Chances of Getting Pregnant with Endometriosis
For many women, the path to motherhood can become harder, with a condition known as endometriosis. This chronic condition, characterized by uterine tissue growing outside the uterus, not only brings pain but also raises challenges in fertility.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the connection between endometriosis and the possibility of getting pregnant.
What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a medical condition that primarily affects individuals with female reproductive organs. It happens when tissue similar to the uterus lining, called the endometrium, develops outside the uterus.
Normally, the endometrium thickens, sheds, and is expelled from the body during menstruation. However, in endometriosis, this tissue can grow outside the uterine lining.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Endometriosis?
The symptoms of endometriosis vary from person to person and may range from mild to severe. Some individuals with endometriosis may have no symptoms at all.
Common symptoms of endometriosis include:
- Pelvic pain
- Painful menstrual periods
- Painful urination
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Irregular menstrual periods
Some uncommon symptoms of endometriosis include fatigue, constipation, bloating or nausea, especially during menstrual periods.
How Does Endometriosis Affect Fertility and Pregnancy?
Endometriosis can significantly impact pregnancy and the ability to get pregnant for some individuals in the following ways:
Ability to get pregnant
Endometriosis affects approximately 10% of females of child-bearing age. Endometriosis can cause difficulty conceiving for multiple reasons, including ovarian cysts, egg quality, and pain during sex.
Endometriosis may also lead to the formation of adhesions or scar tissue affecting ovaries and fallopian tubes. Thus, ovulation with endometriosis is complex and may be painful.
Pregnancy
Getting pregnant with endometriosis can be successful and uncomplicated. However, endometriosis does carry some pregnancy risks.
These include ectopic pregnancy, hypertension, ovary pain during pregnancy and gestational diabetes. It can also cause preterm birth, low birth weight, and even miscarriage.
If you have endometriosis and are planning to become pregnant or are experiencing fertility issues, it’s advisable to consult with a reproductive specialist or fertility expert.
What are the Chances of Getting Pregnant with Endometriosis?
For women with minimal to moderate cases of endometriosis, natural conception is possible. However, in some women, endometriosis may pose challenges to pregnancy.
To enhance your likelihood of getting pregnant with endometriosis, there are various approaches you can consider:
Medications
Endometriosis can lead to painful intercourse, but painkillers can provide relief in such situations.
IUI and IVF
In cases where natural conception is challenging, options like Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) and In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) may improve your chances of pregnancy.
These are recommended after attempting to conceive unsuccessfully for two years, provided semen quality is good and ovulation is normal.
Surgery
Surgery can be done for minimal to mild endometriosis symptoms after getting your doctor’s advice. While regrowth is possible, surgery can significantly enhance your chances of conception.
The surgical methods involve ablation, laparoscopy, hysterectomy, excision and oophorectomy. The endometriosis surgery success rate depends on the extent and severity of the condition, the surgical technique used and the surgeon’s expertise.
Lifestyle modification
When trying to get pregnant, it’s essential to consider overall health and lifestyle factors that can be helpful for anyone trying to conceive.
Lifestyle factors that may support fertility include:
- Eating a healthy diet.
- Taking multivitamins or prenatal vitamins.
- Regular physical activity and stress management.
Can Endometriosis Cause Miscarriages?
A miscarriage is classified as a loss of pregnancy that occurs before reaching 20 weeks of gestation.
While it’s unclear why endometriosis causes miscarriages, few studies have found that endometriosis increases the risk of miscarriage. Generally, a miscarriage occurs when there are abnormalities in the fetus’s development. In these cases, you can do nothing to prevent it.
If you experience signs or symptoms indicating a miscarriage, speak with your healthcare provider immediately to understand the situation and whether you need any treatment.
Choose Dr. Sandesh for Endometriosis Treatment in Dubai
If you’re looking for specialized and expert care for your fibroid treatment, look no further than Dr. Sandesh Kade.
With over 22 years of experience, Dr. Sandesh is a pioneering Gynaec Laparoscopic Surgeon specializing in minimally invasive laparoscopic, endometriosis excisions, and pelvic floor repair surgeries.
His approach combines traditional medical treatments with natural remedies, enabling him to work closely with his patients to provide individualized treatment plans that address each patient’s unique needs.
Schedule your appointment with our endometriosis specialist today!
