Endometriosis is a painful and impairing disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It happens when the tissue that borders the uterus, known as the endometrium, develops outside of the uterus. This can produce a variety of symptoms, including extreme pelvic discomfort, heavy periods, and infertility.
Little to moderate endometriosis is common, and you will most likely have no trouble conceiving. Scar tissue (adhesions) becomes more prevalent as the severity of endometriosis increases, and the possibility of pregnancy falls. This is due to the presence of more scar tissue (adhesions) during severe illness, which can trap the egg and prevent it from passing down the Fallopian tube.
While there is a link between infertility and endometriosis, the cause has yet to be proven. Even if you have severe endometriosis, you can still get pregnant without medical help.
In vitro fertilization can serve as a possible treatment for women who are unable to conceive because of endometriosis. IVF involves fertilizing eggs outside the body before implanting them back into the uterus. This can avoid any endometriosis-related obstructions or damage, increasing the odds of a successful pregnancy.
Stages of endometriosis
Endometriosis may be evaluated using a number of methods. The American Society of Reproductive Medicine's scale is the most widely utilized. Doctors give points based on the extent of endometrial tissue, its depth, and the sections of your body impacted.
Based on the findings, the condition is classified into one of four stages:
Minimal stage: There are some minor implants, injuries, or blemishes. They can be located on your organs or in the tissue that lines your pelvis or abdomen. Scar tissue is minimal to non-existent.
Mild stage: There are far more implants in stage 2 than in stage 1. They are also deeper in the tissue and may contain scar tissue.
Moderate stage: There are several deep implants. Small cysts on one or both ovaries, as well as thick bands of scar tissue termed adhesions, are also possible.
Severe stage: This is the most common. You have several deep implants as well as thick adhesions. Large cysts can also be seen on one or both ovaries.
Endometriosis Symptoms
Common symptoms of endometriosis include:
Painful periods
Pain when pooping or peeing, especially during your period
Heavy bleeding
Blood in your stool or urine
Diarrhea or constipation
Painful sex
Fatigue
Infertility
These symptoms are more common before or during menstrual periods.
Endometriosis Causes
Doctors do not know exactly what causes endometriosis. But some possible causes include:
Retrograde menstruation: This happens when menstrual blood goes back into the pelvic cavity through the fallopian tubes rather than leaving the body through the vagina. Endometrial cells can implant and develop in places other than the uterus, such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and pelvic lining.
Genetics: According to research, women who have endometriosis in their family are more likely to get the disorder themselves. This shows that endometriosis may be inherited, although the precise genes implicated are still unknown.
Immune system disorders: An immune system dysfunction may prevent the body from recognizing and destroying endometrial tissue.
Surgical scar complication: Endometrial cells may attach to surgical wounds or scars and develop outside of the uterus in certain instances.
Endometrial cell transport: Endometrial cells transfer through the circulation or lymphatic system to other regions of the body where they can implant and spread.
Transformation of peritoneal cells: Peritoneal cells line the abdominal cavity and, in reaction to certain hormones or other conditions, can change into endometrial-like cells. Endometriosis is caused when these cells implant and develop outside of the uterus.
How Endometriosis affects Fertility
Infertility is commonly caused by endometriosis. Endometrial tissue may be placed around the ovaries or fallopian tubes, causing inflammation and scar tissue. Tissue may additionally grow on other organs in and outside the pelvis. In certain cases, this endometrial tissue can develop into the uterine muscle and create adenomyosis, a kind of endometriosis. Endometriosis has also been proven to affect the immune system, the hormonal milieu around the eggs, embryo implantation, and egg quality. Endometriosis, combined with any scar tissue, can usually be removed, and its symptoms, including the ability to conceive, will improve.
How Can IVF Help?
In vitro fertilization can serve as a possible treatment for women who are unable to conceive because of endometriosis. IVF involves fertilizing eggs outside the body before implanting them back into the uterus. This can avoid any endometriosis-related obstructions or damage, increasing the odds of a successful pregnancy.
IVF treats ovulation issues by stimulating the ovaries, which increases the development and release of numerous mature eggs. During IVF, eggs are harvested and developed in the laboratory. This procedure reduces the possibility of sperm or egg damage caused by endometriosis. Finally, when the eggs have been fertilized successfully, chosen embryos are transported straight to the uterus. Embryo transfer avoids the fallopian tubes, which are frequently blocked by endometriosis.
Women suffering from endometriosis should seek medical guidance and assistance, as well as investigate all treatment options. Many women with endometriosis are able to overcome infertility and establish a family with the proper care and therapy.