Does Endometriosis Cause Infertility?

Not everyone with endometriosis is infertile, and not all cases of infertility are rooted in endometriosis. However, there is a clear link between the two, and treating your endometriosis may increase your chances of conceiving. With the help of a fertility specialist, you can get a better idea of what’s preventing you from becoming pregnant.

At Women’s Health Care Center of Houston, with two locations in Houston, Texas, our team of women’s health and reproduction specialists can help identify if you have endometriosis, and if so, if it’s a factor contributing to infertility.

Understanding endometriosis 

Endometriosis is a chronic condition that affects at least 10% of women and girls globally. 

Irregular and heavy periods, severe abdominal pain, and discomfort during sex, urination, and bowel movements are all common among those with endometriosis. Unfortunately, these early symptoms are often swept under the rug.

Endometriosis occurs when the lining of the uterus begins to grow outside of the womb. During your period, it swells and bleeds like the rest of your endometrial tissue, but the blood becomes trapped in your pelvis.

This leads to inflammation and the formation of scar tissue, which can sometimes adhere organs to each other or to your abdominal walls. Every period causes the formation of new scar tissue. Over time, this has the potential to ravage the reproductive system, leading to infertility.

Endometriosis and infertility 

It’s estimated that 30-50% of women with endometriosis are infertile. This does not mean that they cannot conceive, just that their condition can make it difficult. 

How exactly endometriosis causes infertility is not always clear. Typically, infertility is caused by endometrial or scar tissue blocking the fallopian tubes. Younger women and those with mild endometriosis are more likely to conceive, since there is less scar tissue getting in the way. 

Left unchecked, endometriosis can worsen over time, jeopardizing your future fertility. If you suffer from endometriosis and want to have children, your doctor may recommend getting pregnant sooner rather than later.

When to consult a specialist 

“Infertility” is a term that is not always clearly defined, but if you’ve been having unprotected sex for a year without results, it might be time to consult a fertility specialist. They are able to perform the necessary tests on you (and your partner) to determine where the problem lies. 

Whether you have been diagnosed or just have suspicions, endometriosis should be mentioned during your consultation. We can take that into account and include it in our planning as we help you overcome infertility.

It’s not uncommon for women to minimize their menstrual symptoms to themselves and doctors, so be honest about how much pain and discomfort you feel during your period, sex, and visits to the restroom. 

If you’ve been told previously that you do not have endometriosis without the proper diagnostics, tell the team at Women’s Health Care Center of Houston. Our specialists will take your concerns seriously.

Having trouble getting pregnant? Struggling with endometriosis symptoms? Get in touch with our team by calling 713-365-2900, or visit the contact page for more options.