How does endometriosis negatively affect my fertility?
In women diagnosed with endometriosis, tissue similar to the lining of the inner wall of the uterus grows outside the uterus, for example in the abdomen or ovary. Although the foci of endometriosis are benign, they can cause severe pain, inflammation, cysts and adhesions. They can even be a mechanical barrier to pregnancy. Even women with low-grade endometriosis and few adhesions in the abdomen can be infertile.
However, it is not yet clear why this happens. One possible explanation is inflammatory processes in the abdominal cavity, which can damage egg quality. In addition, the stock of eggs often decreases. This means that affected women have fewer eggs and enter menopause more quickly. Incidentally, the size of the endometriosis lesions within the abdomen does not necessarily determine the fertility of the affected women. Even small foci of endometriosis can lead to infertility, while even large adhesions can remain without symptoms
What should I do if I have endometriosis to fulfil my wish to become a mother?
It is wise to contact a Gynaecologist specialising in endometriosis and infertility for a further clarification of the diagnosis. This will clarify whether endometriosis is indeed the cause of infertility, which may not always be the case. It is also possible that endometriosis is only one of many obstacles to fertility. In addition, other factors such as an altered hormonal balance and reduced sperm quality in men can make it difficult for a couple to conceive. In fact, many factors often occur simultaneously. Significantly, in a third of couples with an unfulfilled desire to have children, the fertility of both partners is limited. The more factors that coexist and the less likely a natural pregnancy is, the sooner treatment should begin. Especially women with endometriosis over the age of 35 should not waste valuable time, as fertility continues to decline with increasing age.
A surgical procedure called laparoscopy is used to remove adhesions that prevent an egg from moving through the fallopian tubes. This procedure can also be used for diagnostics. It is considered a fairly simpleprocedure. However, if the endometriosis is more severe, such as endometriotic cysts that have formed in the ovaries or blocked fallopian tubes due to the growth of tissue that normally lines the uterus, it may be decided that these should be surgically removed. This is done in the hope that ovulation can return to normal, thus increasing the chances of conception.
How many women get pregnant after endometriosis surgery?
A study from France, involving 55 patients with in-depth endometriosis outbreaks, investigated this question. They were all the same age and had undergone endometriosis surgery. 36 of them wanted to procreate. In total there were 29 births in the following years. Even 74 % of the women who had previously tried unsuccessfully for at least a year to get pregnant succeeded. About half of them became pregnant naturally, while the other half became pregnant as a result of fertility treatment. According to another study, other parameters such as young age, normal weight and low severity of endometriosis favoured the onset of pregnancy.
I have endometriosis. Can I get pregnant naturally?
Εάν έχετε ενδομητρίωση και θέλετε να προσπαθήσετε να συλλάβετε, συνιστάται να αναζητήσετε τη βοήθεια ενός ειδικού ήδη μετά από έξι μήνες απο ανεπιτυχείς προσπάθειες, σε αντίθεση με το ένα έτος που συνήθως συνιστάται σε γυναίκες χωρίς ενδομητρίωση. Εάν είστε ωστόσο άνω των 35 ετών, θα ήταν συνετό να αναζητήσετε τη συμβουλευτική ενός ειδικού στη ενδομητρίωση και υπογονιμότητα ακόμα νωρίτερα.