Endometriosis And Conceiving With ART
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue normally found in the uterus grows in other parts of the body. Depending on how extensive the overgrowth is, a woman’s fertility can be severely impacted. Research suggests that 30 to 50% of women categorized as infertile struggle with endometriosis. Rated on a range of four stages, people with more extreme stage four diagnoses may have scarring and blockages in the fallopian tubes as well as ovarian damage that makes natural conception difficult. However, assisted reproductive therapies (ART) can circumvent endometriosis and make conception possible.
Is natural conception possible?
With endometriosis, the honest answer is natural conception is possible in some people. Specifically, individuals diagnosed with stage I or II can still get pregnant the old-fashioned way. However, women who have undergone laparoscopy are more likely to require medical interventions to get pregnant.
Trying IUI first
If a woman with endometriosis is struggling to conceive naturally, intrauterine insemination (IUI) is usually the first fertility treatment that is recommended. The process is typically less invasive since the traditional method simply involves inserting semen directly into the uterus during the ovulation window. However, for endometriosis, a woman may be encouraged to undergo hormone supplements to boost success rates. Once ovulation is detected, a partner or donor’s sperm will then be inserted into the uterus.
If IUI is not an option
Women diagnosed with stage III or IV endometriosis who haven’t successfully conceived within six to 12 months after having surgery to remove excess tissue will be encouraged to consider IVF. The recommendation is often given because an individual has extensive fallopian scarring, or the tissue overgrowth is severe. IVF also requires hormonal drugs to increase egg production. When ovulation is detected, specialists will extract multiple eggs to mix with semen provided by a partner or donor. If fertilization occurs in the laboratory, an embryo is formed which is then transferred to the uterus. If implantation occurs, a pregnancy ideally would be carried to term.
Making the choice
The severity of a woman’s endometriosis will be one of the biggest deciding factors on which fertility treatment might be recommended. People with mild stage I and II scenarios may find success conceiving naturally since the condition might not have impacted the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries significantly. However, individuals with stage III and IV are usually going to be encouraged to start with either IUI or IVF because of extensive scar tissue and the potential widespread damage caused to reproductive organs.
Taking control of fertility
For endometriosis patients who want to start a family, the right fertility path will depend on the severity of the condition first. However, this group has several options available, which can lead to success. While endometriosis can make conception harder, the process does not have to be impossible. To learn more about how endometriosis impacts conception and what to expect during fertility treatments, schedule a consultation to speak with a fertility specialist.
