Endometriosis

Endometriosis can be an extremely painful, debilitating disease that very few people understand and is often difficult to diagnose. Because it’s directly linked to a woman’s reproductive organs, it also raises many concerns about her fertility. Can a woman with Endometriosis have a baby and will it be difficult to conceive?

The only reliable way to confirm the condition is to perform a surgical procedure, called a laparoscopy. A small incision is made in the belly button and an instrument is then inserted to inspect the pelvic organs. Your doctor will actually be able to see whether or not you have Endometriosis and at what stage the disease is.

If your doctor diagnoses Endometriosis, he may decide to remove the growths using laser procedures.

How will it affect your fertility?

Along with the discomfort and pain associated with Endometriosis comes the question of whether or not a woman with the condition will be able to have a baby.

Approximately 30 – 40% of patients with Endometriosis struggle to fall pregnant and as they get older, so the battle intensifies. Patients with Endometriosis have a 12 – 36% less chance of falling pregnant, depending on the stage and location of the disease.

Endometriosis can cause infertility, because the growths often affect the reproductive organs. This happens when the tissue causes scars and adhesions near or around the fallopian tubes and uterus. Even if you are able to produce eggs, which make their way down the fallopian tubes, Endometriosis may create an unsuitable environment for fertilization to take place.

It is not impossible to have that much longed for baby. Early diagnosis and treatment will make it easier for a woman to fall pregnant and carry the baby to full term.

For more information, contact Endometriosis UK on 0808 808 2227.

Sources:

www.endometriosis-uk.org

Endometriosis.org