Scientific studies show that laparoscopic treatment of endometriosis offers women higher chances of conception and improved fertility.
One in three women becomes pregnant within the first nine months after the laparoscopic treatment of endometriosis. In contrast, the number of women who conceive without surgical management of their gynecological condition is significantly lower.
For this reason, gynecologists recommend that endometriosis be treated before pregnancy.
What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a very common condition in which cells from the endometrium (the inner lining of the uterus) grow in other areas, usually outside the uterus. It is not an infection, nor is it any form of malignancy.
The most common sites where endometriosis appears are:
- the peritoneum
- the ovaries
- the fallopian tubes
- the bladder
In rare cases, endometriosis can develop in the intestine or even in other organs (lungs, kidneys).
Symptoms
The main symptoms of endometriosis include abdominal or pelvic pain, pain during or after sexual intercourse, and painful periods (dysmenorrhea). Heavy bleeding and painful urination during menstruation may also occur. Some women with endometriosis may have no symptoms at all.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Clinical examination can only provide indications of the presence of endometriosis. Endometriosis can be diagnosed only through laparoscopy, followed by histological examination of the tissue. In addition, the extent of the condition can be determined, and the disease can be treated surgically at the same time. Other examinations, such as MRI or transrectal ultrasound, may also be performed to identify endometriosis lesions with greater accuracy.
Infertility
One in two women with infertility problems is diagnosed with endometriosis. A woman with mild endometriosis has a 2–4.5% chance per month of conceiving naturally (while in fertile couples this rate is 15–20%). However, if a woman has endometriosis, it does not necessarily mean she will experience infertility.
It is not entirely clear how endometriosis affects fertility, especially in women who do not have adhesions. The prevailing theory is that endometriosis causes small but significant changes in the pelvis: inflammation, alterations in the immune system, hormonal imbalances, changes in the function of the fallopian tubes, or problems with fertilization and embryo implantation. In more severe cases of endometriosis, adhesions play a significant role and can cause infertility, as they may prevent the release of the egg or the entry of sperm into the fallopian tube. Adhesions may also affect the mobility of the fallopian tube and its ability to capture the egg during ovulation.
