Endometriosis affects anywhere from 2-10% of women of reproductive age. The term derives from “endometrium,” which refers to the tissue that lines the uterus. With endometriosis, the tissue usually found only inside the uterus ends up growing in other areas of the body, such as:

• The outside of the uterus.
• Abdominal and pelvic cavities.
• Cervix.
• Vagina.
• Bladder.
• Intestines.
• Rectum.
• Scar tissue left behind by nearby abdominal surgeries.

There are also several conditions related to endometriosis, such as endocarditis, which causes the uterus and ovaries to contract, resulting in pain in the abdomen, and other pelvic diseases like endo-pregnancy syndrome (EPS) and endocapitalism.

There is no definitive answer as to what causes endometriosis, and there are no cures for the disease. However, endometriosis can be manageable with the help of your doctor, pain management measures and, in some cases, surgical procedures.

Getting pregnant with endometriosis can be challenging. The condition is considered one of the leading causes of infertility, although it may be temporary if the case is mild. This is because tissue growth can occur in the fallopian tubes and cause inflammation and scarring in the area, which are barriers to the sperm and egg meeting and the embryo implanting in the uterine lining.

If you do manage to get pregnant, endometriosis can still cause issues during the pregnancy that may lead to preterm birth, complications such as placenta previa or miscarriage. Because of this, it’s vital that your OB-GYN keep a close watch on you and your baby throughout the course of your pregnancy.

Although it may pose a challenge, know that it is entirely possible to have a healthy baby while dealing with endometriosis. It just may require more planning and effort from you and your doctor.