What is endometriosis and what are the effects on fertility?

Endometriosis, affects one in ten women of reproductive age, and is a leading cause of infertility, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). It is frequently misdiagnosed at a later age, causing chaos for years on fertility and quality of life. Let’s learn, what is endometriosis, how it affects fertility, and what are the latest treatment possibilities at ART Fertility Clinics.

What Is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis occurs when tissue resembling the lining of the uterus develops outside the uterus. It is a chronic condition.

This tissue can also grow on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, intestines, or the exterior of the uterus.

Each month, this acts like the normal lining of the uterus, thickening, breaking down and bleeding. But because it has nowhere to escape the body, the trapped blood causes pain, inflammation, and scarring.

How Common Is Endometriosis?

In accordance with the World Health Organization (WHO):

• Endometriosis affects more than 190 million women and girls worldwide.
• It affects women during their reproductive years, typically between 15 and 49.
• One of the leading causes of infertility in women.

Many women may not even realize they have it until they have trouble conceiving.

Causes of Endometriosis

What that factor is, exactly, remains to be determined. But there are a number of factors that doctors suspect could be at play.

1. Retrograde menstruation

Menstrual blood backflows into the pelvic cavity rather than out of the body.

2. Hormonal imbalance

Excess estrogen is thought to be the cause of overgrowth of tissue.

3. Immune system dysfunction

The immune system also could stop sweeping the displaced cells away.

4. Genetics

It tends to run in families.

5. Surgical scars

Endometrial cells can implant scars from surgeries, such as C-sections.

Common Symptoms of Endometriosis

Symptoms differ among women. A few may exhibit no symptoms at all. These are some common signs to watch out for:

• Severe period pain (dysmenorrhea)
• Pain during or after intercourse
• Heavy or irregular bleeding
• Painful urination or bowel movements
• Fatigue
• Trouble getting pregnant

The degree of pain is not a reflection of the severity of the situation. There is always infection as well, although it is not the cause of pain: Some women with mild disease are in excruciating pain, others with severe disease have none.

Endometriosis and Infertility: The Link Explained.

Endometriosis can make it difficult for women to conceiving. Between 30% and 50% of women with endometriosis are estimated to have infertility.

Here’s how it affects fertility:

1. Blocked fallopian tubes

Tissue development or scarring can prevent the eggs from reaching the uterus.

2. Poor egg quality

Inflammation could also have an impact on how well the ovaries work and on egg quality.

3. Hormonal disruption

It can disrupt ovulation and the implantation of an embryo.

4. Unfriendly place for sperm and embryo

Inflamed tissue may disrupt the balance required for fertilization and implantation.

When to See a Doctor

See a fertility specialist if:

• You’ve been attempting to become pregnant for longer than 6-12 months
• You experience painful, unusual or no periods
• You experience severe pelvic pain
• You have relatives with endometriosis

The earlier you are diagnosed, the more likely you will be able to avoid or successfully treat it.

How Is Endometriosis Diagnosed?

Diagnosing endometriosis can take time. Some have delays or are misdiagnosed.

Your doctor may recommend:

1. Pelvic examination

To see whether there are any cysts or other abnormalities.

2. Ultrasound scan

To look for ovarian cysts known as endometriomas.

3. MRI

Applied in specific circumstances to provide in-depth imaging.

4. Laparoscopy (gold standard)

A small operation in which a camera is inserted through a tiny hole in the belly. It can demonstrate the occurrence and the degree of endometriosis. It also offers doctors the chance to take tissue during the same procedure.

Treatment Options for Endometriosis

Treatment will depend on your symptoms, age, the severity of your incontinence and whether you are trying to conceive.

1. Medication for Symptom Relief

• a. Painkillers -NSAIDs such as ibuprofen reduce pain and inflammation.
• b. Hormonal treatments
  These reduce or stop periods. Options include:
  • Birth control pills
  • Hormonal IUDs
  • GnRH agonists and antagonists

While they alleviate pain, they don’t boost fertility.

2. Surgery for Endometriosis

Laparoscopic surgery represents the best treatment for endometriosis associated with infertility.

• Takes out or destroys endometrial growths and scar tissue
• Restores pelvic anatomy
• Improves natural conception rates

Better results are obtained when surgery is performed by an experienced fertility surgeon.

3. Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)

If natural conception is out of reach, ART can be the answer.

• a. Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
  • Good for: mild endometriosis, good egg quality, open tubes.
• b. In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
  • To be used for moderate to severe, or if other treatments have not worked.

IVF success rates for endometriosis are no different from those of couples with other types of infertility, particularly when the eggs are healthy and embryo quality is high.

At ART Fertility Clinics we employ individualized IVF treatment for women with endometriosis to have the best chance of success.

Do Women with Endometriosis Get Pregnant on Their Own?

Yes, many women do. In many cases, mild endometriosis doesn’t require major treatment.

Restoration of the natural fertility potential is enhanced by lifestyle changes, early diagnosis and minimal surgery. However, if it doesn’t occur within a year, fertility help is key.

Living with Endometriosis

Though there is no cure for it, many women seem to control their symptoms and their fertility to the point of that their lives and health are not disrupted.

Here is advice for managing life with endometriosis:

• Track your cycle: Be aware of your most fertile window and what may trigger pain.
• Anti-inflammatory diet: Include leafy green vegetables, berries and omega-3-rich foods, and decrease consumption of processed foods.
• Low-impact exercise: Yoga, swimming or walking can reduce inflammation.
• Go hot: Heating pads ease the pain.
• Find emotional support: Therapy and support groups can guide emotional well-being.

Why ART Fertility Clinics

We provide evidence-based, science-led fertility treatment that is tailored to each woman who has endometriosis.

At ART Fertility Clinics you will get:

• State-of-the-art diagnosis applications (3D ultrasound and laparoscopy for example)
• Laparoscopic surgery with leading surgeons in reproduction
• IVF with tailored hormonal protocols
• Excellent levels of success, even in challenging situations
• Full spectrum fertility counselling and support throughout your journey.

We do not want to merely put a band-aid on the problem and send you on your way, we want to help you get the pregnancy you’ve been dreaming of in a safe and successful manner.

Conclusion

Endometriosis can have a profound effect on your reproductive health, but it doesn’t have to rob you of your future. With the proper diagnosis, medical expertise and fertility help, motherhood is achievable.

At ART Fertility Clinics, we’re there for you, every step of the way, with the science, the hearts, and the success.