Endometriosis and fertility: A growing challenge for women in Mexico

Endometriosis, a condition where endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus, is becoming an increasingly challenging issue for women in Mexico who wish to conceive. Juliana, a 23-year-old Colombian woman, had no idea of her endometriosis until five years ago when she moved to Mexico City and sought help from her current husband to start a family.

During her regular gynecological checkup, her doctor noticed some unusual spots and recommended further evaluation, leading to a diagnosis of endometriosis. Leticia, another 30-year-old Mexican woman, also discovered her endometriosis during an annual check-up, finding out she had a 7-centimeter endometrioma that required surgery.

Both women are now in their 30s and want to become mothers, but endometriosis makes pregnancy complicated, though not impossible. Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women worldwide and can cause heavy bleeding, irregular and painful periods, and chronic fatigue. Diagnosis is difficult and costly, with tests such as ultrasounds and MRIs ranging from 6,000 Mexican pesos to nearly 11,000 pesos, equivalent to around US $1,000.

Some cases even require more extensive examinations, with lesions found in the intestines, lungs, or brain in rare instances. Despite these challenges, women like Juliana and Leticia continue to seek treatment and pursue their desire to have children.