly recommended.
