What is an Endometriosis and its effects on fertility
Understanding endometriosis can help you take charge of the disease
Whether you are seeking answers for yourself or for someone you love, understanding this disease can help you make informed and conscious decisions. So, what is an endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a condition where cells similar to those lining the uterus grow outside of it. This causes pain because these cells behave as if they were in the uterus, thickening and bleeding with each menstrual cycle but unable to exit the body. This leads to pain, especially during the period.
Endometriosis and fertility are closely related. Endometriosis affects the ovaries, fallopian tubes, pelvis, and sometimes even the intestines and bladder. In the ovaries, it can form cysts called endometriomas, which irritate and damage nearby tissues. It can also cause adhesions, which are bands of tissue that cause pelvic organs to stick together. These problems can make pregnancy difficult, so endometriosis often affects fertility.
What is an Endometriosis: Learn to Identify Symptoms and Possible Causes
Although the exact cause of endometriosis is still uncertain, some factors increase the probability of developing this condition. Risk factors include a family history of the disease, starting your period at an early age, and structural problems in the vagina, cervix, or uterus.
Common signs of endometriosis include:
- Heavy and prolonged menstrual cycles lasting more than 7 days or cycles occurring more than once every 28 days.
Other symptoms may be harder to identify and include:
- Bleeding between periods
- Fatigue and low energy
- Bloating
- Diarrhea
Diagnosis of endometriosis is often delayed because many women believe their symptoms are normal during menstruation. According to a study, on average, women take seven years to be diagnosed after their first symptoms, causing many to suffer pain for years before being diagnosed, usually in their 30s or 40s.
Due to the pain and potential worsening of endometriosis, it is important to talk to your doctor about diagnostic options. Many non-invasive techniques are available.
How an Endometriosis can influence fertility
Early diagnosis of endometriosis is crucial for understanding its impact on fertility, as it can make pregnancy difficult. Between 30% and 50% of women with endometriosis may experience infertility.
Endometriosis can distort pelvic anatomy, cause inflammation, generate adhesions, and create scarring in the fallopian tubes, affecting the transport of eggs and embryos. Additionally, it can alter the immune and hormonal systems, impacting egg quality and creating an unfavorable environment for sperm.
Understanding this connection can provide peace of mind and better management of the disease.
Treatment and management of endometriosis to improve fertility
While it may be more challenging to become pregnant with endometriosis, many women can still have children thanks to various treatment options. It is crucial to contact a doctor to manage symptoms and complications.
Treatment Options
It is important that a doctor decides the right treatment for you. Here are some options that may be considered:
- Physical therapies. Pelvic floor therapies can relieve discomfort and help relax the muscles that support key organs like the bladder and uterus.
- Lifestyle. Managing stress, maintaining regular exercise, getting good sleep, and following a balanced diet can help control symptoms.
- Hormonal therapy. Available in various forms, it can relieve pain but generally prevents ovulation and pregnancy.
- Surgery. Removing abnormal tissue can improve the chances of pregnancy, although multiple surgeries can reduce ovarian function.
- In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). This treatment uses advanced techniques to create embryos outside the uterus, reducing complications.
At FertilyMed, We Want to Help You
We are dedicated to supporting those facing fertility challenges. We offer personalized IVF treatments and a comprehensive approach to address the unique needs of each individual. With an experienced team and advanced technology, we are here to help you on your path to conception.
If you are struggling with endometriosis, we are committed to accompanying you every step of the way towards your dream of forming a family.
