Endometriosis and Infertility

Endometriosis and infertility afflict 30 to 50 percent of American women today. Many of these women are considered subfertile or infertile, particularly when there is scarring in the tissue growth (endometrium). Technically infertility is a symptom, not a cause of endometriosis.

A woman’s body sheds endometrium tissue during menstruation. This tissue lines and normally grows inside her uterus (womb). Outside growth is called endometriosis, which—depending on the severity—can be quite painful.

Medical experts do not yet know what exactly causes this condition and why it decreases female fertility. Decreased fertility may be a result of endometrium scarring in the pelvis that could affect the Fallopian tubes which transport the eggs from the ovaries. Endometriosis also produces hormones and substances that may adversely affect a woman’s reproductive process.

Endometriosis might be the possible cause, if you and your partner have been having difficulty conceiving despite being healthy.

Signs of endometriosis

Pain in the lower abdomen or the pelvis is the most common symptom of endometriosis, often during or just before your period and lessening after menstruation. A woman afflicted with endometriosis may also feel pain outside her monthly period.

Pain may also be felt—

  • during ovulation
  • in the bowel during menstruation
  • when passing urine
  • during or after sexual intercourse
  • in the lower back region
  • in the lower back
  • in the legs

Other symptoms:

  • diarrhea and/or constipation (in connection with menstruation)
  • Heavy/ irregular menstruation
  • blood in the urine
  • abdominal bloating (during menstruation)
  • fatigue
  • chronic/ recurring pelvic pain
  • high blood pressure
  • coughing up blood
  • rectal bleeding
  • blood in the urine or the stool
  • frequent or urgent urination
  • difficult or prolonged menstruation
  • severe ovulation cramps
  • irregular bowel movements
  • dysmenorrheal (menstrual cramps)
  • nausea and vomiting (in severe cases)
  • previous miscarriage/s or ectopic pregnancy

Treatments for endometriosis associated with infertility

There is no current cure for endometriosis, but some procedures can treat the condition and make conception possible (depending on the condition’s extent):

  1. Medication

Medicines can significantly or completely treat mild endometriosis in most women. Prescribed drugs such as birth control pills can suppress the condition and relieve endometriosis-related pain.

Endometriosis-specific drugs such as GnRH agonists (Lupron, Synarel, or Zoladex) and testosterone derivatives have been designed to regulate estrogen production and postpone ovulation for a short time. Some doctors recommend the hormone pill.

However, a number of well-controlled studies have shown that medication does not improve fertility. The pain may also recur maybe six months after the medication has stopped. You may also experience additional side effects, like depression, insomnia, acne, weight gain, etc.

  1. Surgery

If your endometriosis is moderate to severe and you want to conceive, undergoing a laparoscopic surgery might work better for you. Laparoscopy is also one of the most effective methods in treating endometriosis as long as all the endometriosis tissues have been removed.

Some studies have noted improved pregnancy rates of 1.5 to 2 percent per month following this procedure. Others say laparoscopy improved fertility by 40 to 60 percent for women scarred by endometriosis tissue and by 10 to 90 percent for those with cleared Fallopian tubes.

There is a steep price to pay for this promising success: anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000 per surgery. Expect possible post-surgery side effects, too, such as abdominal soreness, among others. Your doctor will advise you of the need for surgery.

  1. Artificial insemination

Having sperm injected into your uterus may also up your chances to conceive by 5 to 25 percent, for a cost of $300 to $700. However, you may first have to take expensive fertility drugs such as clomiphene and gonadotropins—both known to have side effects, aside from the actual procedure’s own possible side effects.

  1. IVF

In vitro fertilization is often recommended to women with severe endometriosis if insemination does not work out after six cycles, at most. The chances of success are higher for women below 40 years old. Be ready to spend $8,000 to $15,000 for this treatment.

  1. Natural Treatments

If you want to avoid the painful cost and inconvenience of surgery, drugs, or fertility-assisted procedures, you may opt for natural remedies to treat endometriosis, such as adopting healthier eating habits (lessening/ eliminating caffeine, sugar, and alcohol and consuming organic food) and supplementing essential nutrients such as Vitamin B complex to help lower your estrogen level.

Traditional Chinese medicine experts also have therapeutic herbs to offer, aside from acupuncture and acupressure. Many women have reported success through these procedures.

You can also do exercise, yoga, and meditation to improve your general and reproductive health.