Endometriosis and Fertility: Seeking Help at the Right Time

Endometriosis has an important impact on fertility; however, early treatment may improve results. While some people with endometriosis may conceive spontaneously, procedures such as surgery or assisted reproductive technologies (ART) can improve chances. Age and lifestyle choices have important roles in increasing fertility. Managing symptoms and communicating with medical professionals are critical stages.

Utkarsha Gupta
Updated:17 Sept 2024, 8:07 pm
Pregatips
Endometriosis is one of the primary reasons for infertility, which health professionals describe as the inability to get pregnant after a year of trying. Some individuals realise they have endometriosis only after having problems conceiving.While someone with endometriosis may conceive without medical intervention, fertility treatments can be beneficial. A doctor, for example, may give ovulation-inducing medicine or propose a technique such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilisation.

Can someone with endometriosis conceive naturally?

Some experts believe that 35- 50% of patients with endometriosis are infertile. However, someone with endometriosis may get pregnant without medical intervention and without having infertility.A person's chances of naturally conceiving may be affected by the severity of their endometriosis and the location where endometriosis tissue is forming.
According to researchers, around half of women with mild endometriosis and 25% of persons with moderate endometriosis may conceive naturally. However, these numbers only apply to those who do not have infertility.

What is the ideal age to get pregnant with endometriosis?

The optimal age to get pregnant is a personal choice based on an individual's unique circumstances and preferences. However, as people age, their fertility gradually declines, increasing the likelihood of pregnancy difficulties.A person under the age of 30 who does not suffer from infertility has an 85% probability of getting pregnant within a year of attempting to conceive. After the age of 30, the chance lowers to 75%, and at 35, it drops to 66%.At age 40, the chances of falling pregnant within a year are 44%. People over the age of 35 are also more likely to have difficulties, including miscarriage, stillbirth, and premature labour.
With these figures in mind, there is no optimal age for someone with endometriosis to get pregnant. Overall, the likelihood of getting pregnant decreases with age. As a result, some physicians may encourage patients with endometriosis to attempt to conceive sooner than those without the condition.

How to boost your chances of conceiving?

Several variables might influence a person's chances of conceiving with endometriosis, and a doctor may recommend a different treatment approach based on whether or not the person wishes to get pregnant.Surgery is a popular therapy option. During the operation, the surgeon removes or eliminates endometriosis tissue and lesions. This may increase a person's chances of conceiving by lowering inflammation in the pelvic cavity.However, this operation comes with risks. People getting endometriosis therapy should discuss fertility with their doctor, according to a trusted source.Certain lifestyle changes may also help people with endometriosis by lowering inflammation levels in the body. There is insufficient data to conclude that these practices promote fertility, although individuals may wish to attempt the following:
  • Consume fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and seafood
  • Limit red and processed meats
  • Limit sugar, processed carbs, saturated, and trans fats
Other lifestyle and nutritional choices may boost a person's chances of conceiving, but they are not limited to individuals with endometriosis. This includes:
  • Making attempts to keep a reasonable weight
  • Practice frequent physical exercise and develop good stress-management strategies
  • avoid smoking
  • avoiding alcohol consumption

Dealing with endometriosis symptoms when trying to conceive:

Endometriosis symptoms may be tough to deal with, especially for women who are attempting to conceive.It is probable that being unable to have sex on a regular basis owing to discomfort during intercourse is one of the reasons for infertility among endometriosis patients. People with endometriosis should discuss with their partners and participate in sex only if both parties are comfortable doing so.Here are some tips for controlling symptoms when trying to conceive:
  • Seeking medical advice, recording menstrual cycle and symptoms
  • To improve health, practice daily moderate exercise, reduce stress and anxiety, and use painkillers as prescribed by a doctor

Questions to ask your doctor:

A doctor can assist a person with endometriosis prepare for pregnancy and provide guidance based on their specific circumstances.A person may want to ask questions like:
  • When is the optimum age to attempt to conceive?
  • What are the chances of conceiving without medical assistance?
  • When is the greatest time in the menstrual cycle to have intercourse if pregnancy is your goal?
  • When is it appropriate to seek therapy or ART?
  • Is it essential to adjust or discontinue existing treatments?
  • Are there any alternative therapies that might boost your chances of getting pregnant?
  • How much will ART cost, and how long will the procedure take?
  • What are the odds of getting pregnant with ART?

Success and fertility rates:

Although many women with endometriosis may conceive without medical intervention, the illness does lower one's chances of getting pregnant.According to an earlier 2014 review, a person with endometriosis who engages in sex that might lead to pregnancy has a 2-10% probability of falling pregnant every month. This compares to rates of 15-20% among people without the disease.Overall, the infertility rate among patients with endometriosis is between 35 and 50%.ART treatments, such as IVF, may improve success rates. A 2021 research found that patients who got endometriosis therapy plus IVF had a 15- 25% higher chance of having a live birth.Medically approved by Dr Sonam Simpatwar, Central Railway Hospital, Mumbai.

FAQs on Endometriosis and Fertility: Seeking Help at the Right Time:

  1. What promotes fertility in people with endometriosis?To increase the probability of conception, clomiphene citrate, a fertility medicine, is used for 5 days shortly after the menstrual cycle begins.
  3. When should I get treatment for endometriosis?Individuals with endometriosis may suffer fatigue, constipation, bloating, or nausea, particularly during their periods. If you're experiencing these symptoms, you should see your doctor.

About the Author

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Utkarsha Gupta

Utkarsha Gupta is a seasoned freelance writer with 7 years of professional experience and a PGDM degree from FMS IRM, Jaipur. Despite her roots in management, her passion for writing led her to transition into the content industry. Utkarsha works as a freelancer with Pregatips who excels in crafting SEO-optimized content and specializes in a diverse range of topics, including pregnancy related articles/blogs, fashion trends, health industry insights, technical writing, and news articles. Committed to delivering engaging and unique content, she relies on thorough research and a keen understanding of audience interests to create impactful and timely pieces.

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