Can I still get pregnant with Endometriosis?
A couple facing infertility comes across a variety of medical conditions when seeking treatment. Gradually, as the understanding of these conditions increases, the phobia diminishes. This is where a fertility clinic can play a key role.
One of the conditions that cause infertility in women is endometriosis. And the women who have it usually have this one big question- would I be able to conceive?. If this is a concern for you, knowing more about endometriosis by consulting the team of experts at First Step IVF. The best clinic for IVF in Delhi will help you solve the mystery and better understand your treatment options.
Understanding the Meaning of Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a medical condition characterized by the growth of the endometrium (the tissue that lines the uterus) outside the uterus [1]. Commonly, this abnormal tissue growth is seen in organs surrounding the uterus, such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the tissue lining the pelvis or lower abdomen. In rare cases, the endometrial growth may extend beyond the pelvic region too. Normally, the endometrial lining in the uterus thickens during the menstrual cycle. After that sheds and gets expelled with bleeding during the period. If a woman has endometriosis, the abnormal tissue outside the uterus has no way to get out of the body. Which results in internal bleeding and inflammation. Also, the disintegrated tissue may get deposited in the form of adhesions or scar tissue. Causing vital organs to stick to one another and disrupting their normal function.
Though these adhesions are mostly non-malignant. They can cause issues like heavy and/or painful periods, pain during intercourse, general fatigue, painful defecation, and more alarmingly, interfere with a woman’s fertility.
The latter is a matter of concern and requires the patient to get good medical advice from a reliable fertility clinic. First Step IVF has expert specialists who have successfully treated hundreds of such cases. And helped the patients get successful pregnancies with the right line of treatment.
What causes endometriosis?
Though endometriosis is one of the most common problems which millions of women encounter in their reproductive life.
A woman’s ovaries produce the hormone estrogen. This leads to the thickening of the endometrial lining. So that the uterus is prepared for receiving the fertilized egg. There is a theory that supports the notion that excess estrogen production may be the key cause behind endometriosis. [2]
Another theory states that it is normal for women to have excess tissue growth outside the uterus. While those with a strong immune system can expel this excess growth naturally. Women who have a weaker immune system develop endometriosis.
Can I get pregnant if I have endometriosis?
Yes, a woman with endometriosis has fair chances of getting pregnant. Provided she gets the right treatment and clinical support. Those suffering from the mild form of the condition can conceive unassisted. Abnormal tissue growth occurs around the reproductive organs. It can have a negative influence over their function, for instance. Endometrial tissue surrounding the ovaries can hamper the release of eggs while that around the fallopian tubes can stop the sperm from reaching the egg or the fertilized egg making its way to the uterus.
Another fertility-related problem that may be seen due to endometriosis is the disruption of hormonal balance (specifically, estrogen). Which, in turn, leads to a host of fertility issues, including polycystic ovaries or PCOD.
Effective Treatment of Endometriosis
The advancement of reproductive technology has led to the development of new techniques to combat a variety of infertility issues and endometriosis is one of them.
In cases where the growth of endometrium has led to blockage of reproductive organs. Surgical removal of the tissue has shown successful results in a majority of cases. There are two options here: an invasive surgery or a laparoscopic surgery. The latter makes use of advanced laser technology to get rid of the lesions and is less complicated and more effective. Women with severe forms of endometriosis recommended opting for IVF, supported by treatment to correct hormonal imbalance. Women with mild endometriosis have benefitted from standard fertility medication therapy and may not require intensive fertility treatment.
There’s still hope!
When it comes to the right choice of treatment for a woman looking to get pregnant despite endometriosis. It would be wise to rely on a reputed fertility clinic. The line of treatment may vary from case to case and what may be right for one may not be effective for the other.
Still, if you are fighting this condition, there is not a need to be disheartened. Because, with the right treatment, you can be bestowed with the joy of parenthood.
The good news is that when you do get pregnant and have a baby. Symptoms of endometriosis subside as the natural secretion of estrogen gets balanced during pregnancy and lactation.
First Step IVF is a trusted fertility clinic with an excellent track record in treating patients with endometriosis successfully. Consult our fertility experts for an opinion on endometriosis.
Read Also: How To Have Sex During Pregnancy? : Ways and Risks
