{"status":"ok","message-type":"work","message-version":"1.0.0","message":{"indexed":{"date-parts":[[2026,6,21]],"date-time":"2026-06-21T16:43:13Z","timestamp":1782060193141,"version":"3.54.5"},"reference-count":98,"publisher":"Elsevier BV","issue":"6","license":[{"start":{"date-parts":[[2017,12,1]],"date-time":"2017-12-01T00:00:00Z","timestamp":1512086400000},"content-version":"tdm","delay-in-days":0,"URL":"https:\/\/www.elsevier.com\/tdm\/userlicense\/1.0\/"},{"start":{"date-parts":[[2017,12,1]],"date-time":"2017-12-01T00:00:00Z","timestamp":1512086400000},"content-version":"tdm","delay-in-days":0,"URL":"https:\/\/www.elsevier.com\/legal\/tdmrep-license"},{"start":{"date-parts":[[2022,9,12]],"date-time":"2022-09-12T00:00:00Z","timestamp":1662940800000},"content-version":"vor","delay-in-days":1746,"URL":"http:\/\/www.elsevier.com\/open-access\/userlicense\/1.0\/"}],"funder":[{"DOI":"10.13039\/501100003407","name":"Ministero dell\u2019Istruzione, dell\u2019Universit\u00e0 e della Ricerca","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","id":[{"id":"10.13039\/501100003407","id-type":"DOI","asserted-by":"publisher"}]},{"DOI":"10.13039\/501100004914","name":"Ferring Pharmaceuticals","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","id":[{"id":"10.13039\/501100004914","id-type":"DOI","asserted-by":"publisher"}]}],"content-domain":{"domain":["clinicalkey.com","clinicalkey.com.au","clinicalkey.es","clinicalkey.fr","clinicalkey.jp","fertstert.org","elsevier.com","sciencedirect.com"],"crossmark-restriction":true},"short-container-title":["Fertility and Sterility"],"published-print":{"date-parts":[[2017,12]]},"DOI":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038","type":"journal-article","created":{"date-parts":[[2017,12,5]],"date-time":"2017-12-05T20:29:23Z","timestamp":1512505763000},"page":"913-930","update-policy":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/elsevier_cm_policy","source":"Crossref","is-referenced-by-count":47,"title":["Role of medical therapy in the management of deep rectovaginal endometriosis"],"prefix":"10.1016","volume":"108","author":[{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0003-4195-0996","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Paolo","family":"Vercellini","sequence":"first","affiliation":[],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0002-1199-1888","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Laura","family":"Buggio","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"given":"Edgardo","family":"Somigliana","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]}],"member":"78","reference":[{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib1","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"234","DOI":"10.1001\/archsurg.2008.555","article-title":"Laparoscopic colorectal resection for bowel endometriosis: feasibility, complications, and clinical outcome","volume":"144","author":"Minelli","year":"2009","journal-title":"Arch Surg"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib2","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"808","DOI":"10.1016\/j.eururo.2017.01.020","article-title":"Bladder endometriosis: a rare but challenging condition","volume":"71","author":"Faucconier","year":"2017","journal-title":"Eur Urol"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib3","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"1032","DOI":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2016.08.024","article-title":"Disclosure in scientific meetings: should we take any steps further?","volume":"106","author":"Pellicer","year":"2016","journal-title":"Fertil Steril"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib4","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"310","DOI":"10.1016\/S0015-0282(03)00613-7","article-title":"Laparoscopic uterosacral ligament resection for dysmenorrhea associated with endometriosis: results of a randomized, controlled trial","volume":"80","author":"Vercellini","year":"2003","journal-title":"Fertil Steril"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib5","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"1303","DOI":"10.1016\/j.ajog.2006.03.068","article-title":"Reproductive performance in infertile women with rectovaginal endometriosis: is surgery worthwhile?","volume":"195","author":"Vercellini","year":"2006","journal-title":"Am J Obstet Gynecol"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib6","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"88","DOI":"10.1159\/000219946","article-title":"Surgery for deep endometriosis: a pathogenesis-oriented approach","volume":"68","author":"Vercellini","year":"2009","journal-title":"Gynecol Obstet Invest"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib7","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"3450","DOI":"10.1093\/humrep\/des313","article-title":"Surgical versus medical treatment for endometriosis-associated severe deep dyspareunia: I. Effect on pain during intercourse and patient satisfaction","volume":"27","author":"Vercellini","year":"2012","journal-title":"Hum Reprod"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib8","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"1043","DOI":"10.1016\/S0015-0282(00)00420-9","article-title":"Deep endometriosis conundrum: evidence in favor of a peritoneal origin","volume":"73","author":"Vercellini","year":"2000","journal-title":"Fertil Steril"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib9","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"559","DOI":"10.1111\/j.1471-0528.2000.tb13279.x","article-title":"Is ureteral endometriosis an asymmetric