At Sunrise Fertility and IVF, we strive to empower you with essential knowledge about your reproductive health. If you are dealing with Endometriosis, commonly known as chocolate cysts, here’s a comprehensive look at what this condition means for you and how it impacts your fertility.

What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a painful disorder in which tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus, called the endometrium, grows outside the uterine cavity. These endometrial-like tissues can grow on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and other pelvic organs, often forming cysts filled with dark, blood-like fluid known as chocolate cysts.

Causes of Endometriosis

The exact cause of Endometriosis is not fully understood, but possible factors include:

• Retrograde Menstruation: Menstrual blood containing endometrial cells flows back through the fallopian tubes into the pelvic cavity instead of leaving the body.
• Immune System Disorder: A malfunction in the immune system may make the body unable to recognize and destroy endometrial-like tissue growing outside the uterus.

How Endometriosis Affects Fertility

Endometriosis can significantly impact fertility by causing inflammation and scar tissue formation, which may distort the pelvic anatomy and interfere with the function of the ovaries and fallopian tubes. Approximately 30-50% of women with Endometriosis may experience difficulties in becoming pregnant.