The effect of endometriosis on fertility in an animal model

The present experimental model aimed to investigate the possible effect of endometriosis on ovarian function by altering follicular maturation and development. This single-blind, randomized study included twenty-four female Sprague Dawley rats, 2.5 months old, weighing 160–200 grams. The animals were randomly separated into four groups on the day of the surgery. Each group consisted of 6 rats. The first group (A) consisted of healthy female rats (control group). The second group (B) consisted of rats subjected to surgical insertion of ovarian endometrioma. The third group (C) consisted of rats subjected to surgically induced diffuse intraperitoneal endometriosis, and the fourth group (D) consisted of rats subjected to surgically induced extraperitoneal endometriosis. According to our experimental model, endometriosis may affect ovarian function by increasing the number of luteinized unruptured follicles (follicles that have undergone luteinization without prior rupture).