Endometriosis specialist Melbourne

Endometriosis

Endometriosis care that supports your comfort, clarity, and fertility.

Fibroid Specialist Melbourne

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a condition where endometrial tissue (similar to the tissue that makes up the uterine lining) grows outside of the uterus. It often affects the ovaries, pelvic lining, uterus, and fallopian tubes.

This abnormal tissue responds to hormones in a similar way to the uterine lining and, as such, goes through cyclical changes. It may become irritated (which can cause scar tissue) or form bands of fibrous tissue (which can cause organs to stick together).

Endometriosis affects up to 1 in 10 women during their fertile years (typically from late teens up to menopause). Up to 4 in 10 women with this condition will experience infertility and require assistance from a fertility clinic, such as ours to fall pregnant.

Fibroid symptoms

Endometriosis symptoms

While some people suffering from endometriosis may not experience any symptoms, others do. Some of the more common symptoms include:

  • Pelvic pain just before or during menstruation (dysmenorrhoea)
  • Pain with intercourse
  • Heavy or irregular periods
  • Pain in the abdomen, thigh, or leg
  • Pain with urination or bowel movements
  • Feeling bloated (with or without pain)
  • Pelvic pain not connected to the menstrual cycle
  • Fatigue (especially around the time of menstruation)
  • Difficulty falling pregnant

While there are four stages of endometriosis, having a higher stage does not necessarily mean there will be more pain. The severity of symptoms will vary depending on where the tissue is located.

Does endometriosis affect fertility?

Not everyone with endometriosis will experience fertility concerns, but up to four in 10 women may find it harder to conceive, which may influence their fertility outcomes.

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It may cause scar tissue and adhesions, which have the potential to block fallopian tubes, prevent proper functioning of reproductive organs, and distort pelvic anatomy.

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The condition causes inflammation, which may negatively affect egg and sperm quality, as well as the ability of an embryo to implant.

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Cysts (called endometriomas) may form on the ovaries, which may reduce the number of available eggs.

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The inner lining of the uterus may differ, which may make it harder for an embryo to successfully implant.

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Chronic pain and pain during intercourse may make it more difficult to have intercourse and conceive naturally..

If you have endometriosis and are in your late 30s or early 40s, or have been trying to fall pregnant naturally for some time without success, IVF may be recommended.

Treatment options for endometriosis

There are several potential treatment options when it comes to endometriosis. Our specialists will recommend a comprehensive treatment plan based on the condition’s location and extent, the severity of your symptoms, your age, and your reproductive plans.

At Create Fertility, our treatment options include:

  • Medication (such as over-the-counter analgesics or anti-inflammatories)
  • Hormonal therapies (such as the combined oral contraceptive pill or intrauterine device)
  • Laparoscopic surgery to remove endometriosis growth, scar tissues, and adhesions

In rare cases (and only for women with very severe endometriosis who do not wish to have any or any more children), a hysterectomy and oophorectomy (ovarian removal) may be recommended.

What are uterine fibroids

Your endometriosis questions answered

While the exact cause of endometriosis is unknown, there are several risk factors to be aware of, including:

  • Retrograde menstruation (when menstrual blood travels backwards into the pelvis)
  • A weakened immune system
  • A family history of the condition
  • Long and heavy periods
  • Starting your period before 11 years of age
  • Low body weight
  • Short cycles

As symptoms vary and may indicate other conditions, your specialist will generally recommend a detailed ultrasound. A good quality specialist ultrasound can reliably diagnose advanced stage endometriosis. Very early endometriosis is generally not visible on ultrasound and can only be diagnosed by exploratory laparoscopy. This is a minimally invasive procedure in which a thin telescope is inserted through a small incision to visualise the pelvic cavity. Endometriosis can be removed at he same time if a laparoscopy is performed.

A pelvic MRI is also often performed for advanced endometriosis or if there are other conditions also present.

This condition has been broken down into four stages to reflect its different levels and forms.

  • Stage 1 – Minimal (a few superficial growths)
  • Stage 2 – Mild (more and deeper growths)
  • Stage 3 – Moderate (many deep growths, with adhesions and small ovarian cysts)
  • Stage 4 – Severe (many deep growths, with many thick adhesions and large ovarian cysts)

Besides infertility, this condition may cause bladder and bowel issues, which may be eased with pelvic floor exercises from an experienced physiotherapist. Chronic pain from endometriosis may also lead to anxiety or depression; please ask for a referral to a psychologist if you have any mental health concerns. 

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Our clinic is completely owned and operated by a team of experienced fertility specialists, here to help you. 


Our clinic is completely owned and operated by a team of experienced fertility specialists, here to help you.

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