Endometriosis and Fertility
Endometrial cells line the uterus, and when they grow in places outside the uterus (as almost always the pelvis) this is known as endometriosis.
It is quite a common condition, especially in women over 30 who have not had children. It is also a common cause of infertility, as severe endometriosis can distort the tubes and ovaries and cause the body to resist foreign material – such as sperm.
How do I know if I have endometriosis?
Symptoms of endometriosis include painful periods, pain during intercourse and premenstrual spotting. If you experience these symptoms and are also having trouble conceiving naturally, you should see your GP.
How do you treat endometriosis?
Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive treatment for endometriosis, as well as other gynaecological conditions such as fibroids, uterine or tubal problems. The surgeon looks inside the abdominal cavity through a small incision in the navel to confirm endometriosis and can then treat it at the same time.
In many cases surgery may be the only treatment required to increase natural fertility. It can also increase the success rate of reproductive treatments such as IVF.
Find Melbourne IVF specialists with a special interest in endometriosis and laparoscopic surgery...
