How Could Endometriosis Affect Fertility?

Millions of women across the United States are affected by endometriosis, a condition that affects the female reproductive organs. This condition can be extremely painful for most women, and in severe cases, it could lead to additional lasting health issues. Unfortunately, many of the women who exhibit signs of endometriosis also experience fertility issues as a result.

Understanding Endometriosis

When a woman menstruates, the lining of her uterus, the endometrium, sheds, causing bleeding. Even in a perfectly healthy woman, this process can be painful, but because of the way in which the tissue builds and breaks down, some women face additional complications. Endometriosis causes endometrial tissue, which usually remains in the uterus, to implant onto the ovaries and other internal organs. As a result, the tissue grows and bleeds during menstruation, causing painful inflammation and scarring.

Symptoms of endometriosis include:

• Pelvic pain
• Abnormally painful cramping during menstruation
• Painful intercourse
• Difficulty becoming pregnant

Endometriosis & Infertility

While not all women with endometriosis will experience difficulty becoming pregnant, a study by the Mayo Clinic found that between one-third and one-half of women with endometriosis do deal with fertility issues. The reason endometriosis can affect fertility has to do with how the endometrium tissue affects the ovaries and the fallopian tubes. These two organs are essential to the natural fertilization process and they help support the woman’s egg. Tissue buildup and scarring caused by endometriosis can damage these reproductive organs, or the monthly inflammation could prevent conception.

Treatments for Endometriosis

Luckily, women suffering from infertility due to endometriosis aren’t without hope. Specialized surgical procedures can reduce scarring and repair areas damaged by this uncomfortable condition, making it possible for the woman to conceive. In some cases, women may conceive naturally after such procedures, or they may require additional fertility treatments. In-vitro fertilization, for example, can help women with fertility issues by implanting the already fertilized egg into the uterus. Depending on the severity of your condition and your wishes for your future, you can discuss a personalized treatment plan with our fertility doctor.

Are you dealing with endometriosis and hoping to become pregnant? Our dedicated team at Palm Beach Fertility Center has more than 20 years of experience providing women with various types of medical procedures to help with fertility. We can work with you to determine the best course of action for your condition and help you begin building your family.

Contact Palm Beach Fertility Center to discuss your fertility options with our team.