What is the relationship between endometriosis and infertility?

At times, tissue similar to the endometrium (lining of the uterus) may be found at other sites and this is called endometriosis (endometriosis).

Severe endometriosis is uncommon but undoubtedly it may damage the Fallopian tubes and ovaries resulting in infertility. The significance of milder forms of endometriosis as a cause of infertility, however, has been the subject of debate.

Endometriosis has been reported to be more common in infertile women although it is difficult to be certain because estimating the incidence of endometriosis in the general population must be subject to inaccuracy as the diagnosis requires an invasive procedure.

In women with primary infertility, mild endometriosis is more common when there is a male factor problems, suggesting that, in these women, infertility predisposes to endometriosis rather than the endometriosis being a cause for the infertility.

Mild endometriosis is extremely common: with scrutiny and appreciation of the various forms of lesions it can probably be found, at least intermittently, in the majority of women so that it should no longer be considered a pathological (disease) state. Treatment of mild endometriosis confers no improvement in pregnancy rates.

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