Video: How Does Endometriosis Affect Fertility?

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(Text on screen): Fertility Authority: Your Most Trusted Source

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Ask the Experts

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How does endometriosis affect fertility?

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Dr. David Keenan, Atlanta Center for Reproductive Medicine: Endometriosis is when the endometrial tissue

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that is normally found on the inside of the uterine cavity is found, generally, in the pelvis.

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It can be found in other places in the body, too, but from a reproductive standpoint we're concerned

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when we find endometrial tissue in abnormal places, usually around the ovaries or above or below the uterus, in the pelvic area.

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And that's where it certainly can affect fertility.

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The more advanced stages of endometriosis, generally stage 3 and stage 4, can interfere with actual egg pickup,

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it can cause more obstructive symptoms having to do with; interfering with the ends of the fallopian tube

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picking up the egg off the ovary, and generally is more of a physical event.

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The earlier stages of endometriosis is debatable whether or not that has a true impact on infertility, but certainly, treatments are available

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for early stages of endometriosis that can enhance someone's fertility if they're having problems getting pregnant.

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(Text on screen): Fertility Authority: Your Most Trusted Source