Endometriosis - Complications of endometriosis
- Introduction
- Symptoms of endometriosis
- Causes of endometriosis
- Diagnosing endometriosis
- Treating endometriosis
- Complications of endometriosis
- See what the doctor sees with Map of Medicine
The main complication of endometriosis is difficulty getting pregnant (subfertility) or not being able to get pregnant at all (infertility). In some cases, there may also be adhesions or ovarian cysts.
Fertility problems
Endometriosis can sometimes damage the fallopian tubes or ovaries, causing fertility problems, although it is estimated that up to 70% of women with mild to moderate endometriosis will eventually be able to get pregnant without treatment.
Treatment with medication cannot help improve fertility in women with the condition, but surgery to remove visible patches of endometriosis tissue can help. However, there is no guarantee that this will allow you to get pregnant.
If you are having difficulty getting pregnant, in vitro fertilisation (IVF) offers a good chance of conception, although women with endometriosis tend to have a lower chance of getting pregnant with IVF than others (such as women with blocked fallopian tubes).
Read information about treating infertility.
Adhesions and ovarian cysts
Other problems include the formation of adhesions ("sticky" areas of endometriosis tissue that can fuse organs together) and ovarian cysts (fluid-filled cysts in the ovaries), which can occur when the endometriosis tissue is in or near the ovaries. In some cases, ovarian cysts (endometriomas) can become very large and painful.
Both of these complications can be removed through surgery, but may recur if the endometriosis returns.
Read information about treating ovarian cysts.
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