How to Get Pregnant with Endometriosis

The uterus, which is also commonly referred to as the womb, is a female reproductive organ, which houses the fetus for nine months, until it is delivered. The inner and the outer layer of uterus are referred to as endometrium and myometrium respectively. Under normal circumstances, the cells that make up the endometrium are shed during the beginning of each menstrual cycle, unless fertilization of an ovum and sperm takes place and the fertilized egg gets implanted on the uterine wall. Endometriosis is a medical condition that is characterized by a growth of endometrial-like cells outside the uterus.

These endometrial-like cells respond to the changes in the levels of hormones during the menstrual cycle just like the endometrial cells. Unlike the endometrial cells that are shed through the vagina, the endometriosis implants may stay trapped and start affecting organs located in the pelvic cavity. These cells could affect the ovaries or the Fallopian tubes. These may even grow behind the uterus. At times, endometriosis could even affect a woman's ability to support a pregnancy. Under such circumstances, one should consult a gynecologist to find out how to get pregnant with endometriosis. In this article, we will find out the connection between endometriosis and infertility along with endometriosis treatment options.

Endometriosis and Pregnancy

Endometriosis may have an adverse impact on a woman's reproductive health. Studies have revealed that there could be a connection between endometriosis and infertility. Though not all women afflicted with this condition may find it hard to get pregnant, some may not be able to get pregnant even after making several attempts to conceive. Women suffering from endometriosis may also experience pelvic pain just before menstrual bleeding or during menstruation. Symptoms that may be experienced may also include heavy menstrual flow, cramping, pain during menstruation or painful intercourse. Painful intercourse may have an adverse impact on one's sex life. Though the exact cause of infertility by endometriosis is not known, it is believed that abnormal growth of such cells may interfere with the working of the reproductive organs. Accumulation of masses of such misplaced tissue within the pelvic region, may lead to the formation of cysts or lesions. These may interfere with the reproductive processes such as those involving the release of ovum, fertilization of sperm and ovum or implantation of egg on the uterine wall. Though a majority of women may still be able to conceive, some may find it hard to conceive and some may become highly susceptible to miscarriages.

Methods that Can Help Women with Endometriosis Get Pregnant

While the use of birth control pills and synthetic hormones can help in alleviating the symptoms of endometriosis to some extent, such pills cannot be prescribed for women who are trying to get pregnant. Women facing such conception-related problems often wonder about their chances to get pregnant with endometriosis. Can such women improve their chances of getting pregnant? First of all, such women must keep trying to conceive. Many a time, infertility may result from other factors. Thus, it is essential to undergo a thorough medical checkup. Sometimes, doctors may resort to surgery to get rid of the abnormal cells and restore the function of the reproductive organs. Since tissue can grow back after surgical removal of cysts, couples must try to conceive soon after the surgical excision of all the misplaced tissue.

Certain fertility drugs such as Serophene or Clomid may also be prescribed to induce ovulation and improve one's chance of getting pregnant. Gonadotropin agonists such as Zoladex, Lupron or Synarel may be prescribed. Fertility issues may also be tackled with the help of In vitro Fertilization or artificial insemination. In case of IVF, the eggs are first removed from the ovaries, and fertilized with sperm in a fluid medium. The fertilized egg is then placed in the uterus, with the objective of establishing a successful pregnancy. This procedure may prove beneficial for women who are unable to get pregnant due to growths or lesions.

Intrauterine insemination is another method wherein the washed sperm is introduced into the woman's womb while she is ovulating. This helps in facilitating the fertilization by getting the sperm closer to the egg. Such assisted conception methods can help women suffering from mild endometriosis. The sperm may be introduced into the cervix or the vagina or the Fallopian tube. These methods may be used in conjunction with drug therapy. The aforementioned procedures have been linked to improved pregnancy rates in women with endometriosis. Women who may not be too keen on trying the aforementioned infertility treatments may wonder if natural remedies can help them. Well, one can try certain herbal remedies. Though there isn't enough evidence to corroborate effects of alternative healing therapies, those who are keen on trying natural treatment options could consult a herbal practitioner about herbs that could help to increase fertility in women. Making certain lifestyle-related changes may also help.

Though the symptoms of endometriosis can be quite distressing, and a small percentage of women afflicted with this condition may have problems in conceiving, don't let failed attempts depress you. Consult a fertility specialist to find out about the best endometriosis treatment option for you.