Which complication is most likely to occur with untreated endometriosis?

Which complication is most likely to occur with untreated endometriosis?

• A. Uterine rupture
• B. Infertility
• C. Ovarian torsion
• D. Menorrhagia

Answer: (B)

Untreated endometriosis can lead to several complications, one of the most significant being infertility. Endometriosis is characterized by the growth of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus, often causing pelvic adhesions, inflammation, and distortions of reproductive organs. These pathological changes can impact the normal functioning of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus, which are crucial for conception. The scarring and adhesions associated with endometriosis can obstruct the fallopian tubes, preventing ovulated eggs from reaching the uterus. Additionally, the altered pelvic anatomy can create an inhospitable environment for fertilization or implantation, further contributing to difficulties in achieving pregnancy. Studies indicate that women with endometriosis have a markedly lower chance of conceiving naturally, thereby linking untreated endometriosis directly to infertility. The other listed complications, while they may occur in certain circumstances, are not as directly associated with the most common and significant long-term consequence of untreated endometriosis as infertility is. Uterine rupture and ovarian torsion are relatively rare complications and primarily associated with other underlying conditions or complications concerning ovarian cysts rather than endometriosis itself. Menorrhagia, or heavy menstrual bleeding, can occur with various conditions but is not exclusive to endometri

Untreated endometriosis can lead to several complications, one of the most significant being infertility. Endometriosis is characterized by the growth of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus, often causing pelvic adhesions, inflammation, and distortions of reproductive organs. These pathological changes can impact the normal functioning of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus, which are crucial for conception.

The scarring and adhesions associated with endometriosis can obstruct the fallopian tubes, preventing ovulated eggs from reaching the uterus. Additionally, the altered pelvic anatomy can create an inhospitable environment for fertilization or implantation, further contributing to difficulties in achieving pregnancy. Studies indicate that women with endometriosis have a markedly lower chance of conceiving naturally, thereby linking untreated endometriosis directly to infertility.

The other listed complications, while they may occur in certain circumstances, are not as directly associated with the most common and significant long-term consequence of untreated endometriosis as infertility is. Uterine rupture and ovarian torsion are relatively rare complications and primarily associated with other underlying conditions or complications concerning ovarian cysts rather than endometriosis itself. Menorrhagia, or heavy menstrual bleeding, can occur with various conditions but is not exclusive to endometri