Are you facing trouble getting pregnant naturally? Several gynaecological factors and conditions can affect female fertility and reduce the chance of conception. Endometriosis is one such condition that impacts the fertility of women. It is the misplaced growth of the endometrial tissue that lines the uterus. It causes heavy pain and bleeding. This condition also makes it harder for women to get pregnant, where treatments can help. Continue reading to know how endometriosis affects fertility.
Overview on Endometriosis
Your uterus is lined with a tissue called endometrium. This lining sheds each month if a woman does not get pregnant. At times, the endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus, causing endometriosis. This results in heavy pain and heavy menstrual bleeding. Endometriosis is a common condition affecting 1 in 10 women. Endometriosis reproductive health is assessed by its stages.
Stage 1: In this stage, there are few implants of endometriosis seen
Stage 2: There are more implants of endometriosis seen, but no scar tissue
Stage 3: Endometriosis is seen in the abdomen, resulting in chocolate cysts. Scar tissue is also present around the ovaries.
Stage 4: This is severe endometriosis where large endometriotic cysts are developed in the ovaries with scar tissues between the uterus and rectum surrounding the ovaries.
Causes of Endometriosis
The exact cause of endometriosis is unknown, but the possible causes are listed below:
Genetical conditions: You are at a high risk when your family members have endometriosis. Endometriosis is more common for Asians than Whites.
Retrograde Menstruation: This is a condition where the endometrium lining does not shed completely but returns to the fallopian tube. This gets stuck in the pelvic organs, causing endometriosis. This condition may be due to low immunity.
Environmental Factors: There is a chance that the toxins present in the environment will cause endometriosis.
Hormonal Imbalance: Hormonal fluctuation can cause endometriosis.
Immune system: A compromised immune system can also cause endometriosis.
Surgery: Endometrial cells may be accidentally moved to other parts of your abdomen during surgery.
Stress: This is a critical factor causing endometriosis.
Signs and Symptoms of Endometriosis
Painful periods
Heavy periods
Irregular periods
Pelvic pain
Pain during and after sex
Pain when peeing or pooing
Fatigue
Endometriosis and Fertility
Endometriosis and pregnancy are closely associated. Nearly 30%-50% of the women with endometriosis suffer from fertility issues. It is possible to get pregnant with mild and moderate endometriosis. Severe and stage 3 endometriosis may cause fertility problems. During this stage of endometriosis, the uterine tissue implants around the fallopian tube, causing inflammation. The tissue may also implant in other pelvic organs. It alters the hormonal environment, impacting ovulation and damaging the follicles. This also reduces the quality of eggs.
Can You Get Pregnant With Endometriosis?
Yes, it is possible to get pregnant with endometriosis with proper treatment. The chance of getting pregnant may decrease due to this condition in the later stages. Women with stage 1 and stage 2 endometriosis can get pregnant on their own.
Diagnosing Endometriosis
Your doctor will ask about your medical history, followed by a physical examination. Your doctor asks about your menstrual history before deciding on the treatment plan. Imaging tests, such as MRI or ultrasound and surgical procedures, can also help detect endometriosis.
How to Treat Endometriosis?
Pain Medications: Over-the-counter pain-relieving medications can help manage pain associated with endometriosis.
Hormonal Treatment: This is an effective option for treating endometriosis. Oral contraceptives, progesterone pills and hormonal IUDs can regulate your menstrual cycle and suppress ovulation.
Laparoscopic Surgery: Minimal invasive surgery can help remove scar tissue, lesions and cysts.
Treating Endometrial Infertility
The fertility treatment for endometriosis depends on the severity of the condition. Treating endometriosis based on the symptoms can help resolve fertility issues.
Stage 1 and Stage 2 Endometriosis: Women with stage 1 and stage 2 endometriosis can improve the chance of conception with the conception of a fertility drug called clomiphene. This medicine is usually prescribed to be taken 5 days after the period. After ovulation, the male partner is asked to provide the sperm sample, which is processed in the fertility laboratory. The sperm is then placed inside the uterus using a thin tube.
In the case of stage 3 or stage 4 endometriosis, surgical treatment is recommended. Endometriosis and fallopian tube block are common, which cause fertility issues.
In-vitro Fertilization is a popular fertility treatment for women with severe endometriosis conditions. During this procedure, ovary-stimulating medicines are used to stimulate the egg production. The eggs are harvested using a needle and placed in a dish along with the collected sperm sample. Fertilisation is allowed, resulting in an embryo. The embryo is placed into the uterus for implantation. The IVF treatment helps in improving the chance of getting pregnant with endometriosis.
Laparoscopic surgery can help in removing endometriosis, which increases the chance of getting pregnant. Women less than 35 years old can remove the endometriosis surgically to become pregnant. Women over 35 years old can opt for other fertility treatments instead of laparoscopic surgery.
Surgery is usually recommended for stage 3 and stage 4 endometriosis to remove the scar tissue and endometriosis cysts to increase the chance of conception.
Endometriosis is a condition that affects your fertility and reduces the chance of conception. It is possible to treat the condition and improve fertility. Consult a fertility specialist who can help you choose the right treatment plan for treating endometriosis and reverse infertility. Fertility treatments help women with endometriosis to get pregnant. Laparoscopic surgery can help remove the lesions, scar tissue and cysts. It is also possible for women with endometriosis to get pregnant with proper medical treatment.
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