ENDOMETRIOSIS
Your Journey to Restore Fertility
What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue like the lining of the uterus (endometrium) grows outside the womb. Each month, this tissue responds to hormonal changes just like the uterine lining—it thickens, breaks down, and bleeds during the menstrual cycle. Because it has no way to leave the body, it causes irritation, inflammation, and sometimes scar tissue (adhesions). These adhesions can cause nearby organs such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or bladder to stick together, leading to pain and fertility challenges.
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Endometriosis most often affects the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and pelvic lining, but can occasionally appear in other parts of the body. A laparoscopy (keyhole surgery) is usually required to diagnose, assess the severity, and treat the condition.
Causes of Endometriosis
The exact cause of endometriosis remains unclear, but it is thought to develop from a combination of hormonal, genetic, and immune factors.
Possible explanations include retrograde menstruation (menstrual blood flowing backwards into the pelvic cavity), oestrogen influence, family history, and immune system dysfunction, which may allow abnormal tissue to survive and grow. Endometriosis is therefore considered a multifactorial condition with several contributing elements.
Signs & Symptoms
Endometriosis affects roughly 2–10% of women overall and up to half of women struggling with infertility. The severity of symptoms varies—some women experience intense pain, while others have few or none.
Typical signs include painful or heavy periods, persistent pelvic pain, pain during or after intercourse, discomfort with bowel movements or urination (especially during menstruation), fatigue, bloating, or digestive issues. For some, infertility may be the first sign. Because these symptoms can resemble those of other conditions like IBS or ovarian cysts, diagnosis is often delayed.
When to Seek Help
You should consult a doctor if painful periods or pelvic pain interfere with daily life, if you struggle to conceive, or if you experience pain during sex or bowel movements. Heavy or irregular bleeding also warrants investigation. Early diagnosis can significantly improve symptom management and fertility outcomes.
Treatment Options
Although there is no cure for endometriosis, effective treatments can help control symptoms and improve fertility.
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Endoscopic (Laparoscopic) Surgery: This minimally invasive procedure allows specialists to locate and remove endometrial tissue, cysts, and adhesions. It not only relieves pain but restores pelvic anatomy, often improving fertility. The small incisions mean less scarring and quicker recovery compared to traditional surgery.
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Medication: Hormonal therapies such as birth control pills, progestins, or GnRH agonists can reduce menstrual flow and suppress the growth of misplaced tissue. Pain relief with anti-inflammatory medication (NSAIDs) can also help manage discomfort.
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Personalised Care: At George Fertility Clinic, treatment is tailored to each patient’s symptoms, fertility goals, and lifestyle. In some cases, surgery and medication are combined for the best results.
Fertility Impact and Risks
Endometriosis can interfere with conception in several ways. Hormonal imbalances or ovarian cysts may affect ovulation; adhesions can block fallopian tubes, preventing sperm and egg from meeting; and changes in the uterine lining can make implantation more difficult.
During pregnancy, women with endometriosis face slightly higher risks of miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, preterm birth, placental complications, and Caesarean section.
For those struggling to conceive naturally, assisted reproductive treatments such as IVF can help achieve pregnancy.
