Does endometriosis affect fertility and can it affect the success rates with in vitro fertilization?
Endometriosis is a condition in which the endometrial cells which normally line the inside of the uterine cavity (womb) grow outside the uterus. Endometriosis usually results in deposits (growths) of endometrial cells, which occur in clusters, typically on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, pelvic side walls and bowel. Endometriosis can also cause ovarian cysts (called chocolate cysts). Less commonly, endometriosis can occur in other parts of the body such as the lungs, liver and kidneys. It is a confusing disease which may affect one in ten women during their childbearing years. It is especially common, however, in women having difficulty conceiving, and also in women experiencing pelvic pain. The typical symptoms of endometriosis include painful periods, premenstrual spotting, painful intercourse and difficulty conceiving. Endometriosis should be suspected in any woman with such symptoms. Although a clinical examination and pelvic ultrasound may be completely normal, some clues w
