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Understanding Fertility Conditions

Endometriosis

What endometriosis is, common symptoms and how it may relate to fertility.

  • 1 minread
  • 3sections
  • 2myths checked
  • 2sources

endometriosispelvic painpainful periodslaparoscopy

Concept illustration, not to scale: the uterus, tubes and ovaries with small patches of endometriosis on their outer surfaces and a cyst (endometrioma) on one ovary.
Concept illustration, not to scale: the uterus, tubes and ovaries with small patches of endometriosis on their outer surfaces and a cyst (endometrioma) on one ovary.

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Preview for Kara’s review. Educational draft · clinical approval pending.

Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus is found outside the uterus. Its experience varies enormously, from severe pain to no obvious symptoms at all.

Kara explains

The severity of symptoms doesn’t always match the extent of the condition, and the effect on fertility differs from woman to woman. That’s why individual assessment matters so much.

Common symptoms

Painful periods and ongoing pelvic pain are common symptoms; some women have none.

Symptoms can include painful periods, ongoing pelvic pain, pain during or after sex, and bowel or bladder symptoms around a period. Some women have no symptoms and learn about endometriosis during fertility investigations.

How it’s assessed

A symptom diary can help your doctor; a normal scan doesn’t rule endometriosis out.

Assessment may involve a discussion of symptoms, examination and imaging such as ultrasound or MRI. Scans can show some forms, such as endometriomas and deep endometriosis, but small patches are often missed, so a normal scan doesn’t rule endometriosis out. In some cases a laparoscopy (keyhole surgery) is used to look directly.

Endometriosis and fertility

Endometriosis can affect the ovaries and tubes; many women with it conceive.

Endometriosis may affect fertility for some women, for example through inflammation, scarring or effects on the ovaries and tubes. Many women with endometriosis conceive. Options depend on individual circumstances.

Myth vs evidence

Myth

“Period pain that stops you functioning is normal.”

Evidence

Pain that disrupts daily life is worth discussing with a healthcare professional.

Myth

“Endometriosis always causes infertility.”

Evidence

Its effect on fertility varies. Many women with endometriosis conceive.

Take to your appointment Ask your healthcare professional
  1. Could my symptoms be related to endometriosis?
  2. How might endometriosis affect my fertility specifically?
  3. What are the options for assessment and treatment in my situation?

Words you may hear

Endometrium
The lining of the uterus.
Laparoscopy
Keyhole surgery using a small camera to look inside the pelvis.
Endometrioma
A cyst on the ovary related to endometriosis.
Kara’s key takeaway

Endometriosis looks different for every woman. Your symptoms deserve to be taken seriously.

Watch with Kara

Videos on this topic are coming to the channel:

  • Endometriosis and Fertility Explained

See the video schedule

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Sources 2 studies and guidelines Show the research