Endometriosis and IVF: How Assisted Reproductive Technologies Can Help
If you have endometriosis, you likely know that conceiving can be challenging. Fortunately, assisted reproductive technologies like in vitro fertilization (IVF) can help you achieve your family-building goals. Let’s discuss what you need to know about endometriosis and how IVF and other fertility treatments can lead to a successful pregnancy.
Endometriosis and Its Impact on Fertility
While it’s still possible to conceive naturally with endometriosis, the condition can significantly impact fertility. Normally, the uterus is lined with endometrial tissue that builds up throughout the menstrual cycle and sheds, causing a period. With endometriosis, the tissue grows where it isn’t supposed to, generally within the fallopian tubes or the ovaries. This displaced tissue is unable to shed like a typical period, resulting in cysts, scar tissue, and inflammation.
Depending on where the endometrial tissue grows and what type of complications arise from it, it can negatively affect fertility in a wide variety of ways by impacting ovulation, creating blockages in the fallopian tubes, or damaging eggs and incoming sperm.
How Can IVF Help?
IVF can tackle many of the complications associated with endometriosis. For example, it addresses ovulation issues because it stimulates the ovaries, encouraging the production and release of mature eggs.
Additionally, during the IVF process, eggs and sperm are collected and fertilized in a laboratory, minimizing the potential for damage. At the end of an IVF cycle, a clinician inserts the fertilized embryos directly into the uterus, bypassing the fallopian tubes where blockages from endometriosis are common.
Are You a Candidate for IVF?
Before you proceed with IVF, a reproductive endocrinologist will evaluate the severity of your endometriosis. If your condition is mild to moderate, they may recommend you start with a less invasive fertility treatment, like intrauterine insemination (IUI). They may also suggest surgery to remove the endometrial tissue.
If you still can’t conceive, IVF may be the most suitable option. Your doctor will review your chances of success based on your unique case. In some situations, they’ll tell you to go straight to IVF, skipping IUI and other treatments. No two cases are the same, so it’s vital to speak with a fertility specialist to understand how your endometriosis impacts your fertility and what treatments will be most effective for you.
Grow Your Family with IVF
Endometriosis makes conception challenging, but thanks to assisted reproductive technologies like IVF, it doesn’t have to stop you from building the family of your dreams. At Chelsea Fertility NYC, we can evaluate your endometriosis and create a fertility plan that works best for your needs. For more information or to schedule a free consultation, contact us today.
