Endometriosis and Infertility
Endometriosis and infertility often go together,
for any of a number of possible reasons. One possibility
is that the immune system is interfering with
fertilization. Part of the immune system's job
is to destroy stray endometrial cells, preventing
the cells from growing outside of the uterus.
In the process, however, the immune system may
also be destroying the egg and sperm.
Another possibility is that the scar tissue caused
by endometriosis interferes with fertility. When
pieces of the endometrium attach to organs outside
the uterus, they cause patches and lesions that
later turn into scar tissue. These endometrial
pieces not only attach to other organs but also
to each other, creating a web of fibrous tissue
that interferes with the reproductive system's
normal function.
See also: Penn
Fertility Care
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