Endometriosis is a chronic gynecological condition affecting 190 million women throughout the world. Painful periods that worsen over time is one of the most common symptoms. However, because symptoms vary and are similar to other health conditions, women may not learn they have endometriosis until they’re undergoing treatment for infertility.
March is National Endometriosis Awareness Month, and our team at Obstetricians & Gynecologists, PC, is using this blog to answer some of the questions women have about endometriosis and fertility.
How does endometriosis affect fertility?
The endometrium is the tissue that lines your uterus. It grows in preparation for pregnancy and exits the body as your period when there’s no pregnancy.
Endometriosis — a condition characterized by the growth of endometrium-like tissue outside of the uterus — affects fertility in a number of ways. The tissue grows on the ovaries, fallopian tube, outside wall of the uterus, and elsewhere in the pelvis. It sheds like the uterine lining during your menstrual cycle, but the tissue can’t exit the body, which causes inflammation and pelvic pain.
Over time, the displaced tissue leads to scarring that may affect egg release from the ovaries or block the fallopian tube, making it harder to get pregnant.
Additionally, researchers theorize that genetics and immunity related to endometriosis are also factors that affect fertility and may hinder embryo development and egg implantation.
Can I get pregnant with endometriosis?
Between 30% and 50% of women with endometriosis experience infertility, the inability to get pregnant after a year of trying — or six months of trying for women 35 and older. Though endometriosis makes it more difficult to get pregnant, it’s not impossible.
No single treatment works for all women, and we customize infertility treatment for endometriosis based on severity of your condition. For women with mild to moderate symptoms, we prescribe medication that stops the menstrual cycle for a period of time to decrease growth of the endometrial tissue. When the menstrual cycle resumes, many women have an easier time conceiving.
For women with severe symptoms and those who continue to experience fertility issues following medical interventions, we may recommend surgery to remove the growths and repair damage to the reproductive organs to improve chances of conception.
Many women with endometriosis also have success with assisted reproductive techniques like in vitro fertilization.
When should I seek help?
The sooner you get help, the sooner you can feel better. If you have severe menstrual cramps or chronic pelvic pain, or if you can’t get pregnant and don’t know why, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your OB/GYN.
At Obstetricians & Gynecologists, PC, we review your symptoms and menstrual cycle and perform a physical and medical exam. We may also do an ultrasound to look for endometrial growths. If we suspect your symptoms and fertility issues are related to endometriosis, we may recommend laparoscopy to confirm a diagnosis.
Early diagnosis and treatment may minimize the organ damage that affects fertility. However, there’s no cure for endometriosis and fertility struggles may continue even with treatment.
If you have endometriosis, or suspect you do, and you want to know if it’s affecting your fertility, call our office in either Hastings or Grand Island, Nebraska, today or request an appointment online to set up a consultation with our team. We can answer your questions and create a plan that benefits your reproductive and overall health.
