Up to half of women who are infertile may have endometriosis.
Endometriosis is a disorder in which bits of tissue from the inner lining of the uterus (the endometrium) grow inside a woman’s body, outside of the uterus. Patches of misplaced endometrial tissue implant themselves on organs outside of the uterus, such as the ovaries, fallopian tube, rectum, and bladder.
Endometriosis, which affects 5 to 15% of women, is a progressive disorder. Women with endometriosis who wish to bear children should try to get pregnant before age 35, if possible. Fertility specialists may be able to treat endometriosis with drugs, minimally invasive surgey, and hormones. Assisted reproduction techniques may help women with endometriosis become pregnant, especially women 35 years of age and older.
Learn more about endometriosis.