Fertility with Endometriosis – Can You Still Get Pregnant?

What is Endometriosis?

It is a condition that affects the uterus, ovaries, pelvic area, and sometimes the intestines, often leading to discomfort, pain, and other complications. The condition entails the growing of tissue, called stroma or glands, similar to the uterus lining in other areas of the body, which cause an inflammatory condition.

The lining of the uterus is known as the endometrium. This lining is important for menstruation and fertility. During menstruation, it sloughs, causing the blood flow. However, when a tissue similar to this uterus lining grows on other parts of the body, it can be painful and problematic as it can cause mild to severe inflammation.

How Conventional Treatment Affects Fertility

The conventional way to treat the condition entails ovulation prevention through, for instance, contraceptives. Contraceptives, such as birth control pills or the injection prevent ovulation. Once you decide to get pregnant, you must stop the medication. It can take some time before the ovulation cycle returns to normal. As can be seen from this explanation, the conventional treatment of ovulation affects fertility. But fertility with endometriosis without treatment is also problematic.

How Does it Affect Pregnancy?

Although the condition makes it more difficult to become pregnant, it doesn’t necessarily prevent it. According to a study as published in Frontiers of Surgery in 2014, endometriosis is the cause of infertility in 25% to 40% of infertility cases.

According to the article published on the results of the study, endometriosis can lead to issues that affect fertility. It can affect the gametes and the embryos and lead to a reduced fertility rate as it can also impair sperm migration and egg transporting.

When a female has endometriosis in the fallopian tubes, the eggs may be prevented from travelling to and reaching the uterus where the implanting in the lining of the uterus can take place. It is also possible for the condition to affect the viability of the gametes due to inflammation and other factors.

Who is Affected by Endometriosis?

The condition affects mostly women in their reproductive stages. It can affect females as early as the teen years and can affect females even in their menopause stages.

Types of Treatment for the Condition

Several treatment approaches are followed, ranging from hormone management to surgery to remove the lesions caused by the condition. The hormonal level of treatment includes the prevention of ovulation as discussed earlier while surgical procedures include the removal of cysts and deep nodule removal. In severe cases, a hysterectomy may be needed.

Although the exact causes of the condition have not yet been confirmed beyond doubt and a permanent cure for the condition has yet to be found, it is possible to control and limit the spread and presence of the condition, as well as to manage the pain.

Fertility with Endometriosis – Stages

The stage of the condition is important as the depth and amount, as well as the location of the tissue, determine the effect on the chances of getting pregnant and carrying the child to birth.

The highest likelihood to conceive is in stage 1 or 2 up to stage 4. However, it is possible that a person at level 1 or 2 might find it more difficult to conceive than one where the condition is at stage 4 because of the location of the disease and which female reproductive parts have been affected most. To this end, it is best to consult with a specialist as soon as possible. It is also possible for someone to try and conceive without fertility treatment at first when the condition is still in the early stages, whereas it might be better for someone at stage 3 to 4 to start with fertility treatments before attempting to conceive.

Laparoscopy to Diagnose the Condition

To achieve an accurate diagnosis, the medical professional might recommend a laparoscopy, which is a procedure that entails a small, lighted tube, referred to as the laparoscope. This tube is inserted through a small incision in the body, with a video camera showing the images of the intestines on a computer screen. Your medical professional will explain the minimally invasive procedure to you, as well as answer your questions on risks and instances where the procedure is not recommended. There is a risk of scar tissue, which can affect fertility, best discussed with the specialist before commencing with the procedure.

What to Do if You Want to Become Pregnant if You Suffer from Endometriosis

First, consult with your physician to determine the stage of endometriosis. The doctor will also advise you regarding treatments and managing the pregnancy. To this end, you’ll appreciate the facilities, advice, and experts available at Intercare.

The healthcare provider will conduct blood tests to determine the level of egg supply, known as the ovarian reserve. The specialist will also recommend a course of treatment and will answer all your questions. Treatments range from medication to ultrasounds to find out when the eggs are at the most advanced stage of maturity for transplantation. In vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment might be needed. It entails extraction of the egg and fertilising it outside the womb using special medical procedures before transplanting it to the uterus. Other treatments are also available. It is best to seek medical advice early on.

Fertility with Endometriosis – How Intercare Can Help

The Intercare Medfem Hospital offers state-of-the-art medical facilities, specifically to meet health and fertility treatment needs. The facility offers services like IVF, assisted hatching, and related treatments. Read more about the facility and services here.

With a range of medical professionals to assist you in making your dream of a family come true, you have the assurance of expert advice, support, and superb facilities and equipment. You can find an Intercare facility or specialist using the Find facility and can schedule your appointment with the easy-to-use, convenient online booking system.

Services