If starting a family is your dream, being diagnosed with endometriosis may pose challenges. This common condition affects one in 10 women in the United States, causing symptoms such as pelvic pain, heavy menstruation, and, often, fertility issues.
At Evergreen Women’s Health in Vancouver, Washington, Cynthia McNally, MD, and Cory Killeen, FNP-BC, are committed to providing compassionate care for women with endometriosis. We offer personalized treatment plans to address your symptoms and help you achieve your dreams of parenthood.
While endometriosis can make fertility more challenging for some, getting pregnant and delivering a healthy baby is still possible for most women. Here, we explore the facts about endometriosis and the options available to you if you’re planning to start a family.
Endometriosis occurs when the uterine lining, called endometrial tissue, develops in areas outside of the uterus. This misplaced tissue can attach to other organs, including your ovaries, fallopian tubes, and intestines.
The symptoms of endometriosis vary widely from person to person, and some women may not experience any. However, some commonly reported symptoms include:
Up to 50% of people with endometriosis struggle to conceive naturally. The condition can cause endometrial tissue to adhere to your fallopian tubes, forming lesions that prevent sperm from reaching the egg.
It can also affect fertility in more indirect ways, including pelvic inflammation. This inflammation can damage the egg or sperm, and make it more difficult for a fertilized egg to implant successfully in your uterus.
If you have endometriosis and are considering starting a family, you can do several things to increase your chances of getting pregnant:
Our providers recommend annual gynecology wellness exams for all women who are sexually active or over age 21. Regular checkups allow us to monitor your condition and provide treatment options to manage your symptoms. We’re here to answer all of your questions about your health, including endometriosis and pregnancy.
Treating the symptoms of endometriosis can improve your overall health, as well as your likelihood of getting pregnant. Depending on your individual needs, we may suggest hormone therapy or laparoscopic surgery.
Certain lifestyle adjustments, such as eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and managing stress, can often reduce the inflammation associated with endometriosis. A healthy lifestyle can also help better regulate hormone levels, improving your fertility.
If you’re struggling to conceive, assisted reproductive technology, such as in vitro fertilization, may be an option for you. Some women with endometriosis may also benefit from egg freezing, intrauterine insemination, fertility medications, or a combination of these methods.
It’s important to remember that even if you have endometriosis, it’s still possible to get pregnant and have a healthy baby. The team at Evergreen Women’s Health is here to provide the support and care you need to help you achieve your dream of starting a family. Contact us today to book your appointment.
