Endometriosis can affect the ability to become pregnant. This condition makes it difficult to conceive a baby by blocking the egg and sperm from reaching the uterus. The good news is that many women with endometriosis are able to conceive naturally. While this process may be longer than for women who do not have endometriosis, it is still possible.
Endometriosis causes infertility by removing sperm and egg from the uterus
Endometriosis is a condition that affects a woman’s ability to conceive. Before a woman can conceive, her ovary must release an egg. A cell called a fimbria picks up the egg and transports it to the fallopian tube. There, the egg is fertilized by a sperm cell. The sperm cell fertilizes the egg and the two attach to the uterine wall. From there, development begins.
The primary symptom of endometriosis is pelvic pain. The pain can start before or during menstruation, and can increase over time. Women with endometriosis may also experience pain when urinating or bowel movements. Some women also experience excessive bleeding or heavy menstrual periods.
Endometriosis can also cause cysts in the ovaries, which interferes with egg production. The cysts also trigger inflammatory chemicals in the ovaries, which impact the quality of the egg and the ability of sperm to attach to it. Both of these factors can interfere with implantation and fertilization, so it’s important to seek proper diagnosis and treatment for the disease.
Surgery for endometriosis is incompatible with pregnancy
If you are concerned that your symptoms may be caused by endometriosis, your first step should be to get a diagnosis from your doctor. A pelvic exam will help determine whether your condition is present, and an ultrasound scan can be used to determine the extent of the disease. If the symptoms are severe, your doctor may refer you for a laparoscopy.
The best treatment for endometriosis is based on the severity and location of the disease. Surgical procedures may result in a greater likelihood of pregnancy for women with stage 1 endometriosis, but other treatments may have fewer risks. In many cases, surgery may not be necessary.
In some cases, endometriosis surgery may cause damage to future fertility. The condition tends to worsen over time, and patients are often advised to pursue fertility preservation as soon as possible. Unfortunately, many women are put off by the potential damage to their fertility and delay getting treatment.
Miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy are rare complications
In most cases, ectopic pregnancy occurs in the fallopian tube, which is the place where the egg meets the sperm for fertilization. However, it can also occur in the cervix or abdomen. This type of pregnancy can be very difficult to detect and may progress to the early stages of pregnancy before a woman is even aware of it. Sometimes, it will even result in twins, if the pregnancy is conceived in the right place.
Symptoms of ectopic pregnancy may include vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, and cramping. In severe cases, the fallopian tube may rupture. It is extremely important to seek medical attention as soon as you notice any of these symptoms.
Although these complications of endometriosis are rare, they can still lead to serious health consequences. Because the condition affects the reproductive organs, it can interfere with the reorganization of uterine spiral vessels, causing bleeding in pregnant women with endometriosis. Besides bleeding, endometriosis can also result in preterm birth or cesarean delivery.