For many women with endometriosis, the dream of starting a family can be clouded by uncertainty and fear. The debilitating pain, heavy bleeding, and other symptoms associated with this condition can make it challenging to conceive, and the fear of infertility can be overwhelming.
If you are living with endometriosis and wondering if you can get pregnant naturally, you are not alone. Let’s explore the connection between endometriosis and fertility.
What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a medical condition that affects around 11% of women. It occurs when the tissue that lines the uterus, called the endometrium, grows outside of the uterus, such as on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and other organs in the pelvic area.
This displaced endometrial tissue can cause inflammation, pain, and scarring, and can also lead to the formation of cysts or adhesions in the affected areas. Endometriosis can cause a range of symptoms including:
- Pelvic pain
- Painful periods
- Heavy or irregular bleeding during menstruation
- Painful bowel movements or urination during menstruation
- Pain during or after sex (Dyspareunia)
- Difficulty getting pregnant (Infertility)
- Fatigue
The exact cause of endometriosis is not fully understood, but possible factors include genetics, hormonal imbalances, and problems with the immune system. While there is no cure for endometriosis, there are treatments available to manage symptoms, such as pain relievers, hormonal therapies, and surgery.
Can you get pregnant with endometriosis?
Yes! It is possible to get pregnant with endometriosis, although it may be more difficult for some women than others depending on where the lesions are and if there is scarring present. Endometriosis can affect fertility in several ways including inflammation, scarring, and the formation of cysts or adhesions that can block the fallopian tubes. However, not all women with endometriosis experience infertility, and many are able to conceive naturally or with the help of fertility treatments.
What are the chances of getting pregnant with endometriosis?
While endometriosis can make it more challenging to conceive naturally, the chances of getting pregnant with this condition are still good, especially for those with mild to moderate endometriosis. Some women with endometriosis are able to conceive naturally with no intervention, while others may require fertility treatments.
One study found that women with mild endometriosis have similar pregnancy rates to women without endometriosis, while those with moderate or severe endometriosis may have a lower chance of natural conception. However, with the help of fertility treatments such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in-vitro fertilization (IVF), many women with endometriosis are able to conceive.
Does endometriosis cause infertility?
While endometriosis can cause infertility, the good news is that many women with this condition are still able to conceive and carry a healthy pregnancy to term.
How to improve fertility with endometriosis
It is beneficial to reach out to your healthcare provider early in your trying to conceive journey so they can help you develop a personalized treatment plan. There are several ways to improve fertility with endometriosis including:
- Maintaining a healthy weight: Being overweight or underweight can affect hormone levels and ovulation, so it’s important to aim for a body mass index (BMI) between 20-25.
- Reducing stress: High levels of stress can interfere with ovulation and your menstrual cycle, so finding ways to manage stress, such as through exercise, meditation, or counseling, can help.
- Quitting smoking: Smoking has been linked to lower fertility rates, so quitting smoking can improve your chances of conceiving.
- Avoiding alcohol: Drinking alcohol can also interfere with fertility, so it’s best to avoid alcohol altogether or limit consumption.
- Getting enough sleep: Adequate sleep is important for overall health and can also affect hormone levels and fertility.
- Medication: Medications can be prescribed by your healthcare provider to suppress the growth of endometrial tissue however, this may also impact your fertility as long as you are taking the medication.
- Surgery: A surgeon can remove any adhesions or cysts caused by endometriosis that are impacting your fertility.
It’s important to remember that every woman’s experience with endometriosis and fertility is different, and success rates may vary depending on the severity of the condition and other individual factors. However, with the help of a knowledgeable healthcare provider and the right treatment plan, many women with endometriosis are able to achieve their dream of starting a family.
What to track in Premom app
When trying to get pregnant with endometriosis, tracking your menstrual cycle and fertility can help you better understand your body and increase your chances of getting pregnant. In your app, here are few things that would be good to keep track of:
- Menstrual cycle length: Knowing if your cycles are regular or irregular can help better understand your ovulation cycles and optimize timing for intercourse.
- Ovulation tests: These tests measure levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) in the urine, which surges just before ovulation occurs. This will allow you to help predict when you will ovulate to time intercourse for conception.
- Pain and symptoms: Tracking pain and symptoms overtime and finding your patterns can help you and your healthcare provider monitor the progression and make adjustments to your treatment plan.
- Sexual activity: Tracking when you have sex in relation to your fertile window can help maximize your chances of getting pregnant.
- Cervical mucus: Changes in vaginal discharge occur due to changes in estrogen and progesterone levels, allowing you to understand your hormonal changes throughout your cycle.
By understanding your cycle, symptoms, and when to time intercourse, you’re more likely to notice if endometriosis is affecting your fertility. Take charge of your fertility and know you can do this!
References
- Benaglia, L., Bermejo, R., Somigliana, E., & Scarduelli, C. (2019). Strategies for improving fertility in endometriosis. Current opinion in obstetrics & gynecology, 31(4), 192-198. https://doi.org/10.1097/GCO.0000000000000554
- BMI calculator. Fertility Associates. Retrieved March 1, 2023, from https://www.fertilityassociates.co.nz/understanding-your-fertility/bmi-calculator
- Dunselman, G. A., Vermeulen, N., Becker, C., Calhaz-Jorge, C., D’Hooghe, T., De Bie, B., … & Zondervan, K. (2014). ESHRE guideline: management of women with endometriosis. Human Reproduction, 29(3), 400-412. https://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/det457
- Hwu, Y. M., Wang, P. H., Wu, F. S., Huang, B. S., Yeh, G. P., Chen, H. F., … & Huang, S. C. (2020). The Impact of Endometriosis on Ovarian Response and Pregnancy Outcomes Among Young Women Undergoing In Vitro Fertilization. Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology, 27(6), 1286-1293. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmig.2020.02.014
- OASH. (2019, January 30). Endometriosis | Womenshealth.gov. Womenshealth.gov. https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/endometriosis
- Rogers PA, Adamson GD, Al-Jefout M, et al. Research Priorities for Endometriosis. Reprod Sci. 2017;24(2):202-226. doi:10.1177/1933719116654991
