Does endometriosis cause infertility?

Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
Updated on September 05, 2024
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Endometriosis is a common cause of infertility, primarily due to the ectopic implantation of endometrial tissue in the pelvic cavity or other locations. Endometriosis leads to infertility mainly because it affects ovarian function, such as causing ovulatory disorders. Additionally, endometriosis can cause pelvic adhesions, affecting the function of the fallopian tubes, such as their ability to pick up eggs. Women with infertility should be checked for endometriosis, and if confirmed, surgical or medicinal treatments can be considered to improve the condition and potentially increase the chances of conception. Therefore, endometriosis is a cause of infertility, and careful examination for endometriosis should be conducted in patients with infertility.

Other Voices

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Written by Hou Jie
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Does endometriosis require the removal of the uterus?

Endometrial displacement, depending on the specific location of the displacement, calls for different treatments. When the endometrial glands and stroma invade the myometrium, it is called adenomyosis. Treatment is based on the patient's symptoms, age, and fertility requirements. If there are fertility requirements, or the patient is near menopause, medicinal treatment can be tried to alleviate symptoms. For younger patients with adenomyosis who have reproductive needs, focal excision surgery can be considered. For patients with severe symptoms, who either have no reproductive needs or for whom medicinal treatment is ineffective, a total hysterectomy may be considered.

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Written by Liu Wei Jie
Obstetrics
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Can endometriosis turn into cancer?

The answer is no. First, let's explain what endometriosis is. Endometriosis is when the endometrium, or the lining of the uterus, is found outside of its normal location, including in the muscular layer of the uterus, the ovaries, the pelvic cavity, or the intestines; it can occur in any of these areas. This condition is known as endometriosis. Endometriosis within the uterus is a benign condition, but it can lead to severe painful menstruation and chocolate cysts. If the menstrual pain is very severe, there may be a possibility of needing a hysterectomy in the future. If a chocolate cyst occurs, surgery might also be necessary.

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Written by Xu Xiao Ming
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Endometriosis

Endometriosis means that the endometrial tissue, which normally lines the uterus, grows in other locations. It can grow on the ovaries, inside the muscular layer of the uterus, or in the pelvic cavity. The ectopic endometrial tissue responds to changes in the body's estrogen levels during each menstrual cycle, creating symptoms similar to menstrual bleeding. If it grows on the ovaries, it may form a "chocolate cyst" on the ovaries that gradually enlarges with each menstrual cycle. If it grows within the muscular layer of the uterus, it can lead to adenomyosis, causing significant pain during menstruation. If it grows in the pelvic cavity, it can lead to the formation of pelvic lesions. Therefore, it is recommended that patients with such conditions seek prompt medical treatment.

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Written by Wang Jing Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can endometriosis be cured?

The treatment of endometriosis should be determined based on the individual's specific circumstances. Complete cure typically requires the removal of both ovaries. As long as the ovaries are present, there generally is no talk of a complete cure; treatment can only control the condition. It is possible to surgically remove lesions and use medication to reduce the likelihood of recurrence. The specific treatment for endometriosis should be determined based on factors such as age, whether there is a desire for children, and specific symptoms like painful periods and bleeding conditions.

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Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
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How is endometriosis diagnosed?

Endometriosis refers to the occurrence of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity, a common gynecological condition that often leads to painful menstruation, pain during intercourse, and infertility. Diagnosing endometriosis involves several approaches. First, inquire about the patient's clinical symptoms, including any painful menstruation and pain during intercourse. Second, a pelvic ultrasound should be performed to observe the situation inside the pelvis, assessing for any ovarian endometriotic cysts or pelvic endometriotic lesions. Third, a blood test for CA-125 can be conducted, as the levels of CA-125 tend to increase with endometriosis. Fourth, laparoscopy can be used to collect local tissue for pathological examination, which is the gold standard in diagnosing endometriosis.