How Does Endometriosis Affect Fertility? 

Endometriosis occurs when the tissue that normally lines the inside of your uterus (endometrium) grows outside of it, often on your ovaries, fallopian tubes, and other pelvic organs. This misplaced tissue still acts as it normally would during your menstrual cycle — it thickens, breaks down, and bleeds. However, because it's outside of your uterus, it has no way to exit your body, which then can lead to pain, inflammation, and scar tissue.

Unfortunately, it can also affect your fertility. As many as 50% of women with endometriosis struggle with infertility. It’s important to remember, though, that endometriosis doesn’t mean it’s impossible to conceive; it’s just harder. 

Take a moment as our team of expert providers at Marietta OB-GYN Affiliates explains how endometriosis affects fertility and how we can help.

How endometriosis leads to fertility issues

When you have endometriosis, the inflammation and scarring caused by the misplaced tissue can interfere with your reproductive organs. For example, if endometriosis affects your ovaries, it can form cysts that might damage your eggs. 

Scarring can also block your fallopian tubes — where conception happens — and make it impossible for sperm to reach your egg. Even if a fertilized egg does make it to your uterus, the inflammation caused by endometriosis can create an environment that makes it harder for a fertilized egg to implant.

Recognizing the symptoms of endometriosis 

If you’re struggling with fertility and have symptoms like severe menstrual cramps, pain during intercourse, or chronic pelvic pain, it could be due to endometriosis. 

While not everyone with endometriosis will experience infertility, it’s important to be aware of the potential connection. Getting treatment for endometriosis, whether you’re trying to grow your family or not, can help relieve endometriosis symptoms.

When to worry about infertility 

Most women don’t conceive during their first month of trying. For example, 30% of women trying to conceive do so during their first month of trying. This number jumps to 80% by six months, and by 12 months, it’s 92%. For this reason, women under 35 aren’t considered to have infertility issues until they’ve tried for 12 months to have a baby.

The caveat: if you’re 35 or older, the threshold is six months.

That being said, if you know you have endometriosis — or suspect that you do — you don’t need to wait 12 months before doing something about it. Many endometriosis treatments can help improve your chances of conceiving.

Treating endometriosis and improving your fertility 

Hormonal birth control is a common treatment for endometriosis, but when you’re trying to start your family, this option is off the table. Fortunately, several treatments can help you manage endometriosis and improve your fertility. 

In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the excess tissue and scar tissue and improve your chances of conception. This is an especially beneficial option if you have endometrial lesions that are blocking your fallopian tubes.

When should you consider fertility treatments?

Infertility is complex with many factors — including both male and female issues —  that can contribute to it. 

Even if surgery for endometrial lesions alone isn’t enough, you’re not of options. Here at Marietta OB-GYN Affiliates, our team offers several infertility treatments in our Marietta and Powder Springs, Georgia, locations. Assisted reproductive technologies like intrauterine insemination (IUI) and In vitro fertilization (IVF) can also be effective if you're struggling to conceive naturally.

Dealing with endometriosis and infertility? Let’s talk

If endometriosis is affecting your fertility, don't lose hope. There are many options available to help you start or grow your family. 

To learn more about your options, call the location closest to you or request an appointment online.