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12 September 2023
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Introduction to endometriosis

Endometriosis is a disorder that involves the abnormal formation of uterine tissue outside of the uterus. This uterine lining is also referred to as endometrium. Endometrium can form in various places inside the body. When the lining that grows on the internal organ thickens and sheds, as it typically would inside the uterus during a menstrual period, it can cause a variety of symptoms. Endometriosis symptoms often include pain during periods, cramping, abdominal discomfort, pain during sex, excessive bleeding and even infertility. The endometrium is shed inside the body, but outside the uterus it has nowhere to escape, which usually causes these symptoms. Research suggests that about 11% of women in the U.S. between the ages of 11 and 44 years old have endometriosis. Another study suggests that the odds of developing this condition are 1 out of every 10 women in the U.S. and that those odds double when you have a family member with this condition. 

What are some of the most common causes of endometriosis?

If you’re wanting to pinpoint the exact cause of your endometriosis, please note that researchers don’t yet know exactly what causes someone to develop this condition. But they believe several factors can contribute to it. The most common factors that are correlated with endometriosis are:

  • Genetics.
  • Retrograde menstrual flow.
  • Unusual estrogen levels.
  • Surgery to the abdomen. 
  • Immune system disorders.

Can endometriosis cause infertility?

In short, yes, endometriosis can indeed cause infertility. However, endometriosis doesn’t cause infertility in all women. It can potentially cause infertility if the tissue lining develops on the reproductive organs in a manner that obstructs reproduction. Approximately 30% to 50% of women with this condition are estimated to have issues with infertility. 

Experts suggest that women with endometriosis can still try to get pregnant because not everyone with endometriosis will struggle with infertility. Not only that, but those who do struggle can receive treatment from specialists.

Why can endometriosis cause infertility?

The explanation behind why endometriosis can cause infertility varies. The exact cause of endometriosis-related infertility can depend on each person. Here are just a few of the most common reasons why this condition can affect a woman’s ability to get pregnant:

  • The reproductive organs have excessive scar tissue growth — One way that endometriosis can cause infertility is if it causes scar tissue growth on certain organs. Some women may develop lesions and scar tissue that interferes with the fallopian tube’s ability to transport eggs to the uterus.
  • The reproductive organs have excessive inflammation — Inflammation can also cause infertility much in the same way that scar tissue does. If inflammation causes the fallopian tubes to become blocked, the result is that eggs cannot pass through and into the uterus.
  • The immune system targets the embryos — Another potential reason why endometriosis can result in infertility is that it can lead the body to target the embryos. Some cases of endometriosis have resulted in the immune system mistakenly attacking embryos.
  • The uterine lining doesn’t fully develop — Some researchers believe that endometriosis can cause the uterine lining to not fully form as it should, which can negatively impact uterine implantation.

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.

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. 

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. Our team can provide you with easily accessible digital services. Each one of our doctors is board-certified and state licensed.

If you’re looking for more information on virtual infertility doctors and how they can help patients with endometriosis, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Our specialists are experienced in providing effective medical treatment to patients struggling with endometriosis. Our aim is to help you work toward conception. If endometriosis is the cause of your infertility, let us be the ones to help you.
Contact our team by phone today for more information or book an initial appointment online with a fertility specialist.