🌹Endometriosis, the Silent Thief of Fertility

Endometriosis isn’t just a pain condition, it’s a silent thief that can rob you of your fertility without you even knowing it’s there. But knowledge is power. The research is clear, inflammation from endometriosis ages your ovaries and damages your eggs. The sooner you address it, the better your chances of protecting your fertility.

If you’re struggling to conceive and no one has answers, dig deeper. Advocate for yourself. And consider an anti-inflammatory approach because it could make all the difference.

We’ve known for a while that endometriosis isn’t just about pain. But now, the science is catching up to what so many of us have seen in our work: endometriosis is a systemic inflammatory disease, and it’s quietly damaging your ovaries, lowering your egg quality, and even speeding up the aging of your reproductive system. Often, it does this without a single symptom. And this was me !!! I didn't even know I had it until I got a laparoscopy done and endometriosis was found with adhesions to my bladder and colon. And here’s the kicker: up to 50% of women with unexplained infertility are later found to have endometriosis. They just didn’t know it because no one looked.

Two recent studies, one in Biomedicines and another in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences have confirmed that women with endometriosis have fewer eggs at every stage of development, lower AMH levels or higher FSH levels (key markers of ovarian reserve), and higher rates of cell death in their follicles. Even more alarming, there’s a specific biological pathway that causes your egg reserve to deplete faster than normal aging alone would explain.

And this was very obvious to me back 30 years ago when I was being investigated for infertility. At the time, even though I was 30, I was found to have high FSH, as well as high Prolactin. I did only 2 IVFs and responded dismally to both with few eggs, of not great quality. This put us on the path to adoption.

But 🚨Spoiler Alert, I did get pregnant, naturally and had a perfect baby !

🩸 How Endometriosis Hurts Your Fertility

Endometriosis doesn’t just cause pain, it can create a chronic, low-level inflammation in your body. This inflammation doesn’t stay localized; it can spread anywhere in the body, affecting your ovaries and the quality of your eggs. Think of it like a slow-burning fire 🔥 that’s constantly stressing your reproductive system.

The studies show that this inflammation:

• Reduces your ovarian reserve (fewer eggs available)

• Lowers AMH levels (a sign your egg supply is dwindling faster)

• Increases cell death in your follicles (the tiny sacs where your eggs develop)

• Speeds up the aging of your ovaries (so your eggs age faster than they should)

What’s worse? Many women with endometriosis don’t even realize they have it. They might not have the classic symptoms like severe pain or heavy periods. Instead, their only sign is unexplained infertility, struggling to get pregnant with no clear reason why.

🥦 The Gut Connection: Why Your Digestive Health Matters

Here’s something fascinating: According to Frontiers, your gut plays a huge role in endometriosis. The bacteria in your digestive system (your microbiome) can either fuel inflammation or help calm it down. When your gut is out of balance, it can make endometriosis worse, meaning more damage to your ovaries and your eggs.

The good news? You can do something about it. Anti-inflammatory protocols, like the ones outlined in Yes, You Can Get Pregnant by Aimee Raupp, might be able to help. These aren’t just about diet (though food is a big part). They’re about supporting your gut, reducing inflammation, and giving your body the best chance to heal. Think of it as putting out that slow-burning fire so your reproductive system can function at its best.

🌱 What You Can Do Now

If you’ve been told you have “unexplained infertility,” ask for a thorough investigation. Endometriosis is often missed because it doesn’t always show up in standard tests. Here’s what to push for:

• Laparoscopy (a minor surgical procedure) if imaging isn’t conclusive. This is the gold standard for diagnosis. This is how I found out I had endometriosis. And quite often, the endometriosis can be taken away during this procedure.

• Blood tests to check for inflammatory markers and hormonal imbalances.

• A gut health check-up. If your digestion is off, it could be contributing to inflammation.

• Imaging tests (like a transvaginal ultrasound or MRI) to look for signs of endometriosis.

And don’t forget to ask:

• “Could endometriosis be affecting my fertility, even if I don’t have pain?”

• “What tests can we do to rule it out?”

• “How can I support my ovarian health while we figure this out?

  ---

🫙Other Things I Did

As mentioned previously, I had a Laparoscopy procedure done and during the procedure they also burned away the endometriosis from around my colon and bladder. As far as I am concerned, it never came back. I had only one symptom, which I didn't realise was a symptom, and that was a sharp pain, like a shard of glass in my colon during my period. this pain never came back. Here are some of the things I did to stay symptoms free;

• I gave up coffee, completely. In hindsight, maybe that was too severe as I have never been able to metabolise since. And I love my coffee. But I would definitely cut down to maybe one a day.

• Because Endometriosis can also be linked to high Estrogen, I found walking every day, and I mean every day, kept my hormones in check. How I know this is, because I was no longer getting PMT symptoms like sore breasts.

• I totally cleaned up my skincare, choosing organic so I could bypass hormone disrupting chemicals. To this day, I only use organic. And organic is all I use in my treatment room also.

• I reduced my stress levels, again because stress was a driver in higher cortisol and prolactin levels. Try meditation, yoga, reflexology, EFT Tapping, Kundalini Magnetic Resonance Therapy and other therapies to keep the body more balanced.

  ---

💌 A Little Note on The Laparaocopy Procedure

It can be a little daunting going in for a procedure, not matter how big or small. This is a one day procedure. You are in and out in no time.

However, after the procedure, I was very bloated. This was due to all the air that was pumped into my body. I didn't know this at the time and I thought something was wrong with me. It can take a few days for this air to dissipate.

You may also have some spotting after this procedure especially if your consultant decided to take away the endometriosis.

💗Ending on a Positive Note

Despite the horrendous IVFs, being told I'd never have children, I got pregnant at 37, naturally and had a beautiful baby boy !

Don't let this diagnosis define you.

📌 And one last thing.... Are you Ready to Connect, Share, and Bloom Together ?

If this blog post resonated with you, I’d love for you to join our Free Womb & Bloom Community, where we can chat about all things fertility. This is a space where we come together to explore all things womb and women's wellness: fertility, pregnancy, menopause and beyond. Here, you’ll find support, wisdom, and a sisterhood of women who truly understand your journey.

👉 Join the Womb & Bloom Community here

Let’s grow, heal, and bloom together !

With love and moonlit blessings,

Catherine 🌹

Disclaimer:

The information shared here is intended solely for educational and informational purposes. It is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of any kind. I am a Reflexologist specialising in Fertility and Pregnancy, Soulful Doula, EFT Practitioner, Yoga Teacher, Womb Shaman, Fertile Body Method Practitioner, and Women’s Health Coach. All guidance provided here is offered to support your personal empowerment and self-awareness.

You are encouraged to tune into your own body wisdom. Your body and womb space always know what is best for you. However, if you are experiencing specific health concerns or conditions, please seek the advice and care of a qualified medical or healthcare practitioner.

Always trust yourself and follow what feels right and true for you.