Why endometriosis cause infertility

The sperm is brought to the fertility laboratory and processed. The woman then comes into the office at the time she is ovulating for the sperm to be placed into her uterus with a thin tube. This is done during a speculum exam and feels similar to a Pap test. If this treatment is not successful after three or so months, the next step is 1 the use of injected infertility medications with IUI, or 2 in vitro fertilization.

If pregnancy does not happen within six to 12 months after surgical treatment of moderate to severe endometriosis, in vitro fertilization is generally recommended. In some situations your doctor may recommend going straight to fertility treatment with in vitro fertilization. Before you start this treatment, your doctor will explain the chance of in vitro fertilization working for you, based on your age and hormone testing.

This treatment requires a woman to take small injections of fertility medications which cause many eggs to grow in the ovaries within fluid pockets called follicles. These follicles are watched with blood and ultrasound tests. When the follicles are a certain size, the eggs are ready to be removed from the ovaries.

This is done under a light sleeping medication anesthesia. Using a needle that is guided by ultrasound, and passed through the vaginal wall into the ovaries, the eggs that have grown are removed. This process takes about 10 minutes. The eggs are then placed in dishes with sperm in the fertility laboratory.

Most will fertilize and grow into embryos. If you have endometriosis, it is best to have it evaluated if you and your partner are planning to conceive. On the other hand, if you are having infertility issues and have not been diagnosed, discuss the option of having a laparoscopic evaluation with your gynecologist or fertility specialist.

Our Doctor Discussion Guide below can help you start that conversation. In fact, hormonal changes caused by pregnancy can often lessen symptoms and progression of the disease, albeit temporarily. Get our printable guide for your next doctor's appointment to help you ask the right questions.

Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Endometriosis: a disease that remains enigmatic. Agarwal N, Subramanian A. Endometriosis - morphology, clinical presentations and molecular pathology. J Lab Physicians. What are the symptoms of endometriosis?

Last reviewed January 31, Endometriosis and infertility. J Assist Reprod Genet. Endometriosis and infertility: how and when to treat? Front Surg. Bulleti, C. J Assist Repro Genet. August 27 8 DOI: Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for VerywellHealth. At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page. These choices will be signaled globally to our partners and will not affect browsing data.

We and our partners process data to: Actively scan device characteristics for identification. I Accept Show Purposes. Table of Contents View All. Table of Contents. Understanding Endometriosis. How Endometriosis Causes Infertility. Treating Infertility in Women With Endometriosis. Known and Suspected Causes Tissue overgrowth around the ovaries may prevent an egg from entering the fallopian tubes. If you do have endometriosis, appropriate care may take care of your fertility challenges.

Endometriosis treatment options include birth control pills, hormone agonists and, for severe cases, a hysterectomy. At your exam, Dr. Marinescu or Baker can also help detect other issues that may be impacting your fertility.

Other potential causes of infertility in women include:. Keep in mind that infertility issues can affect all sexes. About one-third of infertility issues stem from issues in a male partner, one-third from issues affecting a female partner, and one-third from a mix of both.

Our team would love to help you meet your pelvic health and wellness needs. Next to cesarean section, hysterectomy is the most common surgery performed on women. Robotically assisted surgical techniques minimize the impact on your body and recovery time when compared with traditional open surgery.