How does endometriosis affect fertility?
Endometriosis is found in about 10% of women seeking Infertility treatment. Patients with all stages of endometriosis have decreased fertility compared with age-matched controls. Even at mild stages, endometriosis causes an inflammatory reaction. The resulting activation of the immune system may lead to an abnormal immune response in the endometrium that could prevent implantation or lead to embryo destruction. In the presence of severe disease, there is often scarring and pelvic adhesions that block the fallopian tubes, preventing the egg from reaching the sperm and the uterus. Adhesions can cover the ovary like plastic wrap and prevent the ovulated egg from escaping the ovary. Adhesions may also fix the fallopian tube in place, preventing it from capturing the egg, even though it is open. Large endometriomas can compress normal ovarian tissue, reducing the number of good quality eggs.
Endometriosis refers to what happens when the lining of the uterus known as the endometrium attaches to some of the other organs located on the outside of the uterus. Generally, the lining is shed during a woman’s period. However, if this lining has attached itself to the outside of the uterus, it does not have a way to leave the body. The lining will then break down and bleed, tear away, or turn into scar tissues that can be extremely painful. The cause of endometriosis is not known. There are a variety of symptoms that can occur with endometriosis. For some women, endometriosis will mean having extreme pain during their period, or during sex. The most severe pain of endometriosis can occur somewhere around 5 to 7 days before a woman’s period, and it can last until around 2 or 3 days after a period. Around two thirds of women with endometriosis will experience pain during intercourse. Many women who have endometriosis will experience a variety of gastrointestinal difficulties. These c
