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Impact of Endometriosis on Fertility

Endometriosis occurs when cells similar to the lining of the uterus, known as the endometrium, grow in other areas of the body, typically the pelvic region. This condition may make it more difficult to become pregnant due to:

  •  Damage to the ovaries caused by scar tissue or inflammation
  •  Endometriosis tissue growth inside the ovaries, leading to ovarian cysts known as endometriomas which can affect the number of eggs in the ovary (a woman's “ovarian reserve”)
  •  Blocked fallopian tubes caused by endometriosis lesions or scar tissue, preventing eggs from reaching the uterus
  •  Adhesions and scar tissue that bind organs together, altering the anatomy of the pelvic area

 

Diminished / Low Ovarian Reserve

Women are born with a fixed number of eggs (oocytes) in their ovaries. This egg supply – known as a woman's ovarian reserve – decreases with age.

Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) Low Ovarian Reserve means she has fewer eggs in her ovaries compared to other women her age.

Symptoms:

Most women don't have any symptoms.

In some cases, some women may find that they are having shorter menstrual periods if they have a diminrian reserve.

What causes diminished ovarian reserve?

In. A woman's ovarian reserve is likely influenced by genetic and environmental conditions, but there are certain additional factors that may contribute to diminished ovarian reserve or make it more likely. These include:

  •  Genetic disorders
  •  Cancer treatment, such as radiation or chemotherapy
  •  Ovarian surgery
  •  Smoking and tobacco use
  •  Autoimmune conditions
  •  Family history of early menopause
  •  Ovarian damage caused by endometriosis, pelvic infection and other diseases

In many cases, no cause can be identified.

How is diminished ovarian reserve diagnosed?

Diagnosis starts with a thorough discussion of your medical history, a physical exam, and typically a pelvic exam.

Additional ovarian reserve testing may include:

  •  Ultrasound imaging – to examine the reproductive and to determine the number of follicles in the ovaries (antral follicle count, or AFC),
  •  Blood tests to measure hormone levels – The most important hormone for evaluation is the anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH). Other tests include FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) and estradiol levels, which can indicate whether a woman's body will need fertility-enhancing medication.

For more information on any condition, contact our private gynaecologists in London by calling 0208 050 6063 now.