Endometriosis is a disorder where tissue that normally lines the uterus grows outside the uterus, often in the ovaries or fallopian tubes. It affects over 11% of American women between 15-44 years old and can make it harder to get pregnant. The inflammation and scarring caused by endometriosis can damage the fallopian tubes and prevent eggs from reaching the uterus. While endometriosis may decrease fertility, treatments like surgery and assisted reproduction technologies can help improve chances of pregnancy. Symptoms include severe menstrual cramps and pain with intercourse.

1. What is endometriosis and how does it affectfertility and your ability to get
pregnant?
Endometriosis is a disorder in which tissue that lines inside of the uterus -- the endometrium --
grows outside of your womb and on other areas in your body where it doesn't belong.
Endometriosis is often found in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the tissue outside of your
uterus. However, sometimes it can also be found in the vagina, cervix, vulva, bowel, bladder, or
rectum. Rarely, endometriosis appears in other parts of the body, such as the lungs, brain, and
skin.
Endometriosis affects more than 11% of American women between 15 and 44. It is especially
common among women in their 30s and 40s and may make it harder to get pregnant.
Can endometriosis cause infertility?
Although it is possible for women who have endometriosis to get pregnant, it definitely makes it
harder. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine states that endometriosis may affect
as many as one in every two women with infertility.
For pregnancy to occur, an egg must be released from an ovary, travel through the neighboring
fallopian tube, become fertilized by a sperm cell and attach itself to the uterine wall to begin
development.
The inflammation and irritation caused by the endometriosis can affect fertility. Inflammation of
the fimbria, which picks up the egg and transports it into the fallopian tube, causes swelling and
scarring so the egg may not reach its destination. The condition can also damage the sperm or
the egg, and may also block the fallopian tubes and keep the egg and sperm from uniting.
However, women with mild to moderate endometriosis can still conceive and carry a pregnancy
to term without complications. Doctors advise women with endometriosis not to delay having
children since the condition tends to worsen over time.
Overcoming infertility due to endometriosis?
While endometriosis can prevent a woman from getting pregnant, by treating the endometriosis
itself, patients find that their fertility chances can improve. Although no doctor can guarantee
that deep-excision surgery to treat endometriosis will be a success, pairing it with any of the
following assisted reproductive technologies (ART), can give the hope of bearing children:
- In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): the most common form of ART, in which a woman's eggs are
collected and fertilized by sperm in a lab, then implanted in her uterus.
- Intrauterine Insemination (IUI): This method injects a healthy sperm cell directly into the
uterus to ensure implantation with proper timing during a woman's menstrual cycle.

2. Symptoms of endometriosis
Endometriosis typically comes with pelvic pain, which is often associated with the menstrual
period. Although many women experience cramping during their menstrual period, women with
endometriosis usually describe menstrual pain that's far worse than usual. They also tend to
report that the pain increases over time.
Other signs and symptoms of endometriosis can include:
- Pelvic pain and cramping before your period and several days into your period. Pelvic
pain may come along with lower back and abdominal pain.
- Pain during or after intercourse.
- Pain with bowel movements or urination.
- Excessive bleeding during or between periods.
- Other symptoms may include bloating or nausea, fatigue, constipation, and diarrhea,
especially during menstrual periods.
Are you at risk of developing endometriosis?
Several factors might put you at a higher risk of developing endometriosis. Here is a
comprehensive list for you to be aware of:
- Starting your period at an early age.
- Going through menopause at an older age.
- Never have given birth.
- Short menstrual cycles (less than 27 days).
- Having higher levels of estrogen in your body.
- Low body mass index (BMI).
- Having relatives who have had endometriosis.
- Uterine abnormalities.
- Heavy alcohol consumption.
Symptoms of endometriosis end temporarily with pregnancy and end permanently with
menopause unless you're taking estrogen.
When should you see a doctor?
If your periods are always heavy and very painful, or if you have experienced any of the
symptoms mentioned above, you should pay a visit to your doctor or see your gynecologist, who
specializes in the health of your ovaries, uterus, and other parts of your female reproductive
system.
Although there is no cure for endometriosis, medicine and surgery may be able to help you cope
with the symptoms of endometriosis.