It’s a nightmare to have what we call as Endometriosis. The condition is so stressful and to top it, you are told that it’s difficult or nearly impossible for you to get pregnant. However, if you have your facts clear, the situation can be a little easy for you. The painful situation that you are in can be treated. Moreover, you can be a potential mother. Do these things make you feel good? Well, read Endometriosis and Getting Pregnant: What You Need to Know. We are sure you will feel at ease after knowing this.
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Endometriosis and Getting Pregnant: What You Need to Know
Let us start with the basics…
What is endometriosis?
Well, it is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows in places where it should not. For example, the ovaries or fallopian tubes, on the outside of the uterus, or, rarely, in other parts of the body. It is not dangerous but is painful! Moreover, it affects a woman’s ability to get pregnant
Who is at risk for endometriosis?
Any female who is menstruating can have this, however, women in their 30s and 40s have the most encounters with it.
Other factors to consider knowing whether you are at risk of having it are
- You have never been a mother
- You have a family history of it.
- Your period lasts more than 7 days
- Your period cycle is shorter than 27 days.
- You have a health problem that blocks normal blood flow during your period
What causes endometriosis?
Experts think that endometriosis is caused by problems related to period flow. For example, the blood flowing backward through the fallopian tubes and into the pelvis. Genetic factors, immune system problems, and hormones might also play a role. However, the real factor is still unknown.
How do you know if you have endometriosis?
The most common symptom is a pain. You can have an intensive period cramps. You might also experience chronic aching in your lower back or pelvis, a deep-feeling pain during or after sex, intestinal discomfort, or painful bowel movements. You may also experience spotting.
Endometriosis affects fertility. Not every woman with endometriosis experiences pain as the first symptom. For some, trouble getting pregnant is the first clue that they might have the condition.
How does endometriosis affect your ability to get pregnant?
The relationship between endometriosis and fertility is still unknown. However, experts have a theory that patches of endometriosis tissue might get in the way of sperm trying to find the egg. This makes it harder for an embryo to implant in the wall of the uterus. The condition may cause the immune system of the woman to attack an embryo instead of trying to protect it.
Can you still conceive if you have endometriosis?
Almost 40% of women struggle with infertility have endometriosis. However, Women with endometriosis can still have a baby, but it might take longer or be more difficult. Women with more severe endometriosis symptoms need not necessarily have a harder time conceiving compared to women with less severe symptoms. It is always recommended that you try for a year before going for the treatment.
What are the treatments for endometriosis?
There is no cure for endometriosis however, there is a treatment that helps you conceive. Your doctor will ask you to take medicine like a gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist. This will make your body ovulate and stop making hormones. As a result, it stops the patches from growing and could make it easier to conceive after you stop taking the medication. You might also be asked to undergo surgery to remove the existing patches. This will help you to conceive.
What are the possible risks of endometriosis to the mother and baby?
Research shows that women with endometriosis are anywhere from 1.6 to 15 times more likely to have placenta previa. This means that the placenta implants low in the uterus and covers all or part of the cervix. This could make you more likely to need a C-section.
Apart from this, it is found that endometriosis raises the chance of a miscarriage, preterm birth, or preeclampsia. Rarely the condition could also cause serious or even life-threatening internal bleeding.
However, keep in mind that many women with endometriosis have had perfectly normal pregnancies and deliveries and are living a healthy life. So do not stress about it.
Does endometriosis affect your ability to carry a baby to term?
While they reached, it is found out that endometriosis is tied to a higher risk for miscarriage as well as bleeding problems. However, according to the evidence, endometriosis-related complications are rare. Most experts agree that the condition doesn’t have a harmful effect on most pregnancies.
If the woman in the couple is less than 35 years of age must try for at least a year before seeking help from the doctors. Similarly, women above 35 must try for at least 6 months before seeking help from the doctor. If the condition is severe, you may be asked to get a surgery done so that you can conceive.
To sum up we would say it is heartbreaking to see how Endometriosis affects a woman’s ability to get pregnant. However, do not lose hope as women with Endometriosis have still been able to make it through. You can opt for surrogacy if at all there are no chances of you getting pregnant. Moreover, surrogacy is a great option if your life is at stake. It is always better to have a healthy child than to have it coming out of you.
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