Why does endometriosis cause infertility?

Written by Zhang Lu

Obstetrics

Updated on October 29, 2024

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Endometriosis is a common cause of infertility. The reasons endometriosis leads to infertility mainly include the following aspects: First, if endometriosis occurs above the ovaries, this condition is referred to as ovarian chocolate cysts. This disease can cause ovarian ovulation disorders. Second, endometriosis easily leads to pelvic adhesions, which can affect the function of the fallopian tubes, making it difficult for the fimbrial end of the tubes to capture eggs. Endometriosis is very common among women with infertility; therefore, a thorough examination is essential when screening for causes of infertility. If endometriosis is present, surgical or medical treatment should be chosen to improve the symptoms of endometriosis as much as possible and alleviate the causes of infertility.

Other Voices

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Written by Kang Jian Hua

Reproductive Center

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Infertility is a condition.

Infertility refers to the condition where, after a couple has married and cohabited for more than a year, despite having regular sexual intercourse without any contraception, they are unable to conceive naturally. There are many factors that can cause infertility, including factors related to the male, the female, or both. Male factors account for about 40% of infertility cases, female factors account for about 50%, and combined factors account for about 10%. Female infertility includes ovarian infertility, fallopian tube infertility, uterine infertility, cervical infertility, vaginal infertility, immunological infertility, and more.

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong

Obstetrics and Gynecology

57sec

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Does taking contraceptive pills cause infertility?

Contraceptives are categorized into short-acting, long-acting, or emergency contraceptives. Commonly, long-acting contraceptives, such as those taken orally once a month, have significant side effects. Prolonged use can lead to menstrual irregularities, facial pigmentation, hyperpigmentation, and amenorrhea. Therefore, long-term use of long-acting contraceptives may result in decreased ovarian function, leading to infertility. Generally, emergency contraceptives and short-acting contraceptives have relatively minor side effects. Occasional use does not have a significant impact, but prolonged use can cause menstrual disorders and hormonal imbalances, which in turn can lead to infertility. Thus, contraceptives are not suitable for everyone, and it is not recommended for women who have never given birth to use oral contraceptives for contraception.

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Written by Shen Li Wen

Obstetrics and Gynecology

1min 23sec

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Secondary infertility is how it comes about?

Secondary infertility is when a woman has been pregnant before but has not conceived after a year of not using contraception. The causes of secondary infertility are divided into male factors and female factors. Common male infertility factors include older age or habitual smoking and drinking, leading to decreased sperm quality. Female infertility factors are more numerous, such as excessive sexual activity during reproductive years or weak immune system leading to pelvic inflammatory disease. This inflammation can affect the fallopian tubes, causing blockages and resulting in infertility due to tubal factors; it can also spread to the endometrium, causing endometritis and altering the intrauterine environment, making conception difficult. Some women may suffer from endometriosis, which can also lead to infertility. In some cases, women who have had uterine procedures may experience adhesions in the cervical canal and uterine cavity or abnormal uterine shapes, leading to infertility. Additionally, some women experience significant blood loss after childbirth, leading to pituitary necrosis, hormonal imbalances, and ovulation disorders, which can affect normal conception.

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Written by Xu Xiao Ming

Obstetrics and Gynecology

1min 33sec

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Causes of infertility

Infertility may be due to factors involving either the male or the female. The main causes of female infertility include ovulatory disorders and fallopian tube factors. Ovulatory disorders may result from dysfunction in ovulation, such as changes in the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, as well as ovarian diseases, with polycystic ovary syndrome being the most common condition that could lead to ovulatory issues. Fallopian tube factors include blockages or inefficiencies, which can also cause infertility in women. Uterine factors can also lead to infertility, including abnormalities of the uterus, inflammation of the endometrium, polyps in the endometrium, and intrauterine adhesions, all of which can affect the implantation of the fertilized egg and cause infertility. Abnormal cervical mucus secretion, cervical inflammation, and an unusual immune environment in cervical mucus that affects sperm passage can also lead to infertility. Male infertility factors primarily include disorders of sperm production and sperm delivery, which may manifest as abnormalities in semen, shown by the absence of sperm, weak sperm, or low sperm count, all contributing to infertility. Additionally, sexual dysfunctions such as premature ejaculation, anejaculation, and erectile dysfunction can also result in male infertility.

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Written by Kang Jian Hua

Reproductive Center

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Can infertility be cured?

Infertility cannot be universally treated; it requires a specific analysis of each case. For instance, infertility caused by congenital factors, like congenital absence of testicles or uterus, is often difficult to treat. However, infertility resulting from acquired causes, such as sexual dysfunction, abnormal male semen, uterine fibroids, or ovarian cysts in females, can often be treated with medication, surgery, or assisted reproductive technologies like in-vitro fertilization, and in many cases can be cured.