Endometriosis is caused when the tissue that lines the inside of the uterus starts to grow and involve other organs in the body, outside the uterine cavity, possibly settling on the bladder and intestine, which are considered the most severe cases1. Because it is completely linked to and also affects the fallopian tubes and ovaries, which are the main organs responsible for fertilization, endometriosis and pregnancy is always a concern for women who suffer from this issue, as it makes the dream of becoming a mother even more challenging.
The cause of endometriosis is still unknown and pregnancy may take a little longer to happen, even in mild cases of the disease. It is believed that this may occur due to genetic factors and low immunity, and some experts also claim that psychological factors may worsen the situation, such as moments of stress, nervousness, and extreme anxiety.
Women who suffer from endometriosis usually have very severe cramps, with some cases being so severe that women are unable even to carry out their daily activities because of the intense pain during their menstrual period. They may also experience a lot of pain and discomfort during sexual intercourse when the male genital organ reaches the back of the vagina, as well as frequent diarrhea in the period before and during menstruation.
For these reasons, in addition to the difficulty in achieving natural fertilization because the ovaries and fallopian tubes may be blocked and affected, the pain and discomfort during sexual intercourse make it increasingly difficult for pregnancy to occur, and the topic of endometriosis and pregnancy becomes a real taboo2.
How to Diagnose and Treat Endometriosis to Get Pregnant?
After experiencing uncomfortable symptoms for a while, the ideal is to consult a gynecologist to identify the causes and reasons. The doctor will review your symptoms and may request a transvaginal ultrasound and blood tests to rule out polycystic ovary syndrome. Of course, the physical examination will include a pelvic exam to check vaginal firmness and whether there is pain or discomfort during the procedure. But the only way to confirm endometriosis is through a laparoscopy exam, which can be considered a minor surgery, as anesthesia is required for its completion.
This is done through small incisions in the abdomen through which a small camera is inserted to visualize the entire internal situation. This exam, in addition to providing the results, is capable of measuring the intensity and extent of the disease, which helps with starting treatment. There is no specific medicine or cure for endometriosis, even more so for those who want to get pregnant. However, there is a wide variety of treatments and which option is indicated depends on each case, the symptoms, and the extent of the problem, so each person will receive treatment tailored to their situation3.
In some milder cases, the doctor may not recommend treatment to support fertility at first and will give six months for pregnancy to occur naturally, without intervention. The fact is that endometriosis and pregnancy are distinct conditions that the body needs to learn to manage, but if pregnancy does not occur, surgery may be recommended for the removal of endometriosis, which, if the specialist deems it necessary, can even be done during the laparoscopy itself, thus resolving the issue by diagnosing and removing the problem at the same time.
After endometriosis is removed, the woman is advised to try to get pregnant within the period of up to 1 year after the procedure, because, after this time, the endometrial tissue may start to grow again, making fertility difficult once more. After the procedure, methods can be used to help get pregnant more quickly, such as monitoring ovulation with ovulation tests and even getting a little extra help using lubricating gels that help increase sperm mobility.
Therefore, paying close attention to the problem can help reduce endometriosis and consequently make pregnancy easier. The chances for a woman with endometriosis to get pregnant are 30 to 60% for mild cases and 35% for more severe cases, so don’t give up on your dream: as long as there is even a 1% chance, you should dream and try.
Find a trustworthy doctor, start your treatment, and believe you will succeed. Endometriosis and pregnancy, a synonym for women’s persistence!
