How Endometriosis Affects Fertility and What You Can Do About It

Endometriosis is a painful condition where tissue grows outside your uterus, often on your ovaries, pelvic lining, or fallopian tubes. Unlike your uterine lining that leaves your body each month during your period, this rogue endometrial tissue has nowhere to go, so it can cause inflammation, irritation, and a lot of pain.

March is National Endometriosis Awareness Month, which is a perfect opportunity to address this complex condition and how it can impact your fertility. 

Dr. Lorena Tinoco, Madelyn Gonzalez, MD, and our knowledgeable team at Novel OBGYN in Coral Gables, Florida, understand how endometriosis can interfere with getting pregnant, and we offer compassionate gynecologic and fertility care. 

Why endometriosis makes conceiving harder

Here’s why endometriosis impairs your ability to conceive:

• It can cause scar tissue that can block or twist your fallopian tubes, keeping the egg and sperm from uniting
• It can cause inflammation that compromises embryo implantation
• It may reduce the quantity and health of your eggs

You can still conceive when you have endometriosis, but it can be much harder. According to the National Library of Medicine, an estimated 30%-50% of women with infertility also have endometriosis. If you’ve been trying to conceive for six months or more, schedule some time to meet with one of our skilled doctors for an evaluation.

Understanding your body’s signals

Endometriosis looks different from person to person, but some telltale symptoms include:

• Painful periods
• Heavy periods
• Pelvic discomfort
• Bloating
• Digestive problems
• Pain during sex

Yet, it’s possible that you may not feel any pain, which can make the problem easy to overlook until infertility issues crop up.

Treatment options that make a difference

The first step is evaluation. At Novel OBGYN, your care starts with us listening. A thorough history, pelvic exam, and imaging can help your doctor identify signs of endometriosis. In some cases, we may recommend endometrial biopsy or minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery to confirm the diagnosis and treat visible lesions.

Depending on your symptoms and goals, treatment options include:

• Lifestyle and wellness support to minimize irritation and inflammation
• Hormone therapy to manage symptoms and regulate your periods
• Fertility medication for ovulation support
• Minimally invasive surgery to remove scar tissue
• Surgery when structural problems are affecting fertility

Endometriosis can feel overwhelming, but with early evaluation, personalized care, and proactive support from our entire team, it’s possible to conceive and carry a healthy pregnancy. Even if pregnancy isn’t in your immediate plans, managing endometriosis early can protect your fertility long term.

Schedule a consultation today to talk about your symptoms, your fertility goals, and the treatment options that will work best for you.