Five percent of women of childbearing age are affected by endometriosis fertility that will cause a fertility problem. 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?

An ultrasound of the pelvic area will confirm endometriosis. If it is suspected a procedure called a laparoscopy will be done. This is where a small incision is made through the abdomen or can be done through the cervix and a small sample of the endometrium will be cut out.

If endometriosis is confirmed treatments such as ovulation suppression will be given. In the act of suspending the ovulation cycle the endometrium can not grow. Normal methods of ovulation suppression are birth control pills, Danazol or Lupron. In some cases laser treatments can be done and works well if pregnancy is the desired outcome.

The good news is that even with endometriosis fertility conception can occur with the above treatments. Because pregnancy suppresses the condition, it is advisable to have your children closer together, while the endometrium growth is at a minimum. Once the desired children are born, there are a few other alternatives to cure the disease. Hysterectomy (the removal of the uterus) or a uterine ablation (a balloon filled with hot water placed in the uterus to kill off the uterine lining) are given to stop endometriosis completely. Also progesterone therapy has shown to treat and possible cure it as well.