Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a common reproductive health condition that can affect fertility by interfering with ovulation, egg quality, and implantation. It occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus begins to grow outside of the uterus—most often on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or pelvic lining. This tissue responds to hormonal changes just like the uterine lining, which can cause inflammation, scarring, and discomfort over time.
Endometriosis can be challenging to diagnose and doesn’t always present with obvious symptoms, but effective treatment is available—including proven options to support your family-building journey.
What is endometriosis?
The endometrium is the tissue that lines the inside of the uterus and thickens each month in preparation for a potential pregnancy. In people with endometriosis, similar tissue grows elsewhere in the body, often in areas that aren’t designed to shed or regenerate. This can lead to chronic inflammation, scar tissue (adhesions), and in some cases, damage to reproductive organs.
Endometriosis is classified in four stages—minimal, mild, moderate, and severe—based on how much tissue is present and where it’s located. However, the severity of symptoms doesn’t always match the stage of disease.
What causes endometriosis?
The exact cause of endometriosis isn’t fully understood, but several theories exist:
- Retrograde menstruation: Some menstrual tissue may flow backward through the fallopian tubes and implant in the pelvic cavity.
- Immune system factors: A disrupted immune response may allow tissue to grow in places it normally wouldn’t.
- Genetics: Endometriosis can run in families, suggesting a genetic link.
Endometriosis is not caused by anything a person did or didn’t do—and while some risk factors may increase the chance of developing the condition, many people diagnosed have no known risk factors at all.
How endometriosis affects fertility
Endometriosis can impact fertility in several ways:
- Inflammation and scarring may interfere with egg quality, ovulation, and embryo implantation.
- Blocked fallopian tubes can prevent an egg and sperm from meeting.
- Ovarian cysts (endometriomas) may damage healthy ovarian tissue.
- Pelvic adhesions can alter the position of reproductive organs, making fertilization more difficult.
Not everyone with endometriosis will experience infertility—but for those who do, treatment is available and often effective.
How endometriosis is diagnosed
Because symptoms can be vague or mistaken for other conditions, diagnosis is sometimes delayed. A fertility specialist may recommend:
- Pelvic imaging (such as ultrasound or MRI) to look for cysts or abnormal tissue
- Evaluation of menstrual symptoms, including pain, heavy bleeding, or irregular cycles
- Minimally invasive surgery (laparoscopy) to confirm the presence and extent of endometrial tissue
A diagnosis of endometriosis doesn’t automatically mean you’ll need surgery, but in some cases, a laparoscopic procedure may both diagnose and treat the condition.
Treatment options for endometriosis
Fertility treatment for patients with endometriosis depends on your symptoms, stage of disease, age, and reproductive goals. Options may include:
- Ovulation induction and IUI: These may help if endometriosis is mild and fallopian tubes are open.
- Laparoscopic surgery: Removing endometrial tissue or cysts may improve the chances of conception in some patients.
- In vitro fertilization (IVF): Often recommended for moderate to severe endometriosis or for those who haven’t had success with other treatments. IVF bypasses the fallopian tubes and allows for careful selection and transfer of embryos.
Some patients choose to preserve fertility early, before symptoms progress. Others explore treatment after years of unexplained infertility. No matter where you are in your journey, IVF Florida is here to provide clarity, guidance, and compassionate care.
Without you, it would have been impossible for me to become a mother. Thanks to the entire team at the clinic, and especially to Dr. Luis Hoyos, for this beautiful gift they helped me achieve. I feel very happy and blessed for everything you have done for me and my little family.