Fertility Treatment Options for Endometriosis

Endometriosis sometimes affects a woman’s fertility and may also result in the additional complications, including pain and menstruation issues. By understanding what endometriosis is, you can take the first step toward figuring out the cause of your infertility and other symptoms. Here's what you need to know about endometriosis and infertility, as well as treatment approaches.

What is endometriosis?

The endometrium is a type of tissue that lines the inner part of your uterus. Sometimes, a similar type of tissue can grow outside of the uterus, such as the ovaries and the lining of the abdominal cavity. This condition is termed as endometriosis.
However, these growths are not cancerous at all. But, this excess layer of tissue continues to act same as it normally act, but not in proper conjunction with the other parts of the body. Whereas your regular internal reproductive organ, uterine lining separates and bleeds out of the body throughout each menstrual cycle, these external tissues from endometriosis aren't discharged.
They stay and increase within the body. Cysts can also form in these areas, leading to scarring and other issues. The most common symptom is pelvic pain that worsens near menstruation, but it can lead to other possible complications and symptoms. 6 out of 10 women suffer from such condition.

Endometriosis symptoms

People with endometriosis may experience some or all of the following symptoms:
Pain: One of the tell-tale symptoms of this condition, patients will likely experience pain along the pelvis, lower back, or abdomen, especially during their period, painful intercourse.
Excessive bleeding: Bleeding can occur in between regular menstrual cycles. Also, Periods may be heavier than normal.
Changes in bowel movements: You may suffer from constipation, painful bowel movements during menstruation, or diarr1hea or nausea
Fatigue: Patients with endometriosis experience uncommon levels of fatigue.
Fertility challenges: A study states that, Up to 50% of infertile women suffer from endometriosis, and 30-40% of women with endometriosis are infertile.

Note that up to 25% of patients with this condition are asymptomatic. One can only realize they have endometriosis after having challenges in conceiving. If you experience these symptoms or are unable to conceive, speak with your doctor or the fertility experts at First Step IVF.

For an endometriosis diagnosis, they'll use one or a combination of the following tests:
• Pelvic exam
• Transvaginal ultrasound
• MRI
• Laparoscopy procedure

By visiting The First Step IVF, you can gain insight into this issue and a definitive diagnosis. If you have endometriosis, the staff at First Step IVF is always there to help you through the appropriate treatments.

Can you get pregnant with endometriosis?

To start, many people with endometriosis are able to get pregnant. For those with mild or asymptomatic cases, managing your risk factors in other areas may improve your chances of conceiving. This includes quitting smoking and managing weight.

However, up to 60% of women with endometriosis, experience some level of infertility challenges. Those with more severe cases of this disorder generally have more challenges in conceiving.

This is because endometriosis can result in:
• Distorted anatomies, such as a change in the shape of the pelvis or reproductive organs
• Pelvic inflammation
• Hormonal imbalances
• Decreased egg quality
• Impaired embryo implantation
• Abnormal uterine contractions
• Once pregnant, patients with endometriosis also have a greater risk of miscarriage.

However, “A Hope is always there”. At the First Step IVF, we've helped many patients with endometriosis and infertility issues get pregnant with a combination of therapies.

How to treat endometriosis

Treatment for endometriosis depends on a few factors, including:
• The severity of your condition
• Overall symptoms, Their impact on your life
• Risks to your health, including conditions like PCOS

The next important step is assessing your pregnancy plans. This will explain your both short- and long-term treatment approach.

If you want to get pregnant in the future, but aren't ready to do so now, your doctor may prescribe hormonal birth control. These medications can help offset any hormonal imbalances and slow the growth of endometriotic tissue. They don't fully reverse the disorder, but they're a non-invasive way to reduce growth, pain, and few other symptoms while you consider some other permanent options.

Getting pregnant with endometriosis

If you do want to conceive and have had issues doing so, you and your doctor will decide on a treatment plan.
• A the very first point, you doctor might suggest laparoscopic surgery to excise portions of the endometriotic tissue from around your uterus and ovaries. This is done to remove large cysts.
• Your doctor can also suggest in vitro fertilization, or IVF, for endometriosis and infertility. IVF helps to raise your chances of a successful pregnancy, in spite of endometriosis. Through a combination of hormonal injections, manual fertilization, and transferring the embryo directly to the uterus, patients are given significantly increased odds of getting pregnant.
• Treatments work to help you conceive, or manage other complications. This may include long-term use of hormonal birth control, laparoscopic surgeries, and pain management.
• If your symptoms aren't remedied by the above methods, and you're not trying to conceive, your doctor may suggest a hysterectomy as a last resort.
• In this surgery, the uterus, cervix, and ovaries are removed completely from the body. This will stop the further growth of excess tissue; however, it furthermore prevents patients from ever getting pregnant. Moreover, most of the symptoms of endometriosis gets reversed after menopause.

Get help for endometriosis and infertility challenges at The First Step IVF, we want to help you solve your fertility problems.