Endometriosis: Infertility and Treatment

Infertility affects one couple in every seven around the world. Even though these numbers are significant, little is really known around fertility problems. In fact, 15% to 25% of the cases are considered beyond the reach of current testing practices. The causes of these cases are unknown and therefore, correct treatment cannot be specified. For mild endometriosis, infertility might be possibly given solution.

Endometriosis is one of the causes that are known by fertility specialists. Methods and treatments are available and through years of studies, these treatments proved to be marginally effective in inducing fertilization, pregnancy and perfectly normal babies.

What is an endometriosis? In the uterine cavity there is a tissue lining called endometrium. These tissues sometimes spread to areas where they should not be like the ovaries. This condition is what we call endometriosis. Though these are sometimes just small patches of “misplaced” tissues, this can cause pain and yes, infertility.

Interestingly, 5-10% of women have endometriosis and these women are not necessarily infertile. But up to 40% of women who are infertile have mild or severe endometriosis. Women who had painful menstruation or experienced deep pain during intercourse are those that are identified with having endometriosis. But this proves to be too circumstantial to be admitted as a rule. The only way to be sure is to perform laparoscopy. This is a surgical procedure that allows doctors to have a peek in the abdominal cavity using a narrow scope.

What can you do if you have endometriosis and as a result, infertile? If it is a mild case, then controlled ovarian hyperstimulation with intrauterine insemination can be attempted. This can result to successful fertilization and pregnancy if the cause of the infertility is only the mild (to moderate) endometriosis.

If the endometriosis is severe, surgery and medication is done to increase the chances of pregnancy. But the success rate for this is very thin, topping at 2% per month. For both mild and severe endometriosis that resulted to infertility, In Vitro Fertilization can be considered when nothing works up to a maximum of six cycles.

Conflicting studies have resulted to the complication of the relationship of endometriosis, infertility and the treatment of the former (that is said to provide for successful pregnancy). There are also some questions if it’s really endometriosis causing infertility, or the complete opposite; the infertility (delayed pregnancy) causing the endometriosis. The good news is after endometriosis interventions, pregnancies are seen. That is hope enough for women to hold on to.

Tagged as: endometriosis