Despite the fact that endometriosis and infertility are clinically associated, the processes underlying endometriosis-related infertility are not entirely understood.
Endometriosis is a multifactorial, systemic condition that affects reproduction both directly and indirectly. Endometriosis-related infertility is defined by the intricate interactions between the endometriosis subtype, pain, inflammation, altered pelvic anatomy, adhesions, reduced ovarian reserve/function, at-risk endometrial receptivity, and the systemic impacts of the disease. (1)
What is endometriosis?
One in ten women will experience endometriosis at some point in their lives. It’s interesting to note that only one-third of these ladies may experience fertility issues. Your doctor will assist you with treatment and future measures if you have endometriosis and it is harming your fertility.
Endometriosis occurs when the endometrium, the uterine lining, starts to proliferate outside the uterus. This results in scar tissue, which can deteriorate anatomical structure and damaged tissue. If this scar tissue isn’t removed, it will eventually interfere with the reproductive organs’ normal function, which could naturally make it difficult to get pregnant.
If you are diagnosed with Endometriosis, your fertility specialist will explain your fertility options in detail. (2)
What can cause endometriosis?
Even though there has been numerous research on endometriosis so far, the exact cause of endometriosis is unknown and may vary among women. It is known, nonetheless, that your risk of developing endometriosis is ten times higher if a close relative does.Your risk of developing endometriosis increases if you have your first child later in life or get your period before age 11. Endometriosis can be brought on by immune cell changes, low body weight, heavy alcohol consumption, and smoking. (3)
What are the symptoms of endometriosis?
Endometriosis symptoms can vary between women. Menstrual pain that is severe and persistent and necessitates frequent use of potent painkillers is one of the common symptoms. Usually, this pain starts around the menstrual cycle, although it can sometimes start a few days before. Depending on the woman, it could take longer or less time.
Not all women who feel pain or discomfort during their periods have endometriosis, it should be stated. If you’re not sure if you have the condition, talking to your fertility doctor is a great place to start.
Endometriosis may go undetected in some female patients. It could be an unexpected diagnosis made while undergoing a normal procedure or while trying to get pregnant. These facts show that the severity of the illness does not always correspond to the degree of your symptoms.
For instance, some women with severe endometriosis could have entangled internal pelvic organs or a “frozen pelvis.” However, they may display numerous symptoms. Other women who experience severe pelvic discomfort might simply have mild endometriosis. Because of this, some women don’t know they have the condition until they are having trouble getting pregnant. (4)
Can a patient get fertility treatment if diagnosed with endometriosis?
Your chances of getting pregnant will be greatly reduced if your endometriosis is severe enough to harm your ovaries and fallopian tubes.
Most endometriosis patients who struggle with infertility can benefit from fertility therapy. Simple medication therapies, laparoscopic surgery to try to eliminate endometriosis, and IVF treatment in Turkey may be useful depending on the severity of the condition.
Women can usually get pregnant naturally after surgery. IVF in Turkey may be your best option if there are other reproductive problems, such as bad sperm quality.
We advise speaking with your fertility doctor as soon as possible if you suspect you may have endometriosis. You can treat the disease and resume your life after early detection. (5)
Does endometriosis affect egg quality?
Endometriosis is a medical condition characterized by the abnormal growth of endometrial tissue outside of the uterus, such as on the ovaries or Fallopian tubes. This tissue undergoes the same cyclic changes as the endometrium inside the uterus, which can lead to inflammation and irritation in the surrounding organs. Additionally, the growth of scar tissue, called “adhesions,” may occur, leading to the fusion of adjacent organs.
Endometriosis may affect egg quality, although the extent of the impact may vary from person to person. Studies have shown that women with endometriosis may have a lower number of mature eggs available for retrieval during IVF treatment, as well as a lower rate of fertilization and embryo development.
The underlying mechanisms behind these effects are not fully understood, but it is thought that the inflammatory environment created by endometriosis may impact the quality of eggs and the ability of sperm to fertilize them. However, it’s important to note that not all women with endometriosis experience fertility issues, and there are various fertility treatments available that can help overcome any challenges related to egg quality or quantity.
Success rates of IVF with endometriosis
IVF represents a hopeful avenue for individuals grappling with endometriosis and its consequential fertility challenges. The interplay between endometriosis severity and IVF outcomes reveals a nuanced landscape. Mild cases often herald higher success, whereas more severe conditions present a tougher journey towards conception. Moreover, previous surgical interventions for endometriosis removal can level the playing field, bringing success rates on par with those unaffected by the condition. Age further compounds the complexity of IVF success, underscoring a familiar narrative within the realm of fertility treatments.
- For individuals with mild endometriosis, the journey towards conception via IVF is marked by optimism, with success rates favorably high.
- Conversely, those facing moderate to severe endometriosis encounter a steeper path, though hope remains with specialized care.
- Surgical history plays a pivotal role, as prior removal of endometriosis can significantly bolster IVF success, mirroring outcomes seen in individuals without this condition.
- Age remains a critical determinant, with younger patients experiencing a more fruitful IVF journey, despite the hurdles posed by endometriosis.
Therefore, engaging with a specialist becomes imperative. It ensures a tailored approach, addressing unique challenges and maximizing the potential for a successful IVF outcome. This journey, while individualized, underscores a shared goal: overcoming the barriers to conception that endometriosis may pose.
Source:
Barnhart, K., Dunsmoor-Su, R., & Coutifaris, C. (2002). Effect of endometriosis on in vitro fertilization. Fertility and sterility, 77(6), 1148-1155.
