The Laurence A. Jacobs M.D. Blog

Whether or not so-called "mild" endometriosis affects fertility has remained controversial, but it appears that any stage of endometriosis, even mild, can negatively affect a woman’s fertility for a variety of reasons. 

When compared with normally ovulating women of a similar age who do not have endometriosis, women with mild to moderate endometriosis are about three to four times less likely to have a successful pregnancy. 

Endometriosis may adversely affect fertility in several different ways:

March is National Endometriosis Awareness Month. In this two-part blog, we provide information on this common condition and how it affects a woman’s fertility.  

What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a relatively common gynecological condition affecting women during their reproductive years. The cause of endometriosis remains unclear and controversial. Endometriosis is defined as the presence of endometrial tissue (cells making up the uterine lining of the uterine cavity), getting outside the uterus, and growing on fallopian tubes, ovaries, bowel, bladder and the pelvic tissue linings (peritoneum).