Last week, you may have seen that EastEnders are running a story on endometriosis and fertility. Fertility is a sensitive issue for people with endometriosis, both for those who want to have children and those who do not. The Eastenders storyline highlights the importance of people with endometriosis having access to fertility services should they need and want them.
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), which is the government department responsible for health and social care services in England, has published a consultation
Endometriosis storyline to air on EastEnders this week
Endometriosis does not necessarily cause infertility but there is an association with fertility problems, although the cause is not fully established. Even with severe endometriosis, natural conception is still possible. It is estimated that 60-70% of women and those assigned female at birth with endometriosis can get pregnant spontaneously.
Due to a lack of research, the links between fertility and endometriosis are not fully known. In some cases it may be because the disease distorts a woman’s reproductive organs.
Story by Elizabeth McCafferty
For over 10 years now endometriosis has impacted my health and well-being. On the 22nd February 2021, I had my third laparoscopy for the condition. In 2018 I had two within 6 months, I was in hospital for 6 days after the second, so I was daunted by the prospect of having to do it all again during a pandemic. With no visitors allowed and social distancing measures meaning you aren’t able to interact as easily, I questioned whether I had the strength to mentally pull myself through this ordeal again.
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