The Basics Of Endometriosis
For many women, endometriosis is an unwelcome diagnosis. For some individuals, the condition is an annoyance, but for other women, the repercussions are severe. Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women of reproductive age. With endometriosis, the tissue that lines the uterus deposits in other parts of the abdomen or pelvic area where this tissue should not form. The resulting painful symptoms can be mild to severe, impacting quality of life. Endometriosis can also affect pregnancy chances, with some women even developing infertility. While challenging, women with endometriosis can get treatment and even achieve pregnancy.
An endometriosis enigma
Every month, the uterine lining thickens in anticipation of a fertilized egg. If an egg does not appear, the lining sloughs off as part of the menstrual cycle. However, there are instances where this does not happen efficiently. The remaining tissue lingers near vital parts of the reproductive organs, like the fallopian tubes or ovaries. Other areas where endometrial tissue can deposit include pelvic ligaments, bladder, rectum, or abdomen. This condition can worsen or produce inflammation as the next cycle comes around.
Causes, symptoms, and long-term dangers
The real cause of endometriosis is unknown, but some underlying risk factors may be responsible. A previous C-section or surgery may have impaired the uterus, for instance, causing tissue to deposit in other parts of the pelvis. Endometrial tissue may be mistaken for blood or lymph and transported to other parts of the body. Other possible causes include genetics and retrograde menstruation. The symptoms of this condition are also varied and include pelvic pain, abdominal pain, irregular periods, spotting between periods, and fatigue. If left untreated, endometriosis can lead to painful scarring and cysts and increase the risk of cancer.
Fertility crossroads: Can endometriosis affect fertility in women?
Infertility is a common concern for women with endometriosis. The condition has different stages of severity ranging from 1 to 4, with moderate to severe cases more likely to impact fertility. Over time, the endometrial deposits, scarring, and inflammation affect the delicate process of conception. For instance, endometriosis can block the fallopian tubes, preventing sperm from successfully fertilizing an egg. Endometrial tissue can also inflame the uterus, damage ovaries, or alter hormones, leading to poor implantation or egg quality.
Options for hope and healing
While endometriosis impacts fertility, pregnancy is still possible. Women with mild cases of endometriosis can get pregnant naturally and go on to have a successful delivery. Early intervention can also change the fortunes of women. Hormone medication and laparoscopic surgery are standard treatment options. Some women go on to get pregnant naturally in the months following successful treatment. When initial treatments fail to restore fertility, women can move on to assisted reproductive technology (ART) to improve the chances of pregnancy.
Consider turning to ART
Assisted reproductive technology is an umbrella term consisting of medical techniques, like in vitro fertilization (IVF), to improve pregnancy outcomes. IVF involves extracting eggs and sperm to create embryos in a fertility clinic. A viable embryo is then implanted into the woman’s uterus, bypassing the damage caused by endometriosis. Studies show that IVF and other ART options can improve pregnancy outcomes in women with moderate to severe endometriosis.
Endometriosis is not the end
A diagnosis of endometriosis can be frustrating, and many women are unsure what to expect since the condition affects all individuals differently. Some women go through life with minimal symptoms and even go on to get pregnant naturally. Other individuals experience symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Doctors encourage women to get checked if signs like chronic pain and irregular periods persist. More importantly, if getting pregnant naturally is difficult, this may be a sign of a more severe form of the condition. There are different options to improve symptoms, and IVF can help with pregnancy. Understanding this unpleasant condition is the key to successful treatment.
