Our Kansas City fertility doctor explains the correlation between endometriosis and infertility

Approximately five million women in the U.S. suffer from endometriosis, a medical condition defined by tissue from the uterine lining (endometrium) growing outside the uterus. Besides causing symptoms like bleeding, digestive issues and abdominal pain, endometriosis can also negatively impact fertility. At Midwest Reproductive Center, Dr. Dan Gehlbach will diagnose and treat endometriosis so that our patients can achieve the families they desire.

Our Kansas fertility doctor explains the causes of endometriosis

With endometriosis, clumps of uterine tissue may develop on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, the outer uterine wall, the intestines or other abdominal organs. During menstrual cycles, these areas of tissue will experience the same growth, breakdown and bleeding as the regular uterine lining. Some of our Kansas City fertility center patients have few symptoms, while others experience severe disruptions to their lives; however, patients often face chronic issues in dealing with endometriosis and some experience infertility.

Common symptoms of endometriosis include:

• Pelvic pain
• Pain with bowel movements
• Discomfort during intercourse
• Irregular vaginal bleeding
• Infertility

Receive top-notch treatment for endometriosis from our Kansas fertility doctor

To determine if endometriosis might be causing problems and hindering conception, Dr. Gehlbach will likely perform a pelvic exam and recommend a laparoscopy, a surgical procedure that allows him to look for and remove areas of abnormal tissue growth.

Depending on the severity and location of the growth(s), Dr. Gehlbach may remove the clumps of tissue. Additionally, he will discuss infertility treatment options such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in-vitro fertilization (IVF) to improve your odds of pregnancy.

Patients struggling to conceive, including those with endometriosis, will receive comprehensive diagnosis and treatment from our Kansas fertility doctor. If you are concerned that endometriosis is impeding your chances for getting pregnant, Dr. Gehlbach can perform a thorough evaluation and determine the next steps. Contact us for more information or to schedule a consultation appointment.