Endometriosis is a common gynaecological condition that can significantly affect both quality of life and fertility in many women of reproductive age.
Although there is increasing information and awareness about this condition, questions about its symptoms, treatment and impact on fertility remain very common.
What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the endometrium grows outside the uterine cavity.
These lesions may be found in:
- The ovaries.
- The fallopian tubes.
- The peritoneum.
- Other pelvic organs.
This abnormal growth causes inflammation, pain, and, in some cases, difficulty becoming pregnant.
Main treatments for endometriosis
There is currently no definitive cure for endometriosis. Treatment is therefore aimed at:
- Controlling symptoms.
- Slowing the progression of the disease.
- Preserving ovarian function and fertility.
Treatment may involve medical or surgical approaches, depending on the case, and the choice depends on factors such as:
- The patient's age.
- The severity of symptoms.
- The size and location of the lesions.
- The patient's wish to become pregnant.
Surgical treatment is becoming increasingly conservative, especially for patients who wish to preserve their fertility.
Can endometriosis affect fertility?
Endometriosis can make it more difficult to achieve pregnancy for several reasons:
- Changes to healthy ovarian tissue.
- Formation of adhesions affecting the fallopian tubes.
- Pelvic inflammation.
- Changes that may influence oocyte quality or embryo implantation.
However, many women with endometriosis become pregnant naturally and without the need for assisted reproduction treatments.
What should I do if I have endometriosis and want to become pregnant?
If there is a desire to become pregnant, the most important step is to carry out an individualised assessment of each case.
Factors such as age, ovarian reserve , how long the patient has been trying to conceive and the degree of disease involvement may influence the most appropriate strategy.
In some cases, assisted reproduction treatments such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF) may be recommended.
The importance of an individualised approach
Endometriosis can present very differently in each woman, both in terms of symptom severity and its possible impact on fertility.
At Barcelona IVF , each case is assessed individually to provide an accurate diagnosis and a treatment plan adapted to each patient's reproductive and personal needs.
