Understanding the effect of endometriosis on fertility V1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Controlled trial to identify the effect of endometriosis on oocyte and embryo quality
IRAS ID
246130
Contact name
Mostafa Metwally
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHF Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
Endometriosis is a chronic condition where tissue that normally lines the womb is found in other areas of the body. Endometriosis is considered one of the most debilitating conditions that affects up to 10% of women of reproductive age and is associated with infertility in 30% to 50% of cases. Symptoms associated with endometriosis can influence the patient’s general physical, and social well-being and can be difficult to diagnose. Besides its effects on the patients’ health, endometriosis is a costly medical condition.
Endometriosis is a significant reason for infertility due to decline in oocyte (egg) quality and the womb's ability to allow the egg to implant as result of inflammation associated with this condition. There is some evidence that endometrial ectopic tissues (tissue in the wrong place) can impact fertility in women through direct effects on the ovary. The overall aim of this study is to analyse the composition of follicular fluid samples (fluid from around the eggs in the ovary) and embryo culture media in women with or without endometriosis. A corollary aim is to evaluate the effect of endometriosis on granulosa cell (cells that support the egg in the ovary) function in vitro. Samples of follicular fluid, embryo culture media, and granulosa cells will be obtained from women undergoing in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment at Jessop Fertility NHS in Sheffield and analysed using cutting-edge laboratory techniques (including proteomics and metabolomics) at the University of Sheffield.
This study will provide new fundamental information on how endometriosis can impact female fertility, with a view to develop effective treatment options for women prior to IVF. This would enhance pregnancy outcome and would reduce the financial burden of repeated IVF failure. It also has the potential to uncover new biomarkers that could aid in early diagnosis of the disease.REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - South Yorkshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/YH/0447
Date of REC Opinion
9 Nov 2018
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion