Pre-Pregnancy: Fertility problemsQ.Can endometriosis cause fertility problems?A.Endometriosis is associated with subfertility, but there is much debate as to whether it is the actual cause. The relationship between endometriosis and subfertility is a complex one because endometriosis is so common and so variable. Most women with endometriosis become pregnant without any medical help at all. Endometriosis can cause subfertility if it grows into large cysts on the ovaries or blocks fallopian tubes. One study has shown that treating the deposits surgically can improve fertility rates but not to normal levels. As with many other causes of subfertility, IVF gives the greatest chance of success but it is always difficult to decide when you want to resort to this type of treatment. One thing I should say is that medical treatment for endometriosis (such as the oral contraceptive pill) has been shown not to have any benefit at all for fertility. |
