Understanding Endometriosis and How it Impacts Pregnancy

Endometriosis is estimated to affect over 5½ million women, primarily in their reproductive years, in the USA and Canada, and many millions more across the globe. Though most cases of endometriosis are diagnosed in women aged between 25-35 years, girls as young as 11 years of age have also been diagnosed with endometriosis. A woman's chances of conceiving are lessened by 20% if affected by endometriosis. It is very rare for a post menopausal woman to be diagnosed with endometriosis. This article will help you understand endometriosis and its impact on pregnancy.

Endometriosis is a medical condition where cells that are typically found inside the uterus grow outside of it. Endometrial cells are the same cells that are shed each month during menstruation. These cells move through the fallopian tubes to get onto ovaries and possibly other organs. They can also be found in the vagina, cervix, and bladder; but mostly around the pelvic region. Rarely, endometrial implants (sometimes called lesions or nodules) can occur outside the pelvis and even in or around the lung or brain. Although these implants can cause serious health problems, they are not cancerous.

Unlike a woman or girl not suffering from endometriosis, the monthly menstrual cycle process is affected as all of the misplaced tissues in the viscera react to menstrual hormones in a similar fashion as that of the uterine linings. The tissue builds up, breaks down and sheds; but now have no way to go out through the vagina due the endometrial growth blocking its path. The cells of endometriosis attach themselves to tissue outside the uterus and blocking the blood flow. This can cause internal bleeding, inflammation, pain and a breakdown of the affected tissue and blood from the lesions and can ultimately lead to infertility. In a normal menstrual process the blood flows from the uterus through the vagina.

Endometriosis can only be diagnosed accurately at the time of surgery which is done by opening the belly with small-incision popularly known as laparoscopy. It is the most common surgical procedure for the diagnosis of endometriosis which is done under general anesthesia and the patient will be discharged home the same day. Pelvic ultrasound can help physicians detect malignant ovarian cancer which have similar symptoms as endometriosis.

You could be affected by endometriosis if you incur the following symptoms:

• pelvic pain usually during or just before menstruation,

• heavy or long uncontrollable menstrual periods with small or large blood clots,

• painful sex,

• infertility,

• lower back or abdominal pain,

• gastrointestinal problems like diarrhea and/or constipation,

• painful bowel movements,

• recurring yeast infections,

• fatigue and allergies,

• chest pain or coughing blood due to endometriosis in the lungs (a rare symptom).

Endometriosis usually does not completely prevent conception and most women. With mild to moderate endometriosis, a woman may still be able to conceive without any treatment. This creates a huge amount of uncertainty about how Endometriosis affects a woman's ability to conceive. Normally, endometriosis and pregnancy don't go together, and a woman with the condition is less likely to conceive than a woman without endometriosis. 20% of women with endometriosis will not be successful getting pregnant.

This means 80 out of 100 trying to have a baby with endometriosis will not have a problem conceiving. Though you still stand a good chance of getting pregnant, it is best to get treated for the condition rather than trying to overcome it yourself. The simple reason being: not only is the rate of conception lower, but there is a high chance of miscarriage. It is best left to you and your doctor to do what is right for you and your body.

Women who prefer to be treated for endometriosis enjoy higher fertility success rates than those who stay away from treatment. Anyone with a severe case of endometriosis can have the affected area reconstructed, leading to a successful full term pregnancy.

Studies have found that patients who have been treated with gonadatropin agonists such as: Lupron, Zoladex and Synarel have shown reduced pain rates and higher chances of getting pregnant. Assisted reproduction techniques may also be used, when appropriate, in combination with surgical therapy when pregnancy is the goal for treatment of endometriosis. Discuss the condition with your doctor in order to understand the extent of your own condition, and how best your doctor can help you.