What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the inner lining of the uterus (endometrium) grows outside the uterus. During menstruation, this misplaced tissue bleeds too, causing pain, heavy periods, and inflammation.
Endometriosis and Fertility:
Endometriosis can create challenges for getting pregnant in several ways:
- Pain and inflammation: This can make ovulation and sex uncomfortable.
- Ovarian cysts (chocolate cysts): These cysts can affect egg quality and release.
- Scar tissue (adhesions): Adhesions can block fallopian tubes, hindering the sperm-egg meeting.
Pregnancy and Endometriosis:
While pregnancy can be a natural treatment for endometriosis due to the absence of periods, the cycle of infertility and endometriosis can become a vicious one. Women with endometriosis may have a lower chance of getting pregnant, which can worsen the condition.
Fertility Treatment as a Solution:
Fertility treatments like IVF can help break this cycle. These treatments bypass some of the obstacles endometriosis creates, offering a path to pregnancy.
Diagnosis/ How You Prepare?
- Surgical Therapy: Laparoscopy can remove chocolate cysts and other endometriosis lesions. We also assess your fallopian tubes during surgery.
- Medical Therapy: Hormone injections or daily tablets may be prescribed post-surgery or for milder cases. These aim to suppress your periods and manage symptoms.
- Fertility Treatments:Early conception is often recommended for women with endometriosis.
The 6 months following surgery are considered the prime window for fertility. Based on your surgical findings, your doctor will suggest the most effective route to conception. Pregnancy itself can also act as a natural cure.
Recovery/ Post Procedure:
Depending on the extent of surgery, you may need 1-3 days of rest before resuming normal activities. Report any severe abdominal pain, vomiting, dizziness, or heavy vaginal bleeding to your doctor immediately after discharge.
Conception Options:
- Mild Endometriosis & Open Tubes: Natural conception or IUI may be suitable.
- Severe Endometriosis &/or Blocked Tubes: IVF offers the highest pregnancy rate per cycle in such cases.
Laimaa Fertility,: Here for You
At Laimaa Fertility, we understand the complexities of endometriosis and its impact on fertility. We offer comprehensive care and support to help you navigate your path to parenthood.