Possible effects of endometriosis-related immune events on reproductive function.

PURPOSE: To examine possible effects of endometriosis-related immune events on reproductive function. METHODS: The synthesis and review of the relevant current literature in English language. RESULTS: The endometriosis-related immune events may have a negative impact on almost all components of the reproductive function including fallopian tube function, oocyte quality, sperm function, fertilization, embryo quality, endometrial receptivity, implantation and placentation. CONCLUSIONS: An important portion of the cases of infertility or miscarriage seen in women with endometriosis may be due to some immunological alterations associated with endometriosis.