Living With Endometriosis: Fertility Implications, Symptoms And Treatment

Consultant Gynaecologist and Obstetrician DrEko Zhang MBBS, MSc, MRCOG, PhD provides an insight into the symptoms, causes and treatments for endometriosis and how this condition can affect fertility.

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a condition in which the tissue (endometrium) normally lining the womb (or uterus)  grows outside the uterus, on and around the pelvic and abdominal organs. Over 1.5 million women  are affected by this condition in the UK. The causes of this condition are medically unknown however  some believe it to be hereditary.

What are the symptoms?

The most common symptoms of endometriosis are chronic pelvic pain, very painful periods, deep pain during sexual intercourse, difficulty becoming pregnant, heavy or abnormal menstrual flow, pain  during ovulation, painful or frequent urination, physical exhaustion, painful bowel movements,  diarrhoea or constipation upsets during menstruation and a difficulty in conceiving. These symptoms  can vary in severity depending on where the endometriosis has implanted and how long the woman  has had it. Some women however experience no symptoms at all.

Endometriosis and fertility

In some women endometriosis can cause infertility. This is solely dependent on how the disease has  affected the reproductive organs. In some cases it can cause the fallopian tubes to become blocked  which can then damage the ovaries, making conception increasingly difficult and even causing  infertility. In order to diagnose the severity and determine the area affected, a doctor will explore your  symptoms and perform a pelvic examination and possible ultrasound to assess the implications if any your condition may have on conceiving.

Treatment

Endometriosis has no known cure however it can be treated to sufficiently relieve symptoms. Pain  medication such as ibuprofen and codeine can be prescribed to ease discomfort and pain. Hormone  treatments are also proven to ease symptoms. _________require DrZhangs knowledge  here________  In regards to treatment and infertility IVF is not only very common amongst women with this condition but also has a good success rate.

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms or would like a consultation to discuss possible  fertility options and treatments you can book an appointment with one of our consultants via  www.richmondpractice.co.uk, call us on 02089405009.