Can Endometriosis Cause Infertility?

Endometriosis is considered to be sensitive to oestrogen, and therefore women who have had more menstrual cycles without a period of absence from pregnancy – will have suffered more exposure to female hormones. Endometriosis is far common in older childless women. It causes infertility by blocking the fallopian tubes – preventing them from picking up an egg at the point of ovulation. Also – the ovaries may become scarred, which can result in an egg being trapped in scar tissue.

What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a chronic condition where the lining of the womb (endometrium) implants and grows outside the womb. Endometrial implants can emerge within the fallopian tubes, pelvis, bladder, ovaries and bowel. (see illustration below). Rarely – they have been found to appear in the heart, lung, armpit and knee. Wherever the endometrium grows – the womb lining still reacts to the natural hormone cycle and therefore bleeds every time a period commences. Endometriosis causes pain as the blood has no outlet and therefore becomes trapped in the tissue, causing inflammation, as well as cysts and scar tissue.

What are the common symptoms of Endometriosis?

• Painful periods
• Heavy/Irregular periods
• Pain during Intercourse
• Back Pain
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Diarrhoea, bloating, & constipation
• Infertility

Bookmark It

Hide Sites