Endometriosis

Endometriosis affects roughly 10% of women of reproductive age globally, which is approximately 190 million women worldwide. 3  This makes it one of the most common conditions that affect the reproductive system, with 1 in 10 women being affected.

In this article, we will explain what endometriosis is and outline the following:

• Symptoms of endometriosis

• Treatment for endometriosis

• How endometriosis affects your ability to get pregnant

• How endometriosis impacts your IVF success

Endometriosis is a condition where cells similar to those located in the womb's lining grow in other places of the body, such as the ovaries or fallopian tubes.

Each month, these cells react to the changing hormone levels in the same way as the ones in the womb's lining: by breaking down and being removed as a period bleed. However, the endometriosis cells that are not in the womb's lining cannot be removed from the body as they should be and instead build up in the body. This in turn causes inflammation, pain and the formation of scar tissue. 

In the UK, 1.5 million women and those assigned female at birth are diagnosed with endometriosis. 1 It can affect women of any age, including teenagers and women going through menopause. 

Endometriosis can affect a person's life in significant ways, such as chronic pain, lack of energy, depression and an impact on daily life.

There is no known cause of endometriosis. Several theories include genetics, issues with the immune system, or endometrium cells. However it's likely to be a combination of factors, as none individually explain why endometriosis occurs.

The symptoms of endometriosis may vary between individuals and depend on the severity of the condition. Some women may be affected badly, whereas others are less so. 

Some common symptoms of endometriosis include:

Diagnosing endometriosis can be difficult as symptoms can both vary and be similar to those of other conditions.

However if you experience any of the symptoms of endometriosis, you should see a GP. Consider writing down your symptoms in a diary to help analyse when and how regularly they occur.

You may be recommended treatments or referred to a specialist for further tests. The only way to be certain you have endometriosis with through a laparoscopy which can show patches of endometriosis tissue.

Currently, there is no treatment for endometriosis. However, the symptoms usually can be well managed. Treatments for symptoms of endometriosis include: