Endometriosis is one of the most common causes of infertility. According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, approximately 30-50% of infertile women have Endometriosis, leading to the question: how does endometriosis cause infertility?
Understanding the relationship between endometriosis and infertility involves exploring how the condition affects reproductive organs, disrupts normal bodily functions and causes several issues.
Learn more about endometriosis and infertility by contacting one of our experts at Genesis or requesting an appointment on our website. Our team is ready to support your fertility journey with locations in Phoenix, Tucson, Flagstaff, and Prescott, Arizona.
H1: What is Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (called endometrium) grows outside the uterus and in other areas where it does not belong, such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, pelvis and abdomen. In severe cases, endometriosis can even grow on the bladder or intestines.
The tissue growths swell and bleed like your uterus lining does each month during your period. This growth causes adhesions (scar tissue) and irritates the organs it touches, causing chronic pelvic, back and stomach pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, severe cramps or digestive problems. Your doctor diagnoses endometriosis with a pelvic exam, ultrasound, or laparoscopy. The cause of endometriosis is still unknown, but it could be related to genetics or environmental factors. The condition affects around 11% of reproductive-age women and is most common among women in their 30s and 40s. As many as 25% of people are asymptomatic and are not aware that they have endometriosis.
H2: How Endometriosis Affects Fertility
Infertile women are six to eight times more likely to have endometriosis than fertile women, though the link between endometriosis and infertility is unclear. The condition may affect fertility in a few ways.
- The development of ovarian cysts or adhesions on the ovaries
- Scarring on the fallopian tubes can interfere with ovulation
- Hormonal-related changes can alter your reproductive cycle and egg quality
- Inflammation in the pelvis and ovaries can make it difficult for an egg to implant or mature
Not everyone with endometriosis will have the same experience or difficulty getting pregnant, and every case is unique.
H2: The Stages of Endometriosis
There are four stages of endometriosis, each corresponding with the severity of the inflammation and damage to the surrounding organs. Research has shown that the more severe the disease, the less chance to conceive naturally. In other words, someone with Stage III endometriosis will most likely have a harder time getting pregnant than someone with Stage I endometriosis. The stages are:
- Stage I (minimal disease): There are only a few spots of growth with no scar tissue
- Stage II (mild disease): More spots of endometriosis that are deeper and affect multiple pelvic organs such as ovaries and fallopian tubes
- Stage III (moderate disease): Significant adhesions that deeply infiltrate pelvic organs and the abdomen
- Stage IV (severe disease): Severe growths with a lot of scar tissue, with the presence of large ovarian cysts and multiple organs fused due to the presence of tissue growth
Regardless of the stage of endometriosis, there are several treatment options and methods to assist you in your fertility journey.
H2: Getting Pregnant With Endometriosis
It is not impossible to get pregnant if you have endometriosis. The first step is to speak with your healthcare provider. An evaluation will determine your stage of endometriosis, and your healthcare provider might also conduct further testing to evaluate any other factors impacting fertility, like your partner’s sperm count or other hormonal issues. From there, you have several options to help you conceive.
H3: Surgical Treatment for Endometriosis-Related Infertility
Laparoscopic surgery can help improve fertility by removing cysts and scar tissue around the fallopian tubes. Removing the volume of tissue also reduces pelvic inflammation, which can increase fertility. It is important to note that surgery does not completely remove all of the abnormal tissue, and more tissue can grow over time. For that reason, surgery may be the best option when paired with other fertility treatments such as pills and injections or IVF.
H3: Medicine Treatment for Endometriosis-Related Infertility
The most common medicine recommended for endometriosis treatment is hormonal birth control, but if you are trying to get pregnant, that is not helpful. Your healthcare provider may prescribe a Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist, a medication that mimics a hormone in your body that helps control your menstrual cycle. The idea is that the GnRH temporarily halts ovulation, slowing down the growth of endometriosis. Once you stop taking the medication, your chances of getting pregnant will improve. There are also fertility pills and injections that may help.
H3: In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) for Endometriosis-Related Infertility
If you have severe endometriosis or have tried all other options, IVF may be the best course of action. However, if you have large ovarian cysts that make egg retrieval difficult, your healthcare provider may also recommend surgery before proceeding with IVF. The good news is once you are pregnant, there are usually no significant endometriosis-related issues. In fact, pregnancy and breastfeeding slow tissue endometriosis growth and adhesions.
H2: Consult Your Healthcare Provider About Endometriosis and Infertility
There is a link between endometriosis and infertility, which is caused by the growth of abnormal tissue and adhesions in the ovary, fallopian tubes, abdomen and other areas. Your fertility will depend on the severity of your condition, but that does not mean you cannot get pregnant. Make an appointment with your Genesis OB/GYN to discuss how we can support your fertility journey. We’ll recommend and provide personalized, compassionate healthcare services for you. Contact us to request an appointment today.
