Introduction to endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition that involves the tissue that lines the uterus. The typical woman will have tissue that lines the uterus and is flushed out with each menstrual cycle. Patients with endometriosis develop lining tissue in areas outside of the uterus. Tissue can grow on several organs including the fallopian tubes, the ovaries, the bladder and the intestines, just to name a few. When menstruation occurs, the tissue that formed over these organs can become irritated and can cause cysts, lesions, and scar tissue to form. Endometriosis can become disruptive to everyday life if left untreated. It has the potential to cause a variety of symptoms, including intense bouts of pain during menstrual cycles and even infertility in some cases. 

Globally, it’s estimated that nearly 10% of women have endometriosis. For infertile women, this could mean a few different things in regard to infertility. To learn more about the connection between endometriosis and infertility, keep reading the sections below.

What are the symptoms of endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a condition that can present itself in a number of ways. The following list may not encompass all the symptoms of this condition, but rather a few of the most typical symptoms seen in endometriosis patients:

• Period cramps that feel widespread throughout your body — One of the more common symptoms of endometriosis is period cramping that can be felt outside of the uterus. Those who have endometriosis may experience painful cramping that radiates to their stomach or their lower back. 

• Irregular bowel movements while on your period — It’s also common for a person with endometriosis to experience irregular bowel movements while on their period. They may experience diarrhea or constipation or perhaps have pain when urinating or defecating. 

• Pain or discomfort when you’re engaging in intercourse — Endometriosis patients may experience pain or discomfort when having sex. 

• Inconsistent or abnormally heavy periods — Another symptom of this condition is inconsistent or very heavy periods. Period cycles may be hard to predict, the flow may be inconsistent and the length of time may be unusually long.

• Depleted energy levels during your period — A patient with endometriosis may also feel lethargic or fatigued around the time of their menstrual period. 

What are the causes of endometriosis?

The exact causes of endometriosis are not well understood, but there are a few different factors that are generally thought to contribute to it. If you have any of the following conditions or risk factors, you should consult with a doctor: 

• Cell transformation.
• Cell transport.
• Surgical incision implantation.
• Autoimmune disorders.
• Retrograde menstruation.
• Family history.

Can endometriosis cause infertility?

Endometriosis does have the potential to cause infertility in some people. However, to say that endometriosis causes infertility would be to make a blanket statement that leaves some room for error. The extra tissue that develops on the pelvic organs can grow on the reproductive organs, which could then negatively affect fertility. However, in cases where the tissue grows on organs that are not involved in the reproductive process, pregnancy may still be a realistic possibility.

Fertility clinics typically see endometriosis patients who haven’t been able to conceive in a six- or seven-month period and those who are trying to determine if their condition does affect their reproductive organs.

The bottom line is that endometriosis doesn’t spell the end of fertility for everyone. If you’re not sure how your endometriosis affects your pelvic organs and ultimately your fertility, you should consult with a medical professional.

Why choose Fertility Cloud?

At Fertility Cloud, we value shared experiences. We want to help you navigate your struggles and celebrate your victories. Our team of experienced medical providers is dedicated to providing you with compassionate and professional care. Through every step of the way, we’ll do our very best to ensure your comfort and guide you through the fertility process. We know that infertility can cause uncertainty. That’s why we’re committed to servicing each of our clients with empathy.  

At Fertility Cloud, everything is done remotely, from your communication with your doctor to your fertility tests. Appointments are conducted virtually, via live videoconferencing. All that’s required of you is either a computer, smartphone or tablet to join the call. The typical appointment takes around 30 minutes. You’ll undergo an initial consultation, and subsequent treatment will be monitored for at least three months. We’re confident we can provide you with the answers you’re looking for regarding your reproductive health and fertility options.

We understand that finding convenient, high-quality medical care can be a challenge. That’s why we’ve selected some of the best reproductive endocrinology specialists out there to provide you with easily accessible digital services. Each one of our doctors is board-certified and state licensed.

Are you ready to talk about infertility caused by endometriosis? Do you have any other questions or concerns that haven’t been answered yet? These topics can be challenging to broach, but we’re here to help. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

Contact our team by phone today for more information or book an initial appointment online with a fertility specialist.