Endometriosis and Fertility

Endometriosis is a condition in which tissues lining the walls of the uterus grow in other parts of the body. This lining tissue is called the endometrium. In the case of endometriosis, the tissue can grow in other places such as the ovary, bladder, walls of the fallopian tubes and on the lining of the abdomen.

While this endometrial tissue is not cancerous, it can affect a woman's fertility and consequently the ability to become pregnant.

Endometriosis affects more than 700,000 girls and women in Australia. Most times, if you have a mother who suffers from the condition, your chances of having it when you approach childbearing age increases.

Signs of endometriosis

Pelvic pains are the most common symptoms of endometriosis. If you have also had frequent unprotected sex with a fertile man for the past six months without conceiving, you may also want to get tested for endometriosis as infertility is a prevalent symptom of the condition.

Other symptoms of endometriosis are:

• Pain during or after sex

• Painful bowel movements

• Painful urination

• Painful and often heavy and irregular menstruation

• Pain in the lower abdomen during menstruation

What’s the link with endometriosis and fertility?

Up to half of the women with endometriosis have difficulty falling pregnant. Most women only become aware of their condition when they find it challenging to become pregnant and look further into their fertility. 

Some women with endometriosis are asymptomatic – meaning they will not show any of the above symptoms while some will only show very mild symptoms. The range of symptoms, however, does not determine the severity of the condition. For example, your endometriosis symptoms may be mild, while the thickening of the uterus may be more severe. 

While most women with endometriosis find it difficult to become pregnant, scientists are still finding it difficult to create a link between the tissue outgrowth and infertility.

Theories that explain endometriosis and pregnancy troubles:

1. The thick uterine lining and/or growth of endometrial tissue outside of the uterus causes inflammation. This inflammation triggers the body to produce cytokines – defensive chemicals. These cytokines are thought to inhibit sperms and eggs, hence preventing fertilisation.

2. The growth of the tissues on the walls of the fallopian tube can scar the tube and make it difficult or not possible for the sperm to complete the journey to unite with the eggs released during ovulation.

3. The growth of the tissue on the surface of the ovaries can prevent ovulation and hence the release of eggs.

Is there an Endometriosis cure for me?

There is no endometriosis cure, however there are many treatments that provide endometriosis pain relief.

These include pain medications, endometriosis surgery, hormonal medications, hysterectomy, and of course, infertility treatment for women who wish to become pregnant.

Endometriosis and pregnancy – it can happen!

Women with endometriosis can still become pregnant with the right care.

Most commonly, we assist women in the diagnosis of their condition and if required management. This can include endometriosis laparoscopic surgery which includes the removal of endometrial tissue which enables free movement of the reproductive cells. As an alternative measure, treatment may also include fertility treatment, being in-vitro fertilisation.

So, what’s next?

If you have or are worried that you have endometriosis and are wanting to conceive now or in the future, it’s important that you see a Gynaecologist so that you can diagnose and manage your condition. We’d be happy to assist you in the process, so please contact us if you’d like to know more or book an appointment with Dr Latika Cilly.