Does endometriosis affect fertility?
Endometriosis can have a significant impact on a woman s fertility, but it depends on the individual’s circumstances.
Mr Chatterjee explained: “The presence of endometriotic implants in the pelvis can result in scarring, adhesions and cause tubal damage.
“The ovaries when affected by “chocolate cysts” may not ovulate regularly, resulting in anovulatory cycles.”
While fertility problems are a possibility, endometriosis does not necessarily cause infertility or fertility problems at all.
The experts at Endometriosis UK explain on the site: “The main factor affecting fertility is a woman’s age, as a woman is born with her lifetime supply of eggs to undergo maturation for fertilization.
It can take up to eight years to get a diagnosis for endometriosis.
Mr Chatterjee explained the reason for this is largely due to how differently endometriosis manifests itself.
He said: “It can take months and years before the condition is diagnosed and in many women, it remains undiagnosed throughout their life.
“The non-specific symptoms and reluctance to investigate with direct visualisation of the pelvic and peritoneal cavity by laparoscopy is often the cause for delayed diagnosis.
“Often it is found incidentally when investigating the cause for subfertility.
“The array of symptoms that it can cause and poor understanding of these by clinicians can compound the pathway to an early diagnosis.
Endometriosis symptoms
Endometriosis impacts one in 10 women globally, so you may have the condition if you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above.
Dr Chatterjee said: “The symptoms associated with endometriosis are painful periods that are usually not relieved with painkillers.
“You may also experience persistent pelvic pain, which gets worse during the periods.
“Many women also experience a sense of heaviness in their pelvis, especially associated with pelvic endometriosis. Lower backache is another symptom, which is related to endometriosis.”
Why do I have cramps but no period: Endometriosis tissue can be removed through laparoscopic surgery (Image: Getty)
Some of the words used to describe pelvic and period pain associated with endometriosis are, stabbing, spasmodic, dull aching, constant throbbing, and sharp agonising, shooting and cramping, so you should take note of how your period feels and see if it matches up.