Endometriosis is a complex condition with far-reaching consequences. It occurs when tissue similar to that which lines the uterus grows outside of it, resulting in the formation of scar tissue and adhesions. Some women experience a variety of symptoms, including reduced fertility. Whether you’ve been diagnosed with endometriosis or not, if you’re struggling to get pregnant, it could be a factor. Endometriosis can affect fertility in various ways, such as making conception more difficult and increasing the risk of miscarriage. Let’s talk about endometriosis and fertility and how it affects conception and pregnancy.
What To Expect When Trying To Conceive With Endometriosis
Along with painful and heavy periods, studies suggest that up to half of women with endometriosis experience infertility or reduced fertility. As the endometrial-like tissue grows, it can cause hormonal imbalances, ovarian cysts, and blocked fallopian tubes. Ovulation, quality of your eggs, Fallopian tube function and implantation of the fertilised egg can all be affected by endometriosis.
The hormonal imbalances may disrupt the menstrual cycle, making it difficult to track ovulation. Furthermore, women with endometriosis are more prone to ectopic pregnancies (if the Fallopian tubes are affected) – when the fertilised egg implants outside the uterus.
If you have been diagnosed with endometriosis, don’t panic; not all women suffering from the condition struggle to fall pregnant. Many are still able to conceive and carry the pregnancy to term.
How To Boost Your Chances of Conceiving With Endometriosis
There are a few strategies women with endometriosis can use to improve their chances of conceiving.
1. Speak to Your Healthcare Provider
If you have endometriosis and have been treating the symptoms with the help of your doctor, they will likely be familiar with the type and stage of your endometriosis – making them the best person to speak to. Together you will assess the risk factors and develop a plan to help you conceive. The plan may involve anything from lifestyle changes and hormone-based medication to surgery and fertility treatment, such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilisation (IVF).
2. Track Your Ovulation
Because your periods may be irregular, predicting when ovulation will occur can be challenging. Fortunately, there are various tools, such as ovulation predictor kits and fertility tracking apps, to help you identify your most fertile days.
3. Lifestyle Changes
A range of lifestyle factors can further hinder your ability to conceive. Though endometriosis may reduce fertility, certain lifestyle changes can often ease its symptoms and enhance fertility. Maintaining a healthy weight, eating a healthy and balanced diet, exercising, reducing stress, and quitting smoking can help improve your fertility.
Endometriosis and Miscarriage: Understanding the Risks
Owing to the hormonal imbalances, pro-inflammatory state, and other complications which arise, women with endometriosis may have a slightly higher risk of miscarriage. By working closely with your doctor to identify risk factors such as the type and severity of the endometriosis, age, andautoimmune disorders, it is possible to carry the pregnancy to term. Precautionary measures typically include regular ultrasounds to monitor the development of the fetus in the first trimester.
With or without endometriosis, every woman will have their own pregnancy journey, and what works for one woman may not work for another. With the help of your gynaecologist, you can optimise your fertility and maintain a healthy pregnancy. If you are concerned about your conception and pregnancy with endometriosis, contact an experienced gynaecologist today at Sydney Endometriosis. We work closely with the team of fertility experts at Monash IVF.
