Endometriosis and Fertility

Endometriosis is a common cause of infertility in women, especially those who are over 30 and have not had children. It occurs when tissue that lines the uterus, or endometrium, grows in places outside the uterus, such as the pelvis.

This not only makes it harder for the egg to fertilise and the embryo to implant, it can also distort the tubes and ovaries, and make the body more resistant to foreign material, including sperm.

Are there any symptoms of endometriosis?

Painful periods, pain during intercourse and premenstrual spotting are all signs of endometriosis. See your GP or talk to your specialist if you experience any of these symptoms and have trouble conceiving naturally.

Can endometriosis be treated?

Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive treatment for endometriosis, as well as other gynaecological conditions such as fibroids, uterine or tubal problems. The surgeon looks inside the abdominal cavity through a small incision in the navel to confirm endometriosis and can then treat it at the same time.

If you are being treated with Queensland Fertility Group in Brisbane, one of our Fertility Specialists can perform this surgery at our own fully accredited day hospital, Spring Hill Specialist Day Hospital. Our specialists at other clinics can conduct surgery at nearby private hospitals or day surgeries for your convenience.

In many cases surgery may be the only treatment required to increase natural fertility. It can also increase the success rate of fertility treatments such as IVF.

For more information about Endometriosis, visit our Patient Information Booklets page where you can browse through a number of informative booklets and download the PDF versions. These booklets have been designed to help you manage any pressures associated with fertility problems as well as better inform of you about the possible causes and treatments available.

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