Biomarkers in reproductive medicine: the promise, and can it be fulfilled?  Stephen S. Palmer, Ph.D., Kurt T. Barnhart, M.D., M.S.C.E.  Fertility and Sterility  Volume 99, Issue 4, Pages 954-962 (March 2013) DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2012.11.019 Copyright © 2013 American Society for Reproductive Medicine Terms and Conditions

Figure 1 For a biomarker to be valid it must have a strong and valid association with the disease process of interest. Although initial studies of this association may be promising, there are many reasons that the association may not ultimately be demonstrated valid. Alternatively, there may be a true association that is overlooked or abandoned owing to methodologic factors. Factors can be categorized into issues involving the exposure, those regarding statistical associations, and those involving the outcome. Fertility and Sterility 2013 99, 954-962DOI: (10.1016/j.fertnstert.2012.11.019) Copyright © 2013 American Society for Reproductive Medicine Terms and Conditions

Figure 2 Treatment of women with symptomatic endometriosis with surgery or pharmacologic therapy is currently impeded by the lack of validated diagnostics and the side effects of existing therapeutics. Adapted from Vodolazkaia et al. (20). NSAID = nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug; OC = oral contraceptive. Fertility and Sterility 2013 99, 954-962DOI: (10.1016/j.fertnstert.2012.11.019) Copyright © 2013 American Society for Reproductive Medicine Terms and Conditions