The situation can be stressful for you if you know you have endometriosis. As per experts at an IVF clinic in Rajouri Garden, it is totally normal to think about the effect of endometriosis on your pregnancy and the risk to you or your baby as you get pregnant. Knowing all associated points can lower your concerns and facilitate you to move ahead. So, keep reading the post to educate yourself.
What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a reproductive health condition in which tissue like the uterine lining builds up in places where it should not be. The places could be the fallopian tubes, pelvis, ovaries, and in rare cases other body parts. As per a study, it happens to be 11 out of 100 American women in the age group of 15 to 44. The growth of endometriosis is not harmful. However, it can be painful and affect a female’s ability to conceive.
What are endometriosis symptoms?
The symptoms of endometriosis can include the followings:
- Chronic aching in the lower pelvis or back
- Super intense period cramps
- A deep-feeling pain during or after sex
- Painful bowel movements
- Intestinal discomfort
- Spotting or bleeding between periods and digestive problems such as constipation, diarrhea, nausea, or bloating
- Trouble getting pregnant and fertility problems
Who is at risk of having endometriosis?
Any female of menstruating age is at risk of endometriosis. However, women who are in their 30s or 40s are at a higher risk. Asian or white women have a higher risk in comparison with Latinx and black women. Apart from the age and race, you might be at risk of having endometriosis if:
- Your periods are longer than seven days
- You have not become a mother of a child
- Your menstrual cycle is lower than 27 days
- You have a health issue that affects your normal blood flow during the period
- Your family has a history of endometriosis
How does endometriosis affect fertility or pregnancy?
To date, medical experts have no clear idea about the link between fertility and endometriosis. They are making their efforts and conducting studies to comprehend it. However, they think that the implantation of endometriosis tissue could interrupt the immune system. And this interruption causes inflammation that prevents sperm from meeting with the egg or developing an embryo.
This condition can make the implantation of an embryo on the uterus wall difficult. Further, it can make a female’s immune system destroy the embryo instead of protecting it. Till now, it is not known whether it makes getting pregnant harder or not. However, more growth of endometriosis can lead a female to have fertility issues.
Your chances of getting pregnant with endometriosis
According to a 2014 review of several studies, 2-10% of couples with endometriosis can have a conception in comparison with 15-20% of couples without endometriosis. It means your endometriosis can lower your pregnancy chance to 2-10%.
Possible risks to the mother and the baby
Endometriosis can affect your ability to conceive and increase the need for a C-section. Here, it does not mean your pregnancy will be at a higher risk. However, this condition can enhance the risk of particular problems that are as follows:
- Placenta previa – According to several studies, women with endometriosis have a risk of placenta previa 1.6-15 times higher than normal women. Due to this, the placenta has lower implantation in the uterus and covers all the cervical parts. As a result, you have a higher need for a C-section.
- Miscarriage – Endometriosis can increase your chance of pregnancy loss in comparison with females without this condition.
- Preterm birth – Medical evidence suggests that inflammation caused by endometriosis might have a link to a higher risk of preterm birth. There is no treatment available to prevent it. However, your doctor can help you carry your pregnancy to term and lower the risk factors.
- Preeclampsia – Recently published articles have proven that your endometriosis can make you prone to preeclampsia buildup. Regular prenatal care under an experienced doctor can help you control it.
What are available endometriosis treatment options?
You should consult a respective doctor as you know you have endometriosis. Sometimes, it can make you think of having other conditions that cause pain in the pelvic area. The conditions could be ovarian cysts, inflammatory diseases, or IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). With the right diagnostic test, your doctor can detect it and help you cure it with the right treatment. The probable tests or screenings could be:
- Laparoscopy
- Pap smears
- Ultrasounds
In the current world, there is no permanent cure for endometriosis. However, addressing the issue can help you increase your chances of getting pregnant and lower your pain. Your doctor can suggest you take GnRH agonists (gonadotropin-releasing hormone), synthetic progesterone, and oral contraceptives to treat your symptomatic endometriosis. These medicines can stop endometriosis growth further and facilitate you to conceive. Further, your doctor can suggest surgeries to remove the tissue, IUI, and IVF to you.
Conclusion
Endometriosis, a buildup of the uterine lining-like tissue outside the uterus, is a common issue in women. Around 11% of women in their 30s or 40s suffer from it. Its excessive growth is problematic and can affect the pregnancy ability of a woman. Consulting a respective doctor and getting it managed can help you become pregnant and give birth to a healthy and cute baby.
