Endometriosis & Fertility

Endometriosis is a common condition affecting one in ten women, especially those who are over the age of 30 and have not had children.

Endometriosis can affect a woman’s fertility by altering the abdominal environment, making it difficult for a fertilised embryo to implant. It may also affect the quality of the egg produced for fertilisation.

What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis occurs when the same tissue that lines the inside of the uterus (endometrium) grows outside the uterus – typically within the pelvis, including the ovaries.

Recent research has shown that in women with endometriosis, the eggs and subsequently the embryos created from those eggs are of poor quality. This means that your chances of falling pregnant are less likely.

What are the Symptoms of Endometriosis?

Common symptoms of endometriosis include:

  • Pelvic pain
  • Painful periods (the onset of endometriosis can be associated with increasing period pain)
  • Pain during intercourse
  • Abnormal bleeding
  • Feelings of pressure and discomfort in the pelvis
  • Difficulty becoming pregnant

Diagnosis and Treatment of Endometriosis

Our panel fertility specialists under Virtus Fertility Centre Fertility Singapore can offer detailed advice in relation to the diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis.

Endometriosis is generally diagnosed and treated via laparoscopic surgery. This is a keyhole operation where the surgeon inspects the abdominal cavity through a small incision in the navel to confirm the diagnosis. At the same time, the surgeon removes the disease in order to restore normal pelvic anatomy.

In many cases you may conceive naturally after this minor surgery, and may not need IVF. However, treating the endometriosis via laparoscopic surgery could also increase your chance of success with reproductive treatments, if required.

Our panel fertility specialists under Virtus Fertility Centre Singapore have expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis to help you fall pregnant. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us today.