ENDOMETRIUM AND INFERTILITY

22 May 20242′ read5 sections

CONTENTS

Endometriosis and Infertility: Understanding and Treatment
Treating Endometriosis
Infertility and Endometriosis
The causes of endometriosis
Seek Help for Endometriosis

Endometriosis and Infertility: Understanding and Treatment

Endometriosis is a condition that affects around 10% of women aged 25-40, the period in which many women start trying to have children. The disease occurs when cells similar to those found in the endometrium (the inner lining of the uterus) grow outside the uterus, causing problems.

This tissue usually appears in the pelvic area, where it can attach to the fallopian tubes, the ovaries and the outer surface of the uterus. In some cases, the tissue can also be found in other parts of the body. Symptoms of endometriosis include:

Severe cramps during your period
Heavier menstrual flow
Pain during sexual intercourse
Painful urination or bowel movements during your period
Back pain
Gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhoea, constipation and nausea

Treating Endometriosis

Endometriosis is the cause of infertility in 24%-50% of women diagnosed with it. In mild to moderate cases, the infertility is often temporary. Surgical removal of the tissue can restore fertility. Although surgery relieves the symptoms, there is no definitive cure and the symptoms may return.

Treatment of endometriosis may include:

Monitoring: If symptoms are mild.
Hormonal therapy: Contraceptive pills, the contraceptive patch or a vaginal ring to control oestrogen.
Hormone suppressants: To stop the ovaries producing oestrogen.

Infertility and Endometriosis

When treating infertility caused by endometriosis, the Reproductive Medicine Specialist may use surgery and IVF. Surgery can improve the chances of conception in mild to moderate cases and restore fertility even in severe cases. IVF is the best option for severe endometriosis.

The causes of endometriosis

The exact causes of endometriosis remain unknown, but there are several hypotheses:

Genetic factors
Immune system disorders
Previous abdominal surgery
Hormonal imbalance

Seek Help for Endometriosis

Research into endometriosis is ongoing and there are many promising developments. If you have symptoms of endometriosis or suspect you may have it, see your doctor. Early diagnosis can help preserve your fertility.

For more information and specialist treatment for infertility, contact the ''Dr. Alexandros Traianos'' Centre for Reproductive Medicine & Fetal Medicine. We are here to support you on your journey to building a family.

TAGSIVFIVF supportIVF GreeceIVF pregnancyreproductive medicine centrein vitro fertilizationIVF AthensIn vitro fertilization ThessalonikiIVF centers in Thessalonikiinfertilityinfertility Thessaloniki

ABOUT THE DOCTOR

Dr. Alexandros Traianos

Gynecologist · Specialist in Reproductive Medicine and Fetal Medicine

He supports scientific excellence in clinical practice and recognizes the possibilities offered by modern reproductive methods to couples who wish to have a child of their own.

His profile

The content of this article is for information only and does not replace a medical examination and advice.

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Frequently Asked Questions most frequently.

Infertility is defined as the failure to achieve conception after one year (or 6 months in the case of a woman over the age of 35) of normal, regular sexual intercourse. In other words, when a year has passed without the woman becoming pregnant, the couple should consult their treating physician, so that the cause preventing pregnancy can be identified and subsequently addressed. However, we should all be aware and not forget that age is the most critical factor for female fertility, and that an individualized approach to each couple is the "golden key" that solves the problem.

Of course not. In approximately one third of cases, infertility is due to the woman (female factor), while in another third of cases it is due to the man (male factor). In the remaining third, it is due to both partners (both the man and the woman) or even to unknown factors.

• alcohol • narcotic substances • environmental toxins, including pesticides and lead • smoking • health problems • medications • radiotherapy and chemotherapy • age

In general, specialists agree that the fact that a couple has already had a child may be considered evidence that, at least initially, there is no infertility problem. It is like a small test that has been carried out and shows that they “succeeded” at least once. On the other hand, however, we should be aware that circumstances may have changed in the meantime and that a problem may have developed (e.g., the man may have had an inflammation affecting the quality of his sperm, or something may have occurred that affects female fertility: an inflammation, gynecological surgery, an abortion, etc.). In any case, therefore, if a reasonable period of time (one year) passes and a couple is unable to achieve a pregnancy, then, with the help of their doctor, they should investigate whether a problem causing infertility has arisen.

Success rates vary at each IVF center. Very important factors also include the woman’s age, her hormone levels, and, of course, her husband’s sperm. In general, rates are around 45% or slightly higher for women up to 35 years of age.

The number of treatment cycles a woman may undergo is not fixed. It is certain that in our country there are highly qualified obstetrician-gynecologists and well-organized infertility treatment centers that provide excellent medical services in this field. Provided that the appropriate indications are present (e.g., ovaries that respond to stimulation treatment, a good-quality endometrium, etc.), the success rate—particularly with the use of newer techniques and biotechnological medicines, which demonstrate increased bioactivity compared with conventional urine-derived medicines—reaches a cumulative rate of approximately 65%–70% after 4 treatment cycles.

Egg retrieval takes 10–15 minutes, is not painful, is performed under sedation, and after the procedure is completed you can return to your activities.

The association between IVF medications and the risk of developing cancer is the greatest concern for women participating in these programs. However, numerous literature references gathered from reliable scientific studies and published in reputable medical journals worldwide are reassuring and do not confirm this concern.

At Dr. Traianos' Reproductive Medicine Center, we offer egg and sperm cryopreservation services for individuals who have a personal or medical reason and require this service. We use the most advanced vitrification technique for the freezing of sperm and eggs.

Endometriosis and Infertility: Understanding and Treatment

Treating Endometriosis

Infertility and Endometriosis

The causes of endometriosis

Seek Help for Endometriosis

The first step is a discussion.

Frequently Asked Questions most frequently.

When is a couple considered infertile?

Is infertility only a female problem?

What increases the risk of male infertility?

I already have one child, but I am now having difficulty becoming pregnant again. Could a problem have arisen with me or with my partner?

What is the success rate of in vitro fertilization?

How many times can a woman undergo in vitro fertilization (IVF)?

Is egg retrieval painful?

Can IVF medications cause cancer?

Can I freeze my eggs or my sperm?