Patient Portal Health Professionals

We found you in South Australia Ok thanks

Change your preferred state

Close

Endometriosis

Print

Endometriosis is a common condition – it can affect up to one in ten women at some point from their first period to menopause.[1] A third of women with Endometriosis may experience fertility issues, but treatment is available.[2]

March is Endometriosis Awareness Month

It’s EndoMarch, which is Endometriosis awareness month, so we are shining a spotlight on the illness that affects one in ten females.If you have Endometriosis, or you think you have the condition, Repromed's Dr Ray Yoong takes some time to answer your questions in the video.https://repromed.com.au/

Posted by Repromed on Sunday, 18 March 2018

 

What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis occurs when the lining of the uterus (the endometrium), starts growing outside the uterus which causes scar tissue.

Endometriosis causes infertility in different ways. If the Endometriosis damages the tubes and the ovaries then this will significantly reduce the woman’s ability to conceive. This will significantly alter the movement of the egg and sperm.

Even if the tubes and ovaries are not damaged then the Endometriosis can affect the movement of sperm, egg pick up by the tube, egg fertilisation, embryo growth and implantation.

If you have a close relative with Endometriosis, you are ten times more likely to have Endometriosis yourself.[3]

What are the symptoms of Endometriosis?

Some women experience incredibly painful periods, while others may not discover they have endometriosis until they have difficulty when they try to have a baby.

Common symptoms include:

  • painful periods
  • premenstrual bleeding
  • pelvic pain
  • pain during sex

If your fertility specialist suspects you have endometriosis, a laparoscopy can be performed to confirm the diagnosis.

Will Endometriosis affect my fertility?

About 30% of women with Endometriosis will experience infertility, likely due to:[4]

  • scarring of the tubes or ovaries
  • egg quality being affected
  • embryo implantation issues due to damage to the uterus.

Not all women with Endometriosis experience infertility. Some women with Endometriosis will have no trouble conceiving naturally and having a successful pregnancy.

Can Endometriosis be treated?

Yes. Depending on the type and severity of your Endometriosis, treatment may include:

  • a laparoscopic surgery to remove the Endometriosis. Many women conceive naturally after the surgery, but IVF is also a common option if infertility continues.
  • some simple medication

What’s next?

Talk to our Fertility Doctors about treating your Endometriosis.

If you have not been diagnosed with Endometriosis, but you are concerned it maybe affecting your fertility, book a free chat with one of our experienced fertility nurses.

(Complete the form and one of our staff will be in touch with you soon)

  • DD slash MM slash YYYY
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
  • DD slash MM slash YYYY
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.