Does endometriosis affect pregnancy?

Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
Updated on February 28, 2025
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Endometriosis is a common gynecological condition, which involves the implantation of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity. Endometriosis is a common cause of infertility: Firstly, when endometriosis occurs, it often affects the function of the ovaries. For example, ovarian chocolate cysts can affect the release of endocrine hormones in the ovaries, as well as cause ovarian ovulation disorders or premature ovarian failure. Secondly, endometriosis can cause inflammation in the pelvic cavity and adhesions within the pelvis. This will impact the function of the fallopian tubes, causing ovulation disorders in the tubes, as well as disorders in the transport function of the tubes. This can prevent fertilization, or after the sperm and egg have combined, the fallopian tubes may not be able to transport the fertilized egg to the uterine cavity, thus increasing the risk of ectopic pregnancy.

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Written by Xu Xiao Ming
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Endometriosis

Endometriosis means that the endometrial tissue, which normally lines the uterus, grows in other locations. It can grow on the ovaries, inside the muscular layer of the uterus, or in the pelvic cavity. The ectopic endometrial tissue responds to changes in the body's estrogen levels during each menstrual cycle, creating symptoms similar to menstrual bleeding. If it grows on the ovaries, it may form a "chocolate cyst" on the ovaries that gradually enlarges with each menstrual cycle. If it grows within the muscular layer of the uterus, it can lead to adenomyosis, causing significant pain during menstruation. If it grows in the pelvic cavity, it can lead to the formation of pelvic lesions. Therefore, it is recommended that patients with such conditions seek prompt medical treatment.

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Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
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Is it easy to get pregnant with endometriosis?

Endometriosis, which has a relatively high incidence among women, refers to the condition where the endometrial tissue is located outside the uterine cavity. This condition can easily lead to infertility. Although endometriosis is a benign disease, it exhibits characteristics similar to those of malignant diseases, primarily manifesting as local infiltration that causes adhesions and can disrupt the function of the fallopian tubes and ovaries. First, it can lead to the presence of chocolate cysts on the ovaries, which can affect the ovulation function of the ovaries. Second, it can sometimes cause adhesions in the fallopian tubes or pelvic adhesions, affecting the egg-pickup function of the fallopian tubes. This prevents sperm and eggs from fertilizing within the fallopian tubes. Even if fertilization occurs, the impaired function of the fallopian tubes may also lead to an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy.

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Written by Liu Wei Jie
Obstetrics
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Can endometriosis turn into cancer?

The answer is no. First, let's explain what endometriosis is. Endometriosis is when the endometrium, or the lining of the uterus, is found outside of its normal location, including in the muscular layer of the uterus, the ovaries, the pelvic cavity, or the intestines; it can occur in any of these areas. This condition is known as endometriosis. Endometriosis within the uterus is a benign condition, but it can lead to severe painful menstruation and chocolate cysts. If the menstrual pain is very severe, there may be a possibility of needing a hysterectomy in the future. If a chocolate cyst occurs, surgery might also be necessary.

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Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
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Does endometriosis cause infertility?

Endometriosis is a common cause of infertility, primarily due to the ectopic implantation of endometrial tissue in the pelvic cavity or other locations. Endometriosis leads to infertility mainly because it affects ovarian function, such as causing ovulatory disorders. Additionally, endometriosis can cause pelvic adhesions, affecting the function of the fallopian tubes, such as their ability to pick up eggs. Women with infertility should be checked for endometriosis, and if confirmed, surgical or medicinal treatments can be considered to improve the condition and potentially increase the chances of conception. Therefore, endometriosis is a cause of infertility, and careful examination for endometriosis should be conducted in patients with infertility.

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Written by Xu Xiao Ming
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What tests are done for endometriosis?

For patients with endometriosis, it is recommended that you undergo a gynecological ultrasound examination to observe the condition of the ectopic endometrial tissue in the pelvic cavity, whether it is present on the uterus or ovaries, and whether it has grown on the abdominal wall. Therefore, it is advised to have a gynecological ultrasound examination and a gynecological exam. Patients with endometriosis can also have a blood test for tumor markers. If you wish to undergo additional tests, you can also have a cervical cancer screening, which is also possible. The main recommendations are the first three: the gynecological exam, gynecological ultrasound, and tumor marker tests. These examinations are advisable. If the endometriosis is very severe and the pain is quite intense, treatment may be necessary.