What Stage of Endometriosis Causes Infertility?

Endometriosis is a condition that affects the women, it can cause different signs and also fertility concerns. This article covers the details about the overview of endometriosis and also different stages of the condition.

What is referred to as endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a disorder in which tissue that looks like the uterine lining (the endometrium) develops in places other than the uterus. The ovaries and fallopian tubes are common targets of endometriosis because of the pelvic tissue it affects. It has the potential to spread to the bowels and urinary bladder.

Uterine endometrium refers to the uterine lining. If you’ve ever had a period, you know that this is the tissue that gets discarded every time. The endometrium is the lining of the uterus, and it forms in layers. During menstruation, these linings shed from the uterine wall and are expelled. The endometrium is a protective lining that lines the uterus and aids in early pregnancy development.

Endometriosis is characterized by the development of endometrial-like tissue in locations outside of the uterus. This tissue can expand everywhere from the abdomen to the pelvic to the chest. This area is particularly vulnerable to hormonal changes and inflammation during menstruation. 

Ovarian cysts, superficial lesions, deep nodules, adhesions (tissue that links and binds your organs), and scar tissue are all conditions associated with the presence of endometrial-like tissue in the body. Women planning to get pregnant can always choose  different treatments of endometriosis in infertile females

The signs that can indicate endometriosis: 

Endometriosis is accompanied by a wide range of symptoms. Pain is the primary symptom. This discomfort might range from severe to minor. Its typical locations for sensation include the belly, pelvis, and lower back. Few major signs include:

  • Extremely painful menstrual cramps.
  • Pain in the lower abdomen or back on or around the time of your period.
  • Pain during sex.
  • Whether it’s heavy menstrual bleeding or light bleeding in between periods (spotting), heavy bleeding is never normal.
  • Infertility.
  • Painful bowel movements.

The different stages of endometriosis can include:

Endometriosis comes in several forms and can progress through many phases. Here we will examine the steps involved.

Stage 1 (minimal):

This is a situation in which the organs or the tissue lining the belly or pelvis have only a few implants (clumps of tissue) or minor lesions (affected tissue). Scar tissue is minimal or nonexistent in the early stages.

Stage 2 (mild):

More implants are present than in stage 1, and they are typically situated deeper in the tissue. Some scar tissue may also be present.

Stage 3 (moderate): 

Many deep implants and perhaps a few tiny cysts on one or both ovaries characterize stage 3. Adhesions (the thick bands of scar tissue that adhere organs together) may also be present in stage 3.

Stage 4 (severe): 

Stage 4 ovarian cancer manifests with numerous deep implants, thick adhesions, and big cysts on one or both ovaries. Because of its prevalence, this kind is frequently categorized as particularly dangerous. If you are someone from Bangladesh, consult the best infertility doctor in Bangladesh.

What stage of endometriosis causes infertility? 

Infertility is especially challenging for women with severe (Stage 4) endometriosis, who may need sophisticated fertility treatment due to the scarring, obstructed fallopian tubes, and damaged ovaries that result from this condition.

The relationship of endometriosis and infertility:

One of the three most common reasons for female infertility is endometriosis. Few studies suggest that between 24 and 50% of infertile women also have endometriosis. It’s possible that infertility is only transient in mild to moderate cases. Adhesions, cysts, and scar tissue can all be surgically removed to help restore fertility. Sometimes, though, a woman may stay sterile no matter what.

Endometriosis’ effect on fertility is poorly understood. Scar tissue from endometriosis may prevent the ovary from releasing an egg, which would therefore not be picked up by the fallopian tube. Alterations to the pelvic environment are another theory for why some women have trouble getting pregnant. In case residents of Dhaka can reach out to the best IVF doctor in dhaka.

Does severe pain mean stage 4 endometriosis?

Actually, that’s not always the case. It is difficult to determine the kind of endo without a laparoscopy because the scale is not based on pain but on the number of implants, lesions, adhesions, and cysts present. 

A person with stage 1 endometriosis may suffer more severe pain than someone with stage 4 endometriosis, but the severity of the discomfort has nothing to do with the stage or type of endometriosis they have.

Since the purpose of the scale is to classify patients for more efficient therapy, even minimal pain is not necessarily indicative of a lower stage of endometriosis. The one exception to this is infertility, where it has been discovered that those at stage 3 or 4 are more likely to have problems conceiving than those at stage 1 or 2.

Stage 4 endometriosis and pregnancy success cases can be a little complicated as natural pregnancy is not quite possible in stage 4. Though women with stage 4 endometriosis can choose different treatments like in vitro fertilization (IVF) to get pregnant.

Managing endometriosis pain and other symptoms often requires a combination of treatments. In severe cases of endometriosis, surgery is typically recommended. The condition and its potential complications often necessitate more than one surgical procedure.

Medications and hormone therapy are two examples of non-surgical treatment options for endometriosis symptoms like pain, gastrointestinal distress, and infertility.