If you’re one of the 1 in 10 women affected by endometriosis, it’s understandable you may have concerns and questions about your ability to get pregnant. We’re breaking down what to know about endometriosis and fertility.
What Is Endometriosis?
The tissue that lines the uterus is called the endometrium. The condition endometriosis happens when this lining grows in areas outside the uterus, such as the fallopian tubes, ovaries, or other areas of the pelvis. The places where this tissue implants can cause inflammation and scarring, and lead to severe discomfort—or even pain—during ovulation and menstruation.
Does Endometriosis Affect My Chances of Getting Pregnant?
It can, but an endometriosis diagnosis does not mean you’re infertile. The inflammation caused by endometriosis can make certain steps of conception a bit more challenging. For instance, swelling and scar tissue in the fallopian tubes can make it more difficult for the sperm and egg to meet, or get in the way of an embryo successfully implanting in your uterus. While there are certainly a portion of women with endometriosis who experience infertility, many are able to get pregnant and carry a healthy baby to term. Your ability to get pregnant is simply unique to you (and your partner).
I Have Endometriosis—What Should I Do to Prepare for Getting Pregnant?
The first and most important step for anyone trying to conceive is to talk to your provider about your plans for pregnancy. Depending on a few factors (such as age and your specific diagnosis), your provider will be able to help you create a game-plan for trying to conceive.
There’s usually no harm in women diagnosed with endometriosis trying to get pregnant on their own—and a lot are successful! However, if you have endometriosis and aren’t pregnant after six months or so of trying, your provider may refer you to a fertility specialist to understand more about your specific condition and your chances of conceiving naturally.
What If I Don’t Get Pregnant?
After a review of your health history and an examination of the extent of your endometriosis—typically done through a series of tests—your provider or specialist might suggest a few different avenues, which could include:
- Surgery: It’s possible to remove lesions and scarring through laparoscopic surgery. This can help lessen the pain and discomfort caused by endometriosis, and may also improve your chances of getting pregnant. It’s important to note that multiple surgeries can cause scar tissue to form, which may have an adverse effect on conception. Your provider can assess your individual case and help you decide on the pros and cons of surgery.
- IUI (intrauterine insemination): Through this process, your provider will place sperm from your partner directly into the uterus. Since sperm can live longer in the uterus, bypassing the vagina and cervix can increase their chances for survival and ability to fertilize the egg.
- IVF (in vitro fertilization): If you still aren’t getting pregnant, IVF is a great option for those with endometriosis. Through IVF, your eggs are fertilized in a lab to create embryos, which are then transferred directly into your uterus. While IVF is not an easy (or cheap) process, those with and without endometriosis have similar success rates.
If you’re considering pregnancy, or suspect that you may have endometriosis, schedule an appointment with your provider to discuss next steps. We’re wishing you luck on your pregnancy journey!