Final answer:
Endometriosis, a condition where endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus, has higher prevalence in infertile and pelvic pain cohorts. It often leads to pelvic pain and is associated with increased rates of infertility due to scar formation and inflammation disrupting normal reproductive functions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Endometriosis is a disease characterized by the growth of endometrial cells outside of the uterus, leading to pelvic pain, inflammation, scarring, and, frequently, infertility. In the general population, the prevalence is variable, but it is significantly higher among cohorts with infertility and chronic pelvic pain. The reason for this high prevalence in certain groups may relate to the consequences of ectopic endometrial tissue growth, such as the formation of scar tissue, which can distort pelvic anatomy and impair reproductive function.
Infertility in Endometriosis:
The link between endometriosis and increased risk of infertility can be attributed to several factors. This ectopic tissue can cause anatomical distortions and scar formation within the fallopian tubes and ovaries, thereby impeding the normal passage of eggs and sperm. Inflammation triggered by ectopic endometrial tissue can further disrupt the pelvic environment necessary for fertilization and embryo implantation, paving the way to infertility.