Approximately 30-50% of women with endometriosis usually also have fertility problems or infertility. Even though so, actually there are still ways that can be taken by patients with endometriosis to get pregnant.
Endometriosis is a condition in which the tissue that lines the inside of the uterine wall (endometrium) grows outside the uterus, be it in the intestines, ovaries, or the walls of the pelvic cavity.
Women with endometriosis often experience symptoms of pain in the lower abdomen and pelvis, pain when urinating or defecating, and excessive bleeding during menstruation.
Effect of Endometriosis on Fertility
Here are some reasons why endometriosis is often accompanied by fertility problems or infertility:
1. Blocking the egg from entering the uterus
If endometriosis is in the fallopian tubes, this tissue will prevent the egg from entering the uterus.
2. Damage egg and sperm cells
Inflammation that occurs due to endometriosis can damage eggs and sperm. This condition certainly interferes with fertility and can prevent fertilization from occurring.
3. Mencause pain during sexual intercourse
Women with endometriosis will usually experience symptoms of pain or pain during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia), so they are reluctant to do so.
4. Have low hCG levels
Studies show that women with endometriosis have higher levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). The hormone hCG is very important function in maintaining pregnancy.
In addition to the factors above, the treatment of endometriosis itself can make it difficult for sufferers to get pregnant. The reason is, to relieve the symptoms experienced, patients with endometriosis may be given hormone therapy, for example through the administration of birth control pills. Unfortunately, taking birth control pills will prevent pregnancy.
Efforts to Get Pregnant for Women with Endometriosis
Although endometriosis can interfere with fertility, there are several possible remedies a patient can take to get pregnant, depending on the age and severity of the endometriosis. Among others are:
Artificial insemination
Artificial insemination or intrauterine insemination (IUI) is usually recommended for women with mild endometriosis, normal fallopian tubes, and partners with good sperm quality. These efforts are usually supported by the administration of fertility-enhancing drugs.
In vitro fertilization (IVF) or IVF
Another recommended method is in vitro fertilization (IVF) or IVF. IVF is usually performed if attempts at pregnancy through IUI and administration of fertility drugs are unsuccessful.
However, there are also IVF procedures that can be done directly without going through IUI. This condition is preferred in women over the age of 35 who have stage 3 or 4 endometriosis, and have more than one factor that increases the risk of infertility.
Operation
In severe cases, endometriosis tissue needs to be removed surgically (surgery). This aims to reduce pain or pain due to endometriosis.
Even so, this operation may need to be done more than once, so that scar tissue can form on the surgical scar. As a result, this actually increases the risk of fertility problems.
Therefore, before deciding to undergo surgery, make sure you understand the positive and negative sides of this surgery, so that you carefully consider the benefits and risks.
Pregnancy with endometriosis is indeed more at risk of causing complications than normal pregnancy, such as premature birth, placental disorders, and preeclampsia. Even so, this risk can be anticipated of course with a thorough examination with a doctor. The good news is that many women with endometriosis manage to give birth to healthy babies.
The key is to discuss with your doctor about the condition of endometriosis you are experiencing, as well as your pregnancy plans. In this way, the doctor can provide appropriate advice and actions to deal with complaints, as well as support your pregnancy plan.
