Research shows one-third to one-half of women with endometriosis have trouble conceiving naturally.
In endometriosis, tissue similar to the endometrial lining of theuterus(womb) grows around your reproductive organs.
It can also cause scar tissue and adhesions, which is when tissue sticks together.
Verywell / Colleen Tighe
This can make it harder to get pregnant, but not impossible.
If you have endometriosis and want to get pregnant, medical treatments can help you conceive.
This article discusses endometriosis and pregnancy.
Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
It explains how endometriosis can impact fertility and the treatments that may help you get pregnant.
It also discusses the risks of pregnancy complications in people with endometriosis.
These stages are classified based on location, quantity, and depth of the endometrial tissue.
Infertility may become more likely as stages increase and is highly likely with stage 4.
How Endometriosis Affects Pregnancy
Most pregnancies with endometriosis are successful and uncomplicated.
However, endometriosis does carry some pregnancy risks.
These include:
Does Pregnancy Cure Endometriosis?
If you don’t get pregnant within that time frame, then you should speak with a fertility specialist.
With that said, some people go straight to a specialist, especially if they are older.
They dont improve pregnancy rates much compared to those who make a run at conceive naturally.
IUI is a procedure where sperm is introduced into the womb duringovulation.
Clomid (clomiphene)andgonadotropinare the fertility drugs commonly used for IUI.
IVF involves removing eggs and fertilizing them outside of the body, then transferring them into the womb.
It provides the best chance of getting pregnant, but is also costly and invasive.
IVF is not an option for all individuals.
Some prefer less invasive treatments, while others simply cannot afford the cost of IVF.
For them, multiple rounds of IUI, surrogacy, or adoption may be suggested.
Surgery and Fertility Rates
The number one reason forendometriosis surgeryis toreduce pain symptoms.
Beyond pain reduction, surgery may help increase the odds of pregnancy in somebut not allwomen.
Endometriosis also can return after surgery.
It has a recurrence rate of about 20% to 50% within five years after surgery.
For those with severe endometriosis, surgery does not appear to improve success rates for IUI or IVF.
In fact, repeated surgeries can cause adhesions that make pregnancy more difficult.
However, if there is no pain, therisks of surgeryusually outweigh any benefit in terms of improved fertility.
you gotta discuss the pros and cons with a surgeon to make a fully informed choice.
Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
it’s possible for you to find a variety of patient resources and news on the latest research.
Summary
Pregnancy is possible with endometriosis, though it may be more difficult to conceive naturally.
Your healthcare provider may advise you to try getting pregnant naturally for six months.
Surgery may improve the odds of pregnancy, but the benefit is likely small compared to the risks.
The majority of pregnancies in people with endometriosis are successful, uncomplicated, and result in a healthy baby.
However, the condition does increase the risk of pre-term labor, miscarriage, and other pregnancy concerns.
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