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Introduction to endometriosis

Endometriosis is a medical condition involving abnormal uterine lining growth in areas outside of the uterus. This lining, called endometrium, can form on or around the internal organs. When the lining that forms outside of the uterus begins to shed as it would inside the uterus during the menstrual cycle, it turns into blood that has nowhere to exit the body. When the blood comes into contact with the internal organs, it can cause significant lesions, inflammation, and scar tissue to form. The symptoms of endometriosis can be very uncomfortable to deal with and can even include infertility for some women. Experts believe that around 6.5 million women in the U.S. have this condition. Of those, a significant portion deals with infertility. But how exactly can endometriosis cause infertility? To get a better understanding of how endometriosis can cause infertility, take a look through the information below.

What are the symptoms of endometriosis?

If you’re new to or unfamiliar with endometriosis, here are some of the most common symptoms: 

  • Pain during menstrual periods.
  • Pain during sexual intercourse.
  • Painful bowel movements or urination.
  • Chronic pain in the pelvis.  
  • Nausea during menstrual periods.
  • Bloating during menstrual periods.
  • Problems with infertility.

How can endometriosis cause infertility?

Endometriosis does have the capacity to cause infertility in some women. It may not cause infertility in every woman diagnosed with this condition. However, it still affects a hefty percentage — anywhere from 30% to 50% of women who’ve been diagnosed with endometriosis will experience infertility. The reasons why this condition doesn’t cause infertility in everyone can vary. To learn more about how endometriosis can cause infertility, read through some of the most common complications that this condition can cause:

  • Immune system responses — In some circumstances, women with endometriosis will also experience abnormal immune system responses. Their immune systems may begin to target the embryos after fertilization and prevent them from coming to term.
  • Scar tissue on the reproductive organs — Women with endometriosis have the potential to develop scar tissue on their internal organs. In some cases, scar tissue develops on the reproductive organs. When this occurs, excessive tissue growth has the potential to obstruct the fallopian tubes. Women with obstructions to their fallopian tubes usually experience infertility because the eggs in their bodies can’t travel through the tubes into the uterus during the reproductive process. 
  • Poor development of the uterine lining — Some experts maintain that endometriosis causes improper development of the lining in the uterus, which leads to failed implantation of an egg in the uterus.
  • Inflammation of the reproductive organs — The tissue lining called the endometrium can cause significant inflammation when it comes into contact with the reproductive organs. In cases where the reproductive organs, like the fallopian tubes, become inflamed, the eggs in the ovaries cannot travel through the fallopian tubes and into the uterus. 

An infertility specialist can treat some of these complications caused by endometriosis. If you’ve been diagnosed with endometriosis and are experiencing infertility issues, it’s a good idea to consult a specialist about how they can help you during treatment.

Fertility Cloud can treat your your infertility

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 you need is 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 how endometriosis can affect fertility, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We can answer any questions you may have about this condition as well as how our infertility specialists can provide the treatment you need to get pregnant. We have much experience in providing compassionate treatment to our patients. Our goal is to help them start the family they’ve been longing for. Let us help you too.
Contact our team by phone today for more information or book an initial appointment online with a fertility specialist.