Endometriosis Fertility

Five percent of women of childbearing age are affected by endometriosis fertility. That means that 5 out of every 100 women who are trying to conceive will face infertility due to endometriosis.

Endometriosis is defined as an excessive growth of the uterine lining, also called the endometrium. The endometrium can grow in the fallopian tubes, on the ovaries, outside the uterus and most anywhere within the pelvic cavity. It is believed that endometriosis is from a genetic trait and runs in families. Symptoms vary with endometriosis.

Symptoms may or may not include:

• Bleeding or spotting prior to the start of the next menstrual cycle
• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Painful intercourse
• Painful urination
• Pelvic pain
• Severe menstrual cramps

There are several ways of dealing with endometriosis. The degree to what measure of treatment depends on each woman. The rather good news is that pregnancy will cause endometriosis to go into remission. But the bad news is that having endometriosis causes infertility making conception difficult to achieve.

Endometriosis affects ovulation and causes a luteal phase defect. The luteal phase is the time from ovulation to menstruation. A normal luteal phase should be over 10 days with no spotting or bleeding in order to sustain a pregnancy. If the luteal phase falls short and a pregnancy occurs, there is a higher chance of miscarriage.

How is endometriosis diagnosed?