IVF Spring > Fertility Conditions > Endometriosis
Endometriosis
The condition of endometriosis is characterized by the growth of the endometrial tissue outside the womb. Normally, the endometrial tissue forms the lining of the womb. Endometriosis is painful and can lead to infertility in almost 50 percent of the women who suffer from the condition. Though the exact reasons are not known, endometriosis is thought to cause infertility due to interference in the ovulation process because of the build-up of scar tissue. The answer to the question as to whether IVF will help in such a condition, some factors to be considered are the age of the woman, the presence of other problems associated with the fertility and severity of the endometriosis. However, our doctors are experienced enough to advise you if IVF or some other fertility treatment is suitable for a specific patient’s case.
What Causes Endometriosis?
Polycystic ovarian syndrome and infertility are related. The hormone imbalance that results from PCO and PCOS leads to infertility. Because of the inability to develop the eggs to maturity in the ovaries due to wrong hormone levels, ovulation does not happen when it should. The underdeveloped egg remains as a cyst in the ovary. The male hormones that are released in excess by the ovaries also have a role to play in follicular development.
Endometriosis: Symptoms and Signs
Patients suffering from endometriosis commonly present with symptoms such as heavy and painful periods, chronic pain, fatigue, and depression. In some cases, women do not even realize that they are suffering from endometriosis as there is no chronic pain. They realize that they suffer from endometriosis only when they fail to become pregnant.
Diagnosis of Endometriosis
Though endometriosis presents with symptoms that are much like other gynecological problems, these are not considered sufficient to establish a diagnosis for the condition. A pelvic exam may be conducted by the doctor who can feel the uterine lesions by touch and feel (palpation). However, this is not a conclusive evidence for endometriosis. The only conclusive method to conclude that the patient has endometriosis is to conduct a minimally invasive surgical procedure called laparoscopy. The procedure makes use of a lighted tube (optic fiber tube) inserted through a small incision in the abdomen. This tube contains a camera and the required instruments. Once inserted, the doctor is able to see the abdominal cavity and the pelvic area clearly. Once the doctor is able to see the endometriosis lesions, the diagnosis of the condition is then confirmed.
Does Endometriosis Cause Infertility?
Endometriosis and infertility are strongly related. However, doctors do not confirm a true cause and effect relationship between the two. Endometriosis can result in infertility when there are lesions in the fallopian tubes that cause blockages preventing interaction between the sperm and the egg. In some extreme cases, the reproductive organs become fused together because of scarred tissues and cannot function in a proper manner. Endometriosis lesions also cause cysts in the ovaries that halt proper ovulation of egg production.
For any female whose endometriosis is untreated, the chance of becoming pregnant in a month is only 2 to 10% in comparison with women in the general population whose fecundity rate is 15 to 20%. There are studies that indicate that about 30 to 50% of women that have endometriosis suffer from infertility.
Endometriosis Infertility Treatment
Endometriosis does not have a cure at present. However, the symptoms can be treated and this will provide relief for the patient. Laparoscopic surgery and hormone treatment are treatment options. However, treatment for endometriosis pain can potentially damage the fertility and therefore should be done with great care. Sometimes a hysterectomy is recommended by the doctor.
IVF treatment for patients having infertility due to endometriosis, the pregnancy rates are seen to improve. There are many factors that have to be considered to choose the correct treatment option and one of it is egg reserve. Each patient has a specific treatment plan that is tailor-made.
Endometriosis Treatment by IVF Spring
Some fertility drugs are known to aggravate the condition of endometriosis as they tend to thicken the lining of the womb. A natural method is therefore recommended for endometriosis treatment at IVF Spring. After complete evaluation suitable treatment plan is recommended by the physicians. The treatment may include laparoscopic exploration of the reproductive organs. Drugs are administered minimally and this helps to increase the quality of eggs that are collected for implantation. The risks of overstimulation of the ovaries are thereby minimized. The doctors at IVF Spring will advise each patient on a specific course of treatment that is suitable for them.