Fact Sheet From ReproductiveFacts.org

The Patient Education Website of the American Society for

Endometriosis: Does It Cause ? This fact sheet was developed in collaboration with The Society of Reproductive Surgeons

What is ? At the time of , your doctor may evaluate the Endometriosis is when is found outside amount, location, and depth of endometriosis and the that appears similar to the lining of the give you a “score.” This score determines whether uterus (). Endometriosis may grow your endometriosis is considered minimal (Stage on the outside of your uterus, , and tubes 1), mild (Stage 2), moderate (Stage 3), or severe and even on your bladder or intestines. This tissue (Stage 4). This scoring system correlates with can irritate structures that it touches, causing pain success. Women with severe (Stage 4) and adhesions (scar tissue) on these organs. endometriosis, which causes considerable scarring, blocked fallopian tubes, and damaged ovaries, experience the most difficulty becoming pregnant How can I tell if I have endometriosis? and often require advanced fertility treatment. Many women with endometriosis have pelvic or , particularly with their menstrual How is endometriosis treated? bleeding or with sex. Some women have no Endometriosis needs the female hormone symptoms. Endometriosis can make it difficult to develop and grow. Birth control pills and other to become pregnant. In fact, 30% to 50% of drugs that lower or block estrogen can be effective infertile women have endometriosis. Sometimes, in improving pain symptoms. For patients who endometriosis can grow inside your and wish to become pregnant, medical therapy may be form a cyst (). This usually can be considered prior to attempts at conception, but this seen on ultrasound, unlike other endometriotic treatment usually does not improve pregnancy rates. tissue. The only way to tell for certain if you have endometriosis is through a surgical procedure If endometriosis is seen at the time of surgery, called . your doctor will surgically destroy or remove the endometriosis and remove the scar tissue. This Does endometriosis cause infertility? treatment will restore your normal anatomy and will If you have endometriosis, it may be more difficult allow your reproductive organs to function more for you to become pregnant. Up to 30% to 50% of normally. Your chances of becoming pregnant are women with endometriosis may experience infertility. improved after surgical treatment, especially if your Endometriosis can influence fertility in several ways: endometriosis is in the moderate or severe range. distorted anatomy of the , adhesions, scarred The combination of surgical and medical therapy fallopian tubes, inflammation of the pelvic structures, may be beneficial in patients attempting to conceive altered functioning, changes in through in vitro fertilization (IVF). Overall, treatment the hormonal environment of the eggs, impaired is highly individualized for each patient. implantation of a pregnancy, and altered egg quality. Revised 2016

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