Causes of Infertility: Endometriosis

Endometriosis can be one of the causes of infertility. It is a condition where tissue, just like the tissue of the uterus, attaches to other organs in the abdomen. The tissue can attach to the outside of the uterus, fallopian tubs, ovaries, and even the intestines and the bowel. This causes scar tissue to develop because the body tries to keep the tissue from doing damage. Once the scar tissue has formed, it may be difficult for the ovaries, fallopian tubes and other organs to move around. This can be very painful, especially during ovulation. The scar tissue can even cause the tubes to stick together, making it near impossible for eggs to be released for fertilization.

30% to 40% of infertile women suffer from endometriosis. Endometriosis affects 10% to 15% of women. Not all women who suffer from endometriosis are infertile, but this may cause it to be more difficult to conceive. This can cause a couple to become very frustrated.

Symptoms of Endometriosis

There are many symptoms that are unfortunately associated with endometriosis. These can make anyone who suffers from it very miserable. These symptoms are

  • heavy or frequent menstrual periods
  • fever and pain
  • nausea and vomiting
  • ovarian cysts
  • painful intercourse
  • depression and anxiety
  • gastrointestinal problems 
  • headaches

Diagnosis of Endometriosis

There are tests to determine if someone has endometriosis. Doctors can perform an ultrasound, MRI or barium enema. The endometriosis will look like cysts when the doctor performs these tests.

Risk of Miscarriage

Endometriosis can also cause an increased risk of miscarriage. Miscarriages usually occur during the first 13 weeks of the pregnancy, or the first trimester. Women who suffer from endometriosis can have an abnormal amount of the hormone prostaglandin. If fertilization of the egg occurs, the endometrium can send out too much prostaglandin resulting in a miscarriage.

Treatments

The best treatment for endometriosis may vary from one person to another. These are a few options:

  • Medications - There are medications that will help with the pain. Doctors may also prescribe hormones or hormone inhibitors and birth control pills to help. Analgesics will help with the pain. These medications do not help with infertility.
  • Surgery to Remove Damaged Tissues - Doctors can also perform surgery to remove the damaged tissue. The surgery is performed to remove any cysts and damaged tissue to prevent further problems. This can be performed in moderate cases of endometriosis, but the most severe cases may require a hysterectomy. In mild to moderate cases, the surgery can result in a pregnancy later on.
  • Hysterectomy - In the most severe cases, one may require a hysterectomy. A hysterectomy is the removal of the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes. Once a woman has a hysterectomy, she is unable to have children.

There are many women who do succeed in conceiving a child with endometriosis. The best time to conceive is about 6 months after she has received treatment, such as surgery to remove the adhesion's. If pregnancy cannot be achieved, there are other options that couples can consider.

There is hope for women to conceive when dealing with endometiosis. Talk to your doctor if you think you may be suffering from endometriosis.

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