Educational Disclaimer: This article is intended for general educational purposes only and should not replace an individual consultation with a qualified fertility specialist.
What endometriosis is
Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows outside the womb, most often on the ovaries, the fallopian tubes and the lining of the pelvis. This tissue responds to monthly hormone changes, which can cause inflammation, pain and, over time, scarring that sticks pelvic organs together. When it affects the ovary, it can form a cyst sometimes called an endometrioma or "chocolate cyst".
Endometriosis often needs a joint view: relieving symptoms while protecting future fertility options. For an overview of how we approach it at our centre, see endometriosis and fertility in Kompally.
Common symptoms
- Painful periods that get worse over time or are not helped by usual painkillers
- Pelvic pain between periods
- Pain during or after intercourse
- Pain with bowel movements or passing urine, especially during periods
- Heavy or irregular bleeding in some people
- Difficulty conceiving
Symptoms vary widely. Some people have severe pain with mild disease, while others have few symptoms and endometriosis is found only during a fertility evaluation. Our guide on when to see a fertility specialist explains why painful periods are a reason not to wait a full year before getting checked.
How endometriosis can affect fertility
- Scarring and adhesions can affect how the fallopian tubes pick up an egg
- Inflammation in the pelvis may affect eggs, sperm and early embryos
- Endometriomas, and surgery on the ovaries, can reduce ovarian reserve
- Pain may make regular intercourse difficult
Not everyone with endometriosis has difficulty conceiving, and the effect is different for each person.
How it is assessed
Assessment usually includes a detailed history, an examination and pelvic imaging, most often a transvaginal ultrasound. A fertility workup also looks at ovarian reserve, the fallopian tubes and the partner's semen analysis, because all of these shape the plan. Our articles on AMH and ovarian reserve and checking the fallopian tubes explain these tests. Laparoscopy (keyhole surgery) can confirm endometriosis and treat it at the same time; it is considered when the result would change how you are managed.
Treatment paths that may be discussed
The plan depends on your symptoms, age, test results, previous treatment and how soon you want to conceive. Options can include:
- Expectant management with timed intercourse, when other test results are reassuring
- Surgery in selected cases, for example for significant pain or certain cysts, after weighing the effect on ovarian reserve
- IUI, sometimes with ovulation medicines, when the tubes are open
- IVF, when the tubes are affected, other treatments have not worked, or other factors such as age or ovarian reserve point towards it
Hormonal treatments that control endometriosis pain usually also stop ovulation, so they are not used while you are actively trying to conceive. Surgery alone does not restore fertility for everyone, and no treatment can guarantee a pregnancy. Some people who want to delay pregnancy also ask about egg freezing; your specialist can explain whether it is relevant to you.
Gynaecology and fertility care together
Because endometriosis affects both comfort and fertility, it helps when pain control and fertility planning are coordinated. At Sree Nandaka, gynaecology and fertility care are offered at the same centre in Kompally; see gynaecology and gynaecology clinic in Kompally.
Questions to ask your fertility specialist
- How likely is it that endometriosis is affecting my fertility?
- What do my ovarian reserve and tube test results show?
- Is surgery likely to help me, and how could it affect my ovaries?
- How long should we try before moving to IUI or IVF?
- How will my pain be managed while we try to conceive?
Dr. Deepa Rekha Koduru leads fertility care at Sree Nandaka IVF; see her profile on Dr. Deepa Rekha Koduru.
- Address: Plot 770, Jayabheri Park, Kompally, Hyderabad
- Phone: 9000835000 / 7672001080
- WhatsApp: 7672001080
- Email: sreenandakafertility@gmail.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What is endometriosis?
It is a condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows outside the womb, for example on the ovaries, fallopian tubes or the lining of the pelvis. It can cause pain and inflammation and, for some people, difficulty conceiving.
Does everyone with endometriosis have trouble getting pregnant?
No. Many people with endometriosis conceive without treatment. Others find it harder, depending on factors such as the extent of the disease, age, ovarian reserve and the partner's semen results.
How is endometriosis diagnosed?
Assessment usually starts with your history and an examination, followed by ultrasound or other imaging. Laparoscopy (keyhole surgery) can confirm and treat endometriosis, and it is considered when the result would change how you are managed.
Will surgery for endometriosis improve fertility?
Surgery may be helpful in selected situations, but it does not restore fertility for everyone. Your specialist will weigh pain, ovarian reserve, previous surgery and your fertility goals before suggesting it.
When is IVF discussed for endometriosis?
IVF may be discussed when the tubes are affected, when other treatments have not worked, when ovarian reserve is reduced, or when there are additional factors such as age or male factor. The plan is made individually.
Conclusion
Endometriosis is common and affects fertility differently from person to person. A careful assessment of symptoms, ovarian reserve, the tubes and semen results helps decide whether to try naturally, consider surgery, or move to IUI or IVF. If you have painful periods or have been told you may have endometriosis, the team at Sree Nandaka IVF can explain your options in plain language.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and should not replace medical advice from a qualified fertility specialist. Recommendations vary according to age, medical history, examination findings and investigation results. No success rates or outcome guarantees are stated or implied.
Learn more about our IVF centre in Kompally.