disease?","volume":"107","author":"Vercellini","year":"2000","journal-title":"BJOG"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib10","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"1213","DOI":"10.1111\/j.1471-0528.2004.00453.x","article-title":"Evidence for asymmetric distribution of lower intestinal tract endometriosis","volume":"111","author":"Vercellini","year":"2004","journal-title":"BJOG"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib11","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"168","DOI":"10.1093\/humrep\/deg513","article-title":"Association rate between deep peritoneal endometriosis and other forms of the disease: pathogenetic implications","volume":"19","author":"Somigliana","year":"2004","journal-title":"Hum Reprod"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib12","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"1839","DOI":"10.1093\/humrep\/del079","article-title":"Deeply infiltrating endometriosis: pathogenetic implications of the anatomical distribution","volume":"21","author":"Chapron","year":"2006","journal-title":"Hum Reprod"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib13","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"153","DOI":"10.1016\/S1074-3804(05)60190-9","article-title":"Deep endometriosis: definition, pathogenesis, and clinical management","volume":"11","author":"Vercellini","year":"2004","journal-title":"J\u00a0Am Assoc Gynecol Laparosc"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib14","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"564","DOI":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2012.07.1061","article-title":"Deep endometriosis: definition, diagnosis, and treatment","volume":"98","author":"Koninckx","year":"2012","journal-title":"Fertil Steril"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib15","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"261","DOI":"10.1038\/nrendo.2013.255","article-title":"Endometriosis: pathogenesis and treatment","volume":"10","author":"Vercellini","year":"2014","journal-title":"Nat Rev Endocrinol"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib16","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"875","DOI":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.036","article-title":"Pathogenesis and classification of deep infiltrating endometriosis","volume":"108","author":"Gordts","year":"2017","journal-title":"Fertil Steril"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib17","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"329","DOI":"10.1093\/humupd\/dmv003","article-title":"Deep endometriosis infiltrating the recto-sigmoid: critical factors to consider before management","volume":"21","author":"Abrao","year":"2015","journal-title":"Hum Reprod Update"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib18","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"767","DOI":"10.1093\/humrep\/15.4.767","article-title":"Smooth muscles are frequent components of endometriotic lesions","volume":"15","author":"Anaf","year":"2000","journal-title":"Hum Reprod"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib19","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"783","DOI":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2012.10.032","article-title":"Induction of endometriotic nodules in an experimental baboon model mimicking human deep nodular lesions","volume":"99","author":"Donnez","year":"2013","journal-title":"Fertil Steril"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib20","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"491","DOI":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2015.05.011","article-title":"Invasion process of induced deep nodular endometriosis in an experimental baboon model: similarities with collective cell migration?","volume":"104","author":"Donnez","year":"2015","journal-title":"Fertil Steril"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib21","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"1144","DOI":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2013.06.014","article-title":"Nerve fiber density in deep nodular endometriotic lesions induced in a baboon experimental model","volume":"100","author":"Donnez","year":"2013","journal-title":"Fertil Steril"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib22","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"987","DOI":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.01.005","article-title":"Important role of collective cell migration and nerve fiber density in the\u00a0development of deep nodular endometriosis","volume":"107","author":"Orellana","year":"2017","journal-title":"Fertil Steril"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib23","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"978","DOI":"10.1016\/S0015-0282(16)53570-5","article-title":"Deeply infiltrating pelvic endometriosis: histology and clinical significance","volume":"53","author":"Cornillie","year":"1990","journal-title":"Fertil Steril"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib24","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"602","DOI":"10.1093\/humrep\/den405","article-title":"Preoperative work-up for patients with deeply infiltrating endometriosis: transvaginal ultrasonography must definitely be the first-line imaging examination","volume":"24","author":"Piketty","year":"2009","journal-title":"Hum Reprod"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib25","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"665","DOI":"10.1093\/humrep\/dep433","article-title":"Transvaginal ultrasonography with bowel preparation is able to predict the number of lesions and rectosigmoid layers affected in cases of deep endometriosis, defining surgical strategy","volume":"25","author":"Goncalves","year":"2010","journal-title":"Hum Reprod"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib26","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"257","DOI":"10.1002\/uog.8858","article-title":"Diagnostic accuracy of transvaginal ultrasound for non-invasive diagnosis of bowel endometriosis: systematic review and meta-analysis","volume":"37","author":"Hudelist","year":"2011","journal-title":"Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib27","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"143","DOI":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2014.03.043","article-title":"Ultrasound mapping system for the surgical management of deep infiltrating endometriosis","volume":"102","author":"Exacoustos","year":"2014","journal-title":"Fertil Steril"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib28","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"318","DOI":"10.1002\/uog.15955","article-title":"Systematic approach to sonographic evaluation of the pelvis in women with suspected endometriosis, including terms, definitions and measurements: a consensus opinion from the International Deep Endometriosis Analysis (IDEA) group","volume":"48","author":"Guerriero","year":"2016","journal-title":"Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib29","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"699","DOI":"10.1111\/j.1600-0412.2012.01366.x","article-title":"Continuous low-dose oral contraceptive in the treatment of colorectal endometriosis evaluated by rectal endoscopic ultrasonography","volume":"91","author":"Ferrari","year":"2012","journal-title":"Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib30","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"575","DOI":"10.1016\/j.gyobfe.2015.07.001","article-title":"Improvement of digestive complaints in women with severe colorectal endometriosis benefiting from continuous amenorrhoea triggered by triptorelin. A prospective pilot study","volume":"43","author":"Roman","year":"2015","journal-title":"Gynecol Obstet Fertil"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib31","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"33","DOI":"10.5301\/je.5000202","article-title":"Deep infiltrating endometriosis treatment with dienogest: a pilot study","volume":"7","author":"Yela","year":"2015","journal-title":"J\u00a0Endometriosis Pelvic Pain Disord"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib32","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"108","DOI":"10.1016\/j.ejogrb.2017.02.015","article-title":"Dienogest and deep infiltrating endometriosis: the remission of symptoms is not related to endometriosis nodule remission","volume":"211","author":"Leonardo-Pinto","year":"2017","journal-title":"Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib33","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"450","DOI":"10.1016\/S0002-9378(88)80106-6","article-title":"Reduction of the intraperitoneal inflammation associated with endometriosis by treatment with medroxyprogesterone acetate","volume":"159","author":"Haney","year":"1988","journal-title":"Am J Obstet Gynecol"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib34","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"216","DOI":"10.1530\/eje.0.1380216","article-title":"Effects of dienogest, a synthetic steroid, on experimental endometriosis in rats","volume":"138","author":"Katsuki","year":"1998","journal-title":"Eur J Endocrinol"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib35","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"2514","DOI":"10.1210\/jcem.87.6.8526","article-title":"Long-term progestin treatment inhibits RANTES (regulated on activation, normal T-cell expressed and secreted) gene expression in human endometrial stromal cells","volume":"87","author":"Zhao","year":"2002","journal-title":"J Clin Endocrinol Metab"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib36","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"2504","DOI":"10.1093\/humrep\/dep231","article-title":"Medical treatment for rectovaginal endometriosis: what is the evidence?","volume":"24","author":"Vercellini","year":"2009","journal-title":"Hum Reprod"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib37","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"568","DOI":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.01.003","article-title":"Progestin-only pills may be a better first-line treatment for endometriosis than combined estrogen-progestin contraceptive pills","volume":"107","author":"Casper","year":"2017","journal-title":"Fertil Steril"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib38","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"2115","DOI":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2009.01.102","article-title":"Severe ureteral endometriosis: the intrinsic type is not so rare after complete surgical exeresis of deep endometriotic lesions","volume":"93","author":"Chapron","year":"2010","journal-title":"Fertil Steril"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib39","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"750","DOI":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2013.11.126","article-title":"Ileocecal endometriosis: clinical and pathogenetic implications of an underdiagnosed condition","volume":"101","author":"Fedele","year":"2014","journal-title":"Fertil Steril"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib40","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"251","DOI":"10.1055\/s-2008-1068755","article-title":"Endometriosis: what a pain it is","volume":"15","author":"Vercellini","year":"1997","journal-title":"Semin Reprod Endocrinol"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib41","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"540","DOI":"10.1016\/j.jmig.2009.06.017","article-title":"Endometriosis