Causes of Infertility in Endometriosis

Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
Updated on September 07, 2024
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Endometriosis is a common gynecological disease that severely troubles women's daily lives. Besides causing painful menstruation, endometriosis is also a common cause of infertility. The reasons for infertility caused by endometriosis include the following aspects:

First, endometriosis often leads to the formation of chocolate cysts on the ovaries, which can affect ovarian function and cause impaired ovarian function.

Second, endometriosis can sometimes affect the function of the fallopian tubes, causing adhesions in the fallopian tubes. This may result in difficulties in egg pickup, preventing the sperm and egg from meeting and forming a fertilized egg in the fallopian tubes, leading to infertility.

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Written by Li Shun Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Endometriosis characteristics

The main characteristic of endometriosis is painful menstruation, and in severe cases, it can lead to heavy periods and prolonged menstrual cycles. If endometriosis leads to the formation of ovarian chocolate cysts, the rupture of these cysts can cause severe abdominal pain. Moreover, endometriosis can easily lead to pelvic adhesions, which are a common cause of infertility. If the condition is severe, abdominal pain may also occur after the menstrual period has ended. In the case of adenomyosis, the symptoms include an enlarged uterine body, heavy periods, and prolonged menstrual cycles. If the condition is severe, then surgical treatment may be necessary.

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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.

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Written by Yue Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Is endometriosis serious?

Endometriosis is a condition where the endometrium, which normally lines the uterus and has growth potential, is found outside of the uterine cavity, commonly in the ovaries. The typical clinical manifestation of endometriosis is abdominal pain during menstruation. Such pain intensifies as the condition progresses and can ultimately impact the patient's work and daily life, to the extent that they may not be able to work normally. Thus, endometriosis can become quite severe over time and may lead to infertility in women who wish to conceive.

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Written by Yue Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can endometriosis lead to pregnancy?

Endometriosis can lead to pregnancy, but about 50% of those affected may not conceive. This is because the disease can cause abnormal anatomical structures in the female pelvic, leading to extensive adhesions around the fallopian tubes, thus affecting the movement of the tubes. This, in turn, impairs their function in transporting the fertilized egg. Therefore, for patients wishing to conceive, it is advisable to monitor follicular development with an ultrasound and have intercourse during the ovulation period, which could increase the chances of pregnancy.

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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.