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What Is Endometriosis and How Does it Affect Fertility?

Whether you have or suspect you have endometriosis, you’ve likely heard that it can negatively impact fertility — but is it true? Let’s discuss the basics of endometriosis, how it can affect your family-building goals, and what you can do about it.

All About Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. It can impact many parts of the reproductive system, including the fallopian tubes and the ovaries. This tissue acts like uterine tissue, thickening and bleeding during each menstrual cycle. However, because it grows where it doesn’t belong, it doesn’t leave the body, causing pain and fertility problems.

Endometriosis Symptoms

Endometriosis symptoms can vary based on the size and location of the misplaced tissue. Common signs of this condition include:

- Painful periods

- Excessive bleeding

- Painful bowel movements or urination

- Pain during sexual intercourse

- Fatigue, diarrhea, bloating, and constipation

- Infertility

Intense pain doesn’t necessarily indicate how much endometriosis tissue you have, and some people with endometriosis don’t have any symptoms at all.

Diagnosing Endometriosis

How does a doctor determine whether you have endometriosis and, if you do, the location and extent of it? A clinician diagnoses endometriosis through laparoscopy, a minimally invasive procedure performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon uses a small telescope with a camera attached to the end (a laparoscope) to examine the pelvic cavity to determine whether endometrial cells or lesions are present.

Endometriosis Treatment

There isn’t a cure for endometriosis, but there are treatment options available. Depending on your specific case, you may need medicine, surgery, or a mix of both. Other treatments include hormone therapies, like birth control. Non-traditional treatments like acupuncture can also be helpful. No two treatment plans look the same, so it may take some trial and error to determine what works best for you.

Endometriosis and Fertility

Because endometriosis affects the reproductive organs, it can also cause infertility. About 30%-50% of those diagnosed with the condition have trouble conceiving. Treatment options for family building include:

- Laparoscopic surgery

- Intrauterine inseminations (IUI)

- In vitro fertilization (IVF)

It’s possible for people with endometriosis to conceive without medical intervention, and some will require multiple cycles of IVF. Since every case is different, you’ll want to consult with your reproductive endocrinologist. They’ll create a treatment plan based on your specific needs.

Grow Your Family, Even with Endometriosis

Endometriosis is an often painful condition that can cause a wide range of difficult symptoms, including infertility. Luckily, if you want to grow your family, there are plenty of resources available to help you. At the Center for Reproductive Medicine in Orlando, FL, we provide individualized treatment plans to help our patients achieve their family-building goals. For more information or to schedule a consultation with our expert fertility team, contact us today.

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