Endometriosis is a disease that unfortunately affects millions of women across the globe, causing pain and sometimes limiting the ability to conceive. Although endometriosis presents hurdles to female health, there is still a high possibility for women with endometriosis to conceive.
Keep reading to learn more about how endometriosis may affect fertility health, as well as some of the suggested treatment methods for women with endometriosis who are struggling with infertility.
What is Endometriosis and its Symptoms?
Endometriosis is a condition that occurs when tissue that normally lines the uterus is found outside the uterus where cells should not be growing. This common and chronic disease can cause intense pain during periods, sexual intercourse, chronic pelvic pain, bloating, fatigue, mental health challenges and infertility, among other symptoms.
Unfortunately, there is often a gap of four to 11 years from the onset of symptoms to a diagnosis of endometriosis, so it is important for women to be aware of the possible signs and symptoms and monitor them closely. Approximately 30% to 50% of women with endometriosis may experience infertility, so the earlier the diagnosis is made, their chances of conceiving are better.
Treating Endometriosis for the Hope to Conceive
Diagnosing endometriosis early on is imperative to treating the disease, especially for those who hope to conceive. Early diagnosis can increase your chances of getting pregnant. Endometriosis can influence fertility in women due to effects on the pelvic area, ovaries, fallopian tubes and/or uterus. The condition can also negatively impact the immune system, cause inflammation of pelvic structures, change hormones, alter egg quality and impair implantation of a pregnancy.
There are treatments available for most women, such as over-the-counter pain relief medications, hormone therapy and surgery. Physicians will base their treatment recommendation on whether a woman is trying to get pregnant.
Success in reducing pain symptoms and increasing pregnancy rates are often dependent on the extent of disease in the individual, so staying in communication with a physician is important to developing the best individualized treatment plan for endometriosis.
Understanding Your Chances of Conceiving with Endometriosis
Getting pregnant is still very possible for many women with endometriosis depending on the severity of your condition, age, overall health, and treatment options.
Some women with endometriosis will still be able to conceive naturally, but it may take longer than women without the diagnosis. It is best to consult a physician or fertility specialist to discuss your fertility options.
Utilizing Fertility Treatments as a Step to a Healthy Pregnancy
Fertility appointments and treatments can be costly and difficult, both mentally and physically, making them inaccessible to many women with endometriosis.
However, fertility treatments can be an effective solution for women trying to conceive while living with endometriosis.
A study examining the success of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) shows the fertilization rate among patients with endometriosis was 70% compared to 67.1% for patients who did not have the condition – proving to be promising numbers for women seeking pregnancy while living with endometriosis.
Learn More About Your Fertility Health with At-Home Testing from IHD
Endometriosis is scary, painful and exhausting for many women who have the disease. However, thanks to medical advancements, there are a variety of treatment options available to help improve the chance of overcoming infertility.
Because there is a significant gap between when endometriosis symptoms first appear and when they are diagnosed, IHD has partnered with AIMA Laboratories to develop and deliver a new and reliable at-home blood test to detect the disease. The test will help shorten the gap for diagnosis, and allows patients who receive a positive test result to undergo appropriate treatment potentially years sooner than they would otherwise.
Read more about IHDs partnership with AIMA to expand access to this important and reliable at-home endometriosis blood test here.
Innovative Health Diagnostics (IHD) offers a suite of at-home tests for individuals to get to know their bodies better - administered privately in the comfort of one’s home.