Is Endometriosis Affecting My Fertility?

Endometriosis is a painful disorder of the tissue, the endometrium, that lines the inside of your uterus. With endometriosis, the tissue grows outside of the uterus and can cause pain, heavy periods, and other uncomfortable symptoms.

One of the main complications of endometriosis is infertility, which affects around 40% of the women suffering from this condition. Why does endometriosis affect fertility, and is there anything that can be done about it?

Endometriosis causes obstructions within your reproductive system

For pregnancy to take place, the egg must travel through the reproductive system to the uterus. On release from the ovary, the egg has to move through the fallopian tube, meet the sperm cell for fertilization and attach itself to the wall of the uterus to develop into an embryo.

With endometriosis, the tissue usually found in the uterus grows in other areas of the reproductive system, commonly the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the tissue lining of the pelvis. This endometrial tissue behaves as it normally would during the menstrual cycle, thickening, breaking down, and bleeding.

However, there’s no way this tissue can leave these organs and pelvis, and so it becomes trapped, forming cysts and adhesions, and even causing organs to stick to one another. So the fallopian tube is often obstructed and unable to allow the passage of the egg to be fertilized by the sperm.

There are theories currently being researched that suggest endometriosis can affect your fertility in less direct ways by damaging the egg or sperm in the reproductive system.

It’s still possible to conceive with mild to moderate endometriosis

It’s estimated that 70% of women with mild to moderate endometriosis can get pregnant without any specific treatment. However, it can be difficult to conceive; several attempts are often required, as is careful planning around your window of ovulation.  

There is treatment available for endometriosis that can improve your fertility and chances of conceiving thanks to scientific advances over recent years, such as robotic-assisted surgery that Dr. Darin Swainston uses in the management of endometriosis and your fertility.

Minimally invasive robotic-assisted surgery can improve your ability to conceive

There are a few robotic-assisted surgeries available in the management of endometriosis that can lessen the symptoms and impact of the condition. Resection of implanted and displaced tissue and the removal of adhesions can be carried out in most cases to clear obstructions from the reproductive system and restore its ability to function naturally.

Robotic-assisted surgery is minimally invasive, using just one small incision to complete the surgery. With the extreme precision of a video-equipped surgical robot, more of the displaced endometrial tissue can be removed with a lower risk of blood loss and other complications and a faster recovery time.

Traditionally, the only treatment available for severe endometriosis was a hysterectomy, which isn’t only an invasive procedure but one that permanently prevents you from ever conceiving. The natural conception rate following laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis is high, with research showing a nearly 95% success rate within six months of the surgery.

Dr. Swainston is experienced in treating endometriosis in Summerlin, Las Vegas. When you want to start a family but are suffering from endometriosis, effective treatment that improves your chances of conception are what you’re looking for. Dr. Swainston has over 20 years of experience in gynecological surgery and uses state-of-the-art technology and equipment to ensure great results.

Robotic-assisted surgery is a fantastic option for managing the effects of endometriosis, whether you want to start a family now, or are considering doing so in the future. To find out more about this minimally invasive surgery and how it can help you, get in touch with Dr. Swainston by calling 702-357-5741 or completing the online contact form.