and mechanisms of pelvic pain","volume":"16","author":"Howard","year":"2009","journal-title":"J Minim Invasive Gynecol"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib42","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"1895","DOI":"10.1093\/humrep\/17.7.1895","article-title":"Hyperalgesia, nerve infiltration and nerve growth factor expression in deep adenomyotic nodules, peritoneal and ovarian endometriosis","volume":"17","author":"Anaf","year":"2002","journal-title":"Hum Reprod"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib43","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"1744","DOI":"10.1093\/humrep\/15.8.1744","article-title":"Relationship between endometriotic foci and nerves in rectovaginal endometriotic nodules","volume":"15","author":"Anaf","year":"2000","journal-title":"Hum Reprod"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib44","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"1336","DOI":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2006.03.057","article-title":"Pain, mast cells, and nerves in peritoneal, ovarian, and deep infiltrating endometriosis","volume":"86","author":"Anaf","year":"2006","journal-title":"Fertil Steril"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib45","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"124","DOI":"10.1093\/humrep\/del368","article-title":"Both GnRH agonist and continuous oral progestin treatments reduce the expression of the tyrosine kinase receptor B and mu-opioid receptor in deep infiltrating endometriosis","volume":"22","author":"Matsuzaki","year":"2007","journal-title":"Hum Reprod"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib46","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"72","DOI":"10.1111\/aogs.12515","article-title":"Complications and long-term follow-up on colorectal resections in the treatment of deep infiltrating endometriosis extending to bowel wall","volume":"94","author":"Tarjanne","year":"2015","journal-title":"Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib47","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"1011","DOI":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2016.07.1075","article-title":"Oxidative stress in the pelvic cavity and its role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis","volume":"106","author":"Donnez","year":"2016","journal-title":"Fertil Steril"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib48","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"568","DOI":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.01.013","article-title":"Partial suppression of estradiol: a new strategy in endometriosis management?","volume":"107","author":"Donnez","year":"2017","journal-title":"Fertil Steril"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib49","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"177","DOI":"10.1093\/humupd\/dmn062","article-title":"The effect of surgery for symptomatic endometriosis: the other side of the story","volume":"15","author":"Vercellini","year":"2009","journal-title":"Hum Reprod Update"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib50","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"751","DOI":"10.1016\/S0015-0282(16)57000-9","article-title":"Immunohistochemical analysis of estrogen and progesterone receptors in endometrium and peritoneal endometriosis: a new quantitative method","volume":"62","author":"Nisolle","year":"1994","journal-title":"Fertil Steril"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib51","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"912","DOI":"10.1016\/S0015-0282(97)00341-5","article-title":"Immunohistochemical analysis of proliferative activity and steroid receptor expression in peritoneal and ovarian endometriosis","volume":"68","author":"Nisolle","year":"1997","journal-title":"Fertil Steril"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib52","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"1774","DOI":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2008.12.114","article-title":"Estrogen and progesterone receptors in smooth muscle component of deep infiltrating endometriosis","volume":"93","author":"No\u00ebl","year":"2010","journal-title":"Fertil Steril"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib53","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"447","DOI":"10.1007\/s00404-012-2581-2","article-title":"Changes in the size of rectovaginal endometriotic nodules infiltrating the rectum during hormonal therapies","volume":"287","author":"Ferrero","year":"2013","journal-title":"Arch Gynecol Obstet"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib54","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"299","DOI":"10.1016\/S0015-0282(16)58089-3","article-title":"Endometriosis and pelvic pain: relation to disease stage and localization","volume":"65","author":"Vercellini","year":"1996","journal-title":"Fertil Steril"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib55","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"595","DOI":"10.1093\/humupd\/dmi029","article-title":"Endometriosis and pelvic pain: epidemiological evidence of the relationship and implications","volume":"11","author":"Fauconnier","year":"2005","journal-title":"Hum Reprod Update"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib56","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"266","DOI":"10.1093\/humrep\/del339","article-title":"Association between endometriosis stage, lesion type, patient characteristics and severity of pelvic pain symptoms: a multivariate analysis of over 1000 patients","volume":"22","author":"Vercellini","year":"2007","journal-title":"Hum Reprod"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib57","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"1462","DOI":"10.1067\/mob.2000.108021","article-title":"Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist treatment for endometriosis of the rectovaginal septum","volume":"183","author":"Fedele","year":"2000","journal-title":"Am J Obstet Gynecol"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib58","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"485","DOI":"10.1016\/S0015-0282(00)01759-3","article-title":"Use of a levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device in the treatment of rectovaginal endometriosis","volume":"75","author":"Fedele","year":"2001","journal-title":"Fertil Steril"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib59","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"1033","DOI":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2005.04.059","article-title":"Role of the vaginally administered aromatase inhibitor anastrazole in women with rectovaginal endometriosis: a pilot study","volume":"84","author":"Hefler","year":"2005","journal-title":"Fertil Steril"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib60","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"789","DOI":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2006.12.077","article-title":"Efficacy of vaginal danazol treatment in women with recurrent deeply infiltrating endometriosis","volume":"88","author":"Razzi","year":"2007","journal-title":"Fertil Steril"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib61","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"724","DOI":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2006.12.027","article-title":"Letrozole and norethisterone in rectovaginal endometriosis","volume":"88","author":"Remorgida","year":"2007","journal-title":"Fertil Steril"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib62","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"116","DOI":"10.1016\/j.ijgo.2010.11.015","article-title":"Vaginal danazol for women with rectovaginal endometriosis and pain symptoms persisting after insertion of a levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device","volume":"113","author":"Ferrero","year":"2011","journal-title":"Int J Gynaecol Obstet"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib63","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"188","DOI":"10.1016\/j.ejogrb.2014.10.036","article-title":"Dienogest in women with persistent endometriosis-related pelvic pain during norethisterone acetate treatment","volume":"183","author":"Morotti","year":"2014","journal-title":"Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib64","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"4","DOI":"10.1016\/j.ejogrb.2017.03.033","article-title":"Efficacy and acceptability of long-term norethindrone acetate for the treatment of rectovaginal endometriosis","volume":"213","author":"Morotti","year":"2017","journal-title":"Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib65","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"1375","DOI":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2005.03.083","article-title":"Treatment of symptomatic rectovaginal endometriosis with an estrogen\u2013progestogen combination versus low-dose norethindrone acetate","volume":"84","author":"Vercellini","year":"2005","journal-title":"Fertil Steril"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib66","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"3033","DOI":"10.1093\/humrep\/dep302","article-title":"Letrozole combined with norethisterone acetate compared with norethisterone acetate alone in the treatment of pain symptoms caused by endometriosis","volume":"24","author":"Ferrero","year":"2009","journal-title":"Hum Reprod"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib67","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"2150","DOI":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2009.01.071","article-title":"Comparison of contraceptive ring and patch for the treatment of symptomatic endometriosis","volume":"93","author":"Vercellini","year":"2010","journal-title":"Fertil Steril"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib68","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"470","DOI":"10.1016\/j.jmig.2011.04.008","article-title":"Combined oral contraceptive therapy in women with posterior deep infiltrating endometriosis","volume":"18","author":"Mabrouk","year":"2011","journal-title":"J Minim Invasive Gynecol"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib69","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"88","DOI":"10.1186\/1477-7827-9-88","article-title":"Letrozole and norethisterone acetate versus letrozole and triptorelin in the treatment of endometriosis related pain symptoms: a randomized controlled trial","volume":"9","author":"Ferrero","year":"2011","journal-title":"Reprod Biol Endocrinol"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib70","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"239","DOI":"10.1111\/aogs.12326","article-title":"Desogestrel-only contraceptive pill versus sequential contraceptive vaginal ring in the treatment of rectovaginal endometriosis infiltrating the rectum: a prospective open-label comparative study","volume":"93","author":"Leone Roberti Maggiore","year":"2014","journal-title":"Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib71","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"63","DOI":"10.1016\/j.ejogrb.2014.05.016","article-title":"Progestogen-only contraceptive pill compared with combined oral contraceptive in the treatment of pain symptoms caused by endometriosis in patients with migraine without