Raising awareness (and hope) about endometriosis and fertility
March is Endometriosis Awareness Month. However, The Fertility Center of Las Vegas (FCLV) believes in raising endometriosis awareness every month. If you have questions about how endometriosis affects fertility, we are here for you.
We educate our patients by explaining the link between endometriosis and fertility. Our Las Vegas fertility specialists then empower hopeful parents with proven fertility treatments. Discover how parenthood is still possible with endometriosis.
What is endometriosis?
The uterus contains tissue called the endometrium, or the uterine lining. This tissue supports a growing baby in the womb. When someone doesn’t get pregnant, their body sheds the endometrium. This is what causes a menstrual period.
In people with endometriosis, the endometrium grows outside of the uterus. When it’s time to have their period, the endometrial tissue that’s outside of the uterus has nowhere to go. This can cause pain and heavy periods. It’s also common to see endometriosis and fertility issues together.
How does endometriosis cause infertility?
It’s important to understand the link between endometriosis and infertility if you have this diagnosis and want to have a child someday.
How endometriosis affects fertility depends on where the tissue implants outside of the uterus. Our Las Vegas fertility specialists see the following fertility issues with endometriosis:
- Endometrial tissue implants on or around the ovaries or fallopian tubes. This can lead to inflammation and scar tissue (adhesions).
- The endometrium can also implant on the pelvic organs or the muscle of the uterus (adenomyosis).
Additionally, endometriosis can interfere with a person’s hormones and immune system. It can also affect egg quality, embryo quality and even be toxic to sperm in the reproductive tract. The condition can also interfere with embryo implantation.
For all these reasons, 30% to 50% of people with this diagnosis have endometriosis and fertility issues.
Keep in mind that endometriosis typically progresses or worsens over time. This means that people with endometriosis should consider more aggressive treatment earlier in their fertility journey. Some may even want to consider fertility preservation.
Can you still get pregnant if you have endometriosis?
The good news is that pregnancy is still possible if you have endometriosis. Our Las Vegas fertility specialists understand how endometriosis affects fertility. They also know how to treat these types of fertility issues.
Our doctors can work with you to select the best fertility treatment for your needs and goals. Some of your endometriosis fertility treatment options include:
- Minimally invasive surgery to remove the misplaced endometrial tissue and scar tissue.
- In vitro fertilization (IVF) can help increase the likelihood of conceiving.
Some patients also choose to explore gestational surrogacy. This allows them to have a baby with help from a generous surrogate.
Turn to FCLV for help with endometriosis and fertility issues
Having endometriosis isn’t the end of your path to parenthood. Our Las Vegas fertility specialists can help you explore your family-building options.
Contact us to learn more about how endometriosis affects fertility and how we can help make parenthood possible.
