What is Endometriosis? How It Affects Fertility – Iswarya Fertility Centre
27 Oct 2025
What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus grows outside the uterus, often on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or the pelvic lining. This tissue behaves like normal uterine lining; it thickens, breaks down, and bleeds during the menstrual cycle. However, because this tissue is outside the uterus, it cannot exit the body, leading to inflammation, scar tissue, and sometimes painful adhesions.
Common Symptoms of Endometriosis
Painful periods with severe cramping
Chronic pelvic pain outside of menstruation
Painful intercourse
Pain during bowel movements or urination, especially during periods
Heavy or irregular bleeding
Fatigue and digestive issues
Difficulty getting pregnant (infertility)
Some women may have mild or no symptoms, which can delay diagnosis until they seek help for infertility.
How Does Endometriosis Affect Fertility?
Endometriosis can impact fertility in several ways:
Distorts pelvic anatomy: Scar tissue and adhesions can distort the normal function of reproductive organs, interfering with the union of egg and sperm.
Blocks fallopian tubes: This prevents the egg from meeting sperm or reaching the uterus.
Ovarian impact: Endometrial cysts (endometriomas) on the ovaries can reduce egg quantity and quality.
Inflammation: The pelvic inflammatory environment may harm eggs, sperm, embryos, or implantation.
Hormonal changes: Endometriosis may disrupt ovulation and hormone signals important for reproduction.
Women with endometriosis have lower natural pregnancy rates. About 30-50% of women with endometriosis experience infertility.
Diagnosing Endometriosis and Fertility Evaluation
Doctors diagnose endometriosis through:
History and symptom review
Pelvic ultrasound or MRI (to detect ovarian cysts)
Laparoscopy (minimally invasive surgery) for direct visualization and biopsy
For fertility evaluation, both partners undergo assessments including hormone tests, ultrasound, and semen analysis.
Treatment Options at Iswarya Fertility Centre
Treatment depends on symptom severity, fertility goals, and disease extent.
Medical Treatments
Pain relief with NSAIDs, hormone therapy (birth control pills, GnRH agonists) to reduce lesions and inflammation. These help pain but do not improve fertility and suppress ovulation.
Surgical Treatments
Laparoscopic surgery to remove endometrial tissue and adhesions can improve fertility, especially in mild to moderate cases.
Surgery is carefully done to preserve ovarian tissue and function.
Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART)
If surgery and medical treatments don’t restore fertility, IVF is a highly effective option, especially in moderate to severe endometriosis.
Superovulation with IUI may be tried in mild cases.
Take Control of Your Fertility with Iswarya Fertility Centre
If you suspect endometriosis or have difficulty conceiving, expert care at Iswarya Fertility Centre can help. Early diagnosis and tailored treatment improve your chances of a successful pregnancy.
Book a consultation with our experienced specialists today and take confident steps towards building your family.