aura","volume":"179","author":"Morotti","year":"2014","journal-title":"Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib72","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"734","DOI":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2015.11.016","article-title":"Norethindrone acetate or dienogest for the treatment of symptomatic endometriosis: a before and after study","volume":"105","author":"Vercellini","year":"2016","journal-title":"Fertil Steril"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib73","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"1221","DOI":"10.1093\/humrep\/det041","article-title":"Surgical versus low-dose progestin treatment for endometriosis-associated severe deep dyspareunia II: effect on sexual functioning, psychological status and health-related quality of life","volume":"28","author":"Vercellini","year":"2013","journal-title":"Hum Reprod"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib74","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"519","DOI":"10.1097\/AOG.0b013e31824264c3","article-title":"Postoperative levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system for pelvic endometriosis-related pain: a randomized controlled trial","volume":"119","author":"Tanmahasamut","year":"2012","journal-title":"Obstet Gynecol"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib75","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"582.e1","DOI":"10.1016\/j.ajog.2017.02.008","article-title":"Postoperative maintenance levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system and endometrioma recurrence: a randomized controlled study","volume":"216","author":"Chen","year":"2017","journal-title":"Am J Obstet Gynecol"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib76","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"28","DOI":"10.1056\/NEJMoa1700089","article-title":"Treatment of endometriosis-associated pain with elagolix, an oral GnRH antagonist","volume":"377","author":"Taylor","year":"2017","journal-title":"N Engl J Med"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib77","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"1391","DOI":"10.1080\/14656566.2017.1359258","article-title":"Efficacy of elagolix in the treatment of endometriosis","volume":"18","author":"Perricos","year":"2017","journal-title":"Expert Opin Pharmacother"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib78","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"652","DOI":"10.1136\/bmj.319.7211.652","article-title":"Can it work? Does it work? Is it worth it? The testing of health care interventions is evolving","volume":"319","author":"Haynes","year":"1999","journal-title":"BMJ"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib79","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"668","DOI":"10.1111\/aogs.13031","article-title":"When love hurts. A systematic review on the effects of surgical and pharmacological treatments for endometriosis on female sexual functioning","volume":"96","author":"Barbara","year":"2017","journal-title":"Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib80","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"1566","DOI":"10.1177\/1933719117707054","article-title":"What is known and unknown about the association between endometriosis and sexual functioning: a systematic review of the literature","volume":"24","author":"Barbara","year":"2017","journal-title":"Reprod Sci"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib81","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"1552","DOI":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2016.10.022","article-title":"Estrogen-progestins and progestins for the management of endometriosis","volume":"106","author":"Vercellini","year":"2016","journal-title":"Fertil Steril"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib82","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"504.e1","DOI":"10.1016\/j.ajog.2007.11.010","article-title":"Postoperative oral contraceptive exposure and risk of endometrioma recurrence","volume":"198","author":"Vercellini","year":"2008","journal-title":"Am J Obstet Gynecol"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib83","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"366","DOI":"10.1111\/j.1471-0528.2008.02055.x","article-title":"\u2018Blood On The Tracks\u2019 from corpora lutea to endometriomas","volume":"116","author":"Vercellini","year":"2009","journal-title":"BJOG"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib84","first-page":"577","article-title":"Laparoscopic aspiration of ovarian endometriomas. Effect with postoperative gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist treatment","volume":"37","author":"Vercellini","year":"1992","journal-title":"J Reprod Med"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib85","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"8","DOI":"10.1111\/j.1600-0412.2012.01470.x","article-title":"Long-term adjuvant therapy for the prevention of postoperative endometrioma recurrence: a systematic review and meta-analysis","volume":"92","author":"Vercellini","year":"2013","journal-title":"Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib86","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"1731","DOI":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2009.12.054","article-title":"Surrogate end points in women's health research: science, protoscience, and pseudoscience","volume":"93","author":"Grimes","year":"2010","journal-title":"Fertil Steril"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib87","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"125","DOI":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.05.004","article-title":"Reevaluating response and failure of medical treatment of endometriosis: a systematic review","volume":"108","author":"Becker","year":"2017","journal-title":"Fertil