If you have been trying to conceive for a long time now and have been failing, you may consider seeing to your gynecologist because based on reports on infertility on women, 20-50% have endometriosis. The out-of-place endometrial tissue growths can impose a threat to the other healthy reproductive organs and affect the ability to conceive a child.

In fact, based on studies, women with ovarian endometriomas (chocolate cysts) has been found to have fewer an,d weaker egg cells and have increased levels of follicle stimulating hormones (FSH)—an indication of an unhealthy ovary.

With treatment (as discussed below), the removal of cysts and endometrial tissue outgrowths can improve the chance of getting pregnant but absolute fertility is not guaranteed. In some cases, after treatment, other women still have difficulty getting pregnant or cannot conceive at all while some women report normal conception despite having ovarian endometriomas.

For fertility problems, your doctor may recommend you to a fertility specialist to help you.

Although there are not yet proven causes, researches have speculated these following reasons on how and why endometriosis develops;

• Retrograde menstruation where menstrual blood with endometrial cells flows in a backward manner into the fallopian tubes and into the pelvic cavity instead of exiting the body
• Abnormal transformation and transport of different cells such as:

1. peritoneal cells in the lining of your abdomen,
2. embryonic cells into endometrial cells as influenced by hormones or immune factors

• Transport of endometrial cells into other parts of the by the blood vessels or by the lymphatic system
• Issues with the immune system where the body cannot recognize and fight the endometrial outgrowths
• Surgical incisions where endometrial tissues can attach to after surgery
• Genetics and family history

Any woman in their reproductive age can be affected by this condition but it has been reportedly most common in women aged 30-40.

If you are a woman in your 30s and have not yet given birth before, the risk may be is higher for you.

In addition, the following also increases your chances of having endometriosis:

• Abnormal uterus and menstrual pattern (period cycle not same as normal)
• Period at an early age and menopause at older age
• Higher levels of hormones i.e. estrogen
• Family member (mother, sister, aunt) have endometriosis
• Unhealthy lifestyle habits like excessive consumption of alcohol

If you recognize these symptoms in your body, the best thing you must do is to write them down and see your doctor as soon as you can.

Based on your list, your doctor may already have a suspicion and able to recommend any of the following diagnostic test that may include examining your abdomen and pelvic area:

• Pelvic Exam
• Ultrasound
• Advanced imaging technology such as CT-Scan and Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Blood tests
• Laparoscopy (gold standard for diagnosis)

Depending on the severity of the condition, your gynecologist may refer you for laparoscopy —a procedure where a surgeon looks at inside your abdomen.

Before the procedure, you will be given general anesthetic and a small incision near your navel will be made. Then, a small viewing device called laparoscope will be inserted to search for existing endometrial tissues outside the womb. Through this test, the location, size and severity of the endometrial tissues can be determined.

In addition, your surgeon may take sample tissues for biopsy to know the extent of the condition.