Impact on Fertility: How Silent Endometriosis Affects Conception

ByNicole Tatlock

Endometriosis is a chronic condition that affects millions of women worldwide and 1 in 10 women in the US. The disease occurs when tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus, called endometrium, begins to grow outside the uterus. This can lead to various symptoms, including pelvic pain and infertility. But often, the symptoms are not as obvious, and this is referred to as “silent” endometriosis, where symptoms are subtle or absent, making it harder to diagnose. Despite its quiet nature, silent endometriosis can have a significant impact on fertility, often affecting a woman’s ability to conceive. Silent endometriosis may be the key reason it takes 7-10 years to get properly diagnosed which can severely impact a woman’s reproductive health asthis delay almost always comes during her reproductive years..

Mechanisms of Infertility in Endometriosis

Endometriosis can impact fertility through several mechanisms:

  1. Inflammation: The presence of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus causes inflammation in the pelvic cavity. This inflammation can damage the reproductive organs, including the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the uterus itself. Chronic inflammation can alter the environment necessary for ovulation, fertilization, and implantation.
  2. Scar Tissue and Adhesions: As the endometrial tissue grows and bleeds, it can cause the formation of scar tissue and adhesions. These adhesions can distort the anatomy of the reproductive organs, particularly the fallopian tubes, making it difficult for the egg to travel from the ovary to the uterus. This can lead to tubal factor infertility, where the physical passage of the egg is blocked or impaired.
  3. Ovarian Function: Endometriosis can affect the ovaries directly by forming cysts known as endometriomas. These cysts can interfere with the normal function of the ovaries, affecting egg quality and ovulation. Even if ovulation occurs, the quality of the eggs released may be compromised, reducing the chances of successful fertilization.
  4. Immune System Alterations: The immune system in women with endometriosis may behave abnormally, attacking sperm or the embryo, which can prevent fertilization or implantation. Additionally, endometriosis can lead to the production of cytokines and other inflammatory mediators that create a hostile environment for conception.
  5. Impact on IVF success: The same mechanisms described above will also affect the ability of even a normal genetically tested embryo from attaching and/or sustaining implantation for the entire pregnancy leading to failure rates close to 40%.

Silent Endometriosis and Fertility

For women with silent endometriosis, the impact on fertility can be particularly insidious. Without the more overt symptoms of pain or heavy menstrual bleeding, these women might not realize they have endometriosis until they encounter difficulties conceiving. This delayed diagnosis can mean that by the time endometriosis is discovered, significant reproductive damage has already occurred.

Diagnosing Silent Endometriosis in the Context of Infertility

The diagnostic journey for women with silent endometriosis often begins with unexplained infertility. When a couple is unable to conceive after a year of regular, unprotected intercourse, they typically seek help from a fertility specialist. During the evaluation process, doctors might suspect endometriosis based on subtle signs or risk factors, even in the absence of severe symptoms.

Diagnostic methods include:

  1. Imaging Tests: Ultrasound and MRI can help identify endometriomas and other abnormalities associated with endometriosis. However, these tests may not always detect smaller lesions or adhesions.
  2. Laparoscopy: This minimally invasive surgical procedure allows direct visualization of the pelvic organs and can confirm the presence of endometriosis. Laparoscopy is considered the gold standard for diagnosing endometriosis and assessing its severity.
  3. Fertility Tests: In addition to imaging and laparoscopy, fertility tests such as hysterosalpingography (HSG) can evaluate the patency of the fallopian tubes and identify any blockages or abnormalities.
  4. Detection Tests: A relatively new endometrial biopsy test called ReceptivaDx has shown to be very sensitive and specific in detecting endometriosis using a protein marker called BCL6. For more information, go to ReceptivaDx.com. In addition, this same company now has a test called MyReceptiva which is available on line and can be ordered through your local provider. This approach may make sense for women who are not yet ready for IVF or can not afford it. 

Treatment Options for Infertility Due to Silent Endometriosis

Once diagnosed, several treatment options can help improve fertility in women with silent endometriosis. These treatments can be done through IVF centers which can be found on the ReceptivaDx.com website or through endometriosis specialists who can be found on the MyReceptiva.com web site.

  1. Medications: Hormonal therapies such as oral contraceptives, GnRH agonists and antagonists, and progestins can help manage endometriosis symptoms and reduce inflammation. While these treatments do not cure endometriosis, they can create a more favorable environment for conception.
  2. Surgery: Laparoscopic surgery to remove endometrial implants, scar tissue, and adhesions can improve fertility outcomes. Surgery is often recommended for women with moderate to severe endometriosis or those who have not responded to other treatments.
  3. Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART): For many women with endometriosis-related infertility, assisted reproductive technologies like in vitro fertilization (IVF) offer the best chance of conception. IVF can bypass some of the barriers posed by endometriosis, such as tubal blockages but they may not be effective if endometriosis is lining the endometrium. Treating directly with laparoscopic surgery or medications like Depot Lutron (GnRH agonist) can help tremendously.
  4. Lifestyle Modifications: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can also play a role in managing endometriosis and improving fertility. This includes regular exercise, a balanced diet, stress management, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.

Silent endometriosis, despite its lack of overt symptoms, can significantly impact a woman’s fertility. The subtle nature of the condition often leads to delayed diagnosis, by which time the disease may have caused substantial reproductive damage. Understanding the mechanisms by which endometriosis affects fertility is crucial for early detection and effective management. Women experiencing unexplained infertility should consider the possibility of silent endometriosis and seek comprehensive evaluations to improve their chances of conception. Through a combination of medical treatment, surgical intervention, and assisted reproductive technologies, many women with endometriosis can achieve successful pregnancies.