Steril"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib88","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"1281","DOI":"10.1097\/AOG.0b013e318291f299","article-title":"Lack of transparency of clinical trials on endometriosis","volume":"121","author":"Guo","year":"2013","journal-title":"Obstet Gynecol"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib89","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"183","DOI":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2013.08.050","article-title":"An overview of the current status of clinical trials on endometriosis: issues and concerns","volume":"101","author":"Guo","year":"2014","journal-title":"Fertil Steril"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib90","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"3","DOI":"10.1093\/humrep\/deq302","article-title":"\u201cWaiting for Godot\u201d: a commonsense approach to the medical treatment of endometriosis","volume":"26","author":"Vercellini","year":"2011","journal-title":"Hum Reprod"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib91","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"172","DOI":"10.1111\/j.1365-2362.2009.02240.x","article-title":"Industry sponsorship and selection of comparators in randomized clinical trials","volume":"40","author":"Lathyris","year":"2010","journal-title":"Eur J Clin Invest"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib92","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"45","DOI":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2013.09.023","article-title":"Endometriosis: the elusive gray area between evidence-based and evidence-biased medicine","volume":"101","author":"Vercellini","year":"2014","journal-title":"Fertil Steril"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib93","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"811","DOI":"10.1016\/j.jclinepi.2014.12.016","article-title":"Head-to-head randomized trials are mostly industry sponsored and almost always favor the industry sponsor","volume":"68","author":"Flacco","year":"2015","journal-title":"J Clin Epidemiol"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib94","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"1952","DOI":"10.1093\/humrep\/13.7.1952","article-title":"Novel vaginal danazol ring therapy for pelvic endometriosis, in particular deeply infiltrating endometriosis","volume":"13","author":"Igarashi","year":"1998","journal-title":"Hum Reprod"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib95","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"1098","DOI":"10.1016\/S1701-2163(16)30075-5","article-title":"Vaginally administered danazol: an overlooked option in the treatment of rectovaginal endometriosis?","volume":"37","author":"Godin","year":"2015","journal-title":"J Obstet Gynaecol Can"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib96","unstructured":"Buggio L, Lazzari C, Monti E, Barbara G, Berlanda N, Vercellini P. \u201cPer vaginam\u201d topical use of hormonal drugs in women with symptomatic deep endometriosis: a narrative literature review. Arch Gynecol Obstet. In press."},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib97","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"67","DOI":"10.1016\/j.ejogrb.2016.07.513","article-title":"Surgery versus hormonal therapy for deep endometriosis: is it a choice of the physician?","volume":"209","author":"Berlanda","year":"2017","journal-title":"Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol"},{"key":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038_bib98","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"442","DOI":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2013.11.001","article-title":"Bowel complications of deep endometriosis during pregnancy or in\u00a0vitro fertilization","volume":"101","author":"Set\u00fabal","year":"2014","journal-title":"Fertil Steril"}],"container-title":["Fertility and Sterility"],"original-title":[],"language":"en","link":[{"URL":"https:\/\/api.elsevier.com\/content\/article\/PII:S0015028217319027?httpAccept=text\/xml","content-type":"text\/xml","content-version":"vor","intended-application":"text-mining"},{"URL":"https:\/\/api.elsevier.com\/content\/article\/PII:S0015028217319027?httpAccept=text\/plain","content-type":"text\/plain","content-version":"vor","intended-application":"text-mining"}],"deposited":{"date-parts":[[2025,12,30]],"date-time":"2025-12-30T16:52:40Z","timestamp":1767113560000},"score":1,"resource":{"primary":{"URL":"https:\/\/linkinghub.elsevier.com\/retrieve\/pii\/S0015028217319027"}},"subtitle":[],"short-title":[],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2017,12]]},"references-count":98,"journal-issue":{"issue":"6","published-print":{"date-parts":[[2017,12]]}},"alternative-id":["S0015028217319027"],"URL":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038","relation":{"has-review":[{"id-type":"doi","id":"10.3410\/f.732229030.793540431","asserted-by":"object"}]},"ISSN":["0015-0282"],"issn-type":[{"value":"0015-0282","type":"print"}],"subject":[],"published":{"date-parts":[[2017,12]]},"assertion":[{"value":"Elsevier","name":"publisher","label":"This article is maintained by"},{"value":"Role of medical therapy in the management of deep rectovaginal endometriosis","name":"articletitle","label":"Article Title"},{"value":"Fertility and Sterility","name":"journaltitle","label":"Journal Title"},{"value":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2017.08.038","name":"articlelink","label":"CrossRef DOI link to publisher maintained version"},{"value":"article","name":"content_type","label":"Content Type"},{"value":"\u00a92017 American Society for Reproductive Medicine, Published by Elsevier Inc.","name":"copyright","label":"Copyright"}]}}