Endometriosis is a chronic illness marked by the growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus. Many women with this condition often struggle with fertility issues. While some patients have excruciating symptoms, others have no physical symptoms apart from unexplained infertility. Here is more information about endometriosis and its impact on infertility:
Endometriosis and Unexplained Infertility
When a patient experiences severe period cramps or pelvic pain, reproductive health specialists may test for endometriosis. Another indication of endometriosis is excessive menstrual bleeding or bleeding between cycles. Pain during sexual activity, urination, and bowel movements are other possible symptoms of this condition.
Silent endometriosis may be the cause of unexplained infertility for individuals who do not show any symptoms. This type of endometriosis leads to undetected reproductive problems. It may be difficult for doctors to diagnose silent endometriosis due to the absence of symptoms. Understanding how endometriosis impacts fertility helps individuals and couples better understand their reproductive journey. These are some of the ways endometriosis affects fertility:
1. Fallopian Tube Distortions
Endometriosis may result in tissue adhesions and implants in the fallopian tubes. Such abnormal tissue growths change pelvic anatomy and block the fallopian tubes. Blocking the movement of eggs from the ovaries into the uterus reduces the possibility of fertilization and conception.
2. Ovulation Disorders
Endometriosis can interfere with normal ovarian function, leading to irregular or nonexistent ovulation. Endometrial tissues growing into or onto the ovary could interfere with follicle growth and the ovulation processes. Ovulation problems result in irregular menstrual periods, which make conceiving challenging.
3. Diminished Egg Quality
Endometriosis-related inflammation lowers the quality of eggs that the ovaries generate. Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress reduce the eggs’ ability to mature and develop. Underdeveloped eggs have a lower likelihood of successful fertilization. If fertilization occurs with poor-quality eggs, embryonic development is negatively affected. Endometriosis patients may experience unsuccessful fertilization or early pregnancy loss as a result.
4. Implantation Issues
In cases where successful fertilization has occurred, endometriosis patients may still have difficulty achieving successful implantation and establishing pregnancy. Endometriosis changes the endometrial environment’s tolerance for embryo implantation. The endometrium malfunctions and produces implantation cytokines and molecules that interfere with the embryo’s attachment and growth.
5. Immunity Dysregulation
Infertility in endometriosis patients may be a result of abnormal immunological responses. The reproductive system’s dysregulated cytokine production and immune cell activity interfere with ovulation, conception, and implantation. Immune-driven inflammatory responses could also worsen endometrial injury and reduce the chances of successful conception.
6. Hormonal Imbalance
A common aspect of endometriosis is the imbalance of hormones like estrogen. Endometriosis patients may experience irregular menstruation and decreased fertility due to an excess of estrogen and abnormal estrogen metabolism. The chances of conception are reduced by hormonal imbalances that cause a lack of ovulation, irregular menstrual cycles, and poor follicular development.
Endometriosis Diagnosis and Treatment
In some cases, fertility doctors may detect endometriosis growths during ultrasound imaging. Surgical laparoscopy procedures help confirm the presence of endometrial tissue outside the womb, leading to an endometriosis diagnosis. Patients with undiagnosed infertility may undergo advanced testing that involves taking an endometrial biopsy and testing it for the BCL6 marker. A positive BCL6 test may indicate silent endometriosis.
After being diagnosed with endometriosis, patients collaborate with their doctors to determine the best course of action for treatment. Endometriosis-related infertility requires a comprehensive treatment plan customized to meet the needs of each patient. Treatment options may include a combination of drug therapy, surgical procedures, and assisted reproductive technologies like IVF.
Get Tested To Improve Chances Of Conception
Find a reputable fertility specialist to schedule advanced testing for silent endometriosis and other possible causes of unexplained infertility. With a proper diagnosis, these specialists can create a treatment plan to improve the chances of a successful pregnancy. Contact a reproductive health specialist today to learn more about getting tested for endometriosis.
