Endometriosis and Infertility – Treatment Options

Endometriosis is one of the most common causes of female factor infertility, affecting nearly 5 million women in the United States each year. Endometriosis is a chronic disease that causes tissue to build up outside of a woman's uterus. The tissue can attach to the ovaries, uterine wall, and fallopian tubes causing severe abdominal pain.

Endometriosis can also result in significant scarring of the reproductive organs, which sometimes contributes to female infertility. Endometriosis treatment includes several non-surgical and surgical options.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options

Hormonal medications can be used to halt or slow the progression of endometriosis. A common prescription used for endometriosis treatment is Gn-RH agonists, which control estrogen production - a contributing factor in the growth of endometrial tissue. Other prescription options can be discussed with your doctor or fertility specialist.

Surgical Endometriosis Treatment

Surgical treatment options are a bit more invasive, but can correct structural problems or abnormalities, including:

• Diagnostic hysteroscopy
• Laparotomy microsurgery
• Laparoscopic surgery

Visit our Female Reproductive Surgery page to learn more about these treatment options.

Consult a Fertility Doctor

If you suffer from endometriosis and are trying to get pregnant, consult an infertility specialist about your condition. A qualified fertility doctor listed in DocShop's online directory can answer any questions you have about female infertility and recommend appropriate treatment options.