Fertility Treatment to Assist Patients with Endometriosis
While there are many possible sources of infertility, one that affects a number of women is endometriosis. A condition that affects roughly 30 to 40 percent of infertile women, endometriosis is a painful disease in which endometrial tissue grows outside of the uterus. This can cause growths, inflammation, internal bleeding, pain, and fertility problems. While there are treatments available to reduce the painful symptoms of endometriosis, or slow endometrial growth, many of our patients are looking for solutions to infertility that is caused by endometriosis. At The Center for Fertility and Gynecology, we offer our Los Angeles patients endometriosis fertility treatment that can help them conceive despite the obstacles of this disease.
Treatment Options
There are several treatment options to consider when a woman has been diagnosed with endometriosis. While many treatment options are available to shrink endometrial tissue, halt its growth, or control the painful symptoms of endometriosis, only a select number of fertility treatments are successful in helping these women to conceive. Below are some treatment options that may assist women who suffer from endometriosis in becoming pregnant:
- Surgery: In some cases of endometriosis, a conservative surgical procedure to remove endometrial tissue may be effective in improving a woman’s fertility. Surgery will be personalized to the unique needs of each patient and may involve a minor laparoscopy, with a tiny incision across the abdomen, or a more extensive laparotomy, which requires a full incision. Our fertility doctors will discuss the surgical option in greater detail if we feel that a patient is a good candidate for this treatment option.
- IUI: IUI, or artificial insemination, is a conservative fertility treatment that can be performed on patients who wish to avoid surgery, or are not good candidates for surgical treatment. Prior to IUI, we will treat patients with fertility drugs that are meant to stimulate the ovaries and ensure the production of multiple mature eggs. Processed semen is then placed in a small catheter and inserted directly into the cervix. For women with minor to moderate cases of endometriosis, IUI offers a reasonable chance of becoming pregnant.
- IVF: IVF, or in vitro fertilization, has proven successful in helping women with endometriosis to conceive. This treatment may be recommended to women with more advanced cases of endometriosis, or if multiple cycles of IUI have failed to result in pregnancