A small study from researchers associated with Chaim Sheba Medical Center shows an association between TES, pelvic endometriosis and infertility. TES is also known as thoracic endometriosis syndrome. Only seven patients were included in the study, which means further studies with larger participant populations are needed to confirm the results.

The seven women were treated surgically for endometriosis of the pelvic and thoracic regions. Women underwent pharmacological treatment after surgery. Six of the patients experienced severe pelvic endometriosis during the 31-month follow-up period and most women experienced infertility. Many of the cases of pelvic endometriosis involved nearby organs and systems, including the gastrointestinal and urological systems. Diagnosis was often delayed due to late-onset symptoms.

Researchers believe it would be in the best interest of women with TES to find a gynecologist educated in severe concurrent pelvic endometriosis diagnosis and treatment.

Source: Soriano D, Schonman R, Gat I, Schiff E, Seidman DS, Carp H, Weintraub AY, Ben-Nun A, Goldenberg M. Thoracic Endometriosis Syndrome is Strongly Associated With Severe Pelvic Endometriosis and Infertility. J Minim Invasive Gynecol 2012 Nov; 19(6):742-8.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23084679