At the Harley Street Fertility Clinic, we understand that the journey to parenthood can be complex, especially when faced with conditions like endometriosis. Affecting 1.5 million women in the UK – a number similar to those with diabetes – endometriosis is a chronic condition that can significantly impact your quality of life and fertility. If you suspect you have endometriosis or have already been diagnosed, this guide will explain its profound effects on fertility and the advanced, hopeful treatment options available to you.
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb (the endometrium) starts to grow in other places, such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or the lining of the pelvis. This tissue behaves as it would in the womb: it thickens, breaks down, and bleeds with each menstrual cycle. However, because this blood has no way to leave the body, it becomes trapped. This leads to inflammation, the formation of scar tissue (adhesions), and severe pain.
Many women in the UK endure symptoms for years before receiving a diagnosis. Being aware of the signs is the first step toward seeking help. Key symptoms include:
Pelvic Pain: The most common symptom. This is often severe period pain (dysmenorrhea) that isn't fully relieved by over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen. Pain can also occur during or after sex (dyspareunia), when urinating, or when opening your bowels.
Heavy Periods (Menorrhagia): Experiencing excessively heavy menstrual bleeding or bleeding between periods.
Fatigue and Digestive Issues: Persistent tiredness and symptoms like diarrhoea, constipation, or bloating, particularly around your period.
Difficulty Conceiving: Infertility is a common consequence of endometriosis, sometimes being the main reason women seek a diagnosis.
It's crucial to note that the severity of your pain does not always correlate with the extent of the condition. You can have mild endometriosis with severe pain, or advanced endometriosis with few noticeable symptoms.
Endometriosis is a leading cause of infertility, but it does not mean you cannot conceive. The condition impacts fertility through several mechanisms:
While there is no cure for endometriosis, its symptoms can be managed, and effective fertility treatments offer a powerful pathway to pregnancy. Our approach is personalised, combining advanced surgical and reproductive techniques.
For women concerned about their ovarian reserve, we may recommend egg freezing before any surgical intervention on the ovaries, providing peace of mind and preserving future fertility options.
For many women with endometriosis, particularly those with severe disease or blocked tubes, IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation) is the most effective treatment. IVF bypasses many of the barriers posed by endometriosis by:
This process effectively navigates around issues with the fallopian tubes and creates a controlled environment for fertilisation, offering high success rates even with advanced endometriosis.
Living with endometriosis is challenging, but it does not have to define your future family. A diagnosis is the first step toward taking control and exploring your options.
If you are experiencing symptoms or have been trying to conceive without success, we encourage you to contact the Harley Street Fertility Clinic. Our multidisciplinary team of endometriosis specialists and fertility experts will provide you with a comprehensive assessment, a clear, personalised treatment plan, and the compassionate support you deserve on your journey to becoming a parent.