Endometriosis is a common cause of infertility in women, and it is estimated that about 30% to 40% of all women who are infertile have this condition.
Although having endometriosis does not mean you are infertile, endometriosis and infertility are definitely connected, and your chances of being infertile are definitely much greater if you have this condition.
Endometriosis is a condition in which the cells similar to those that form the uterine lining, grow outside the uterus.
The cells of endometriosis are most commonly found outside the uterus on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, outer surface of the uterus, or on the surface of the pelvic cavity.
With endometriosis, the cells do not shed each month, they can bleed a little, but heal and are stimulated again by the next cycle.
Typical symptoms of endometriosis include painful periods, pelvic pain, pain during intercourse and lower back ache.
Very occasionally you may experience discomfort while urinating, bleeding from the back passage or bowel blockage.
Symptoms will also vary with the individual, as will the degree of discomfort experienced.
Although the exact cause of endometriosis and infertility is unknown, a number of theories exist.
These include retrograde menstruation (where some menstrual fluid backs up from the uterus and covers the pelvic cavity with endometrial cells), hereditary endometriosis, environmental factors, liver problems or an auto-immune disorder based on genetic predisposition.
Endometriosis can only be properly diagnosed by a medical procedure known as a laparoscopy, in which a narrow flexible tube-like camera is inserted into your abdomen through a small incision.
This allows the physician to examine the organs in the pelvis.
With the cause of endometriosis and infertility unknown, there is no cure currently available.
However treatments are available for managing the symptoms, and these aim to relieve the pain and heavy bleeding, slow down growth of endometrial tissue on other organs, and improve fertility.
The treatment options include pain killers, hormonal treatments or surgery.
The specific option will vary according to the individual's needs, her symptoms, her age and fertility wishes, and will be decided following consultation with her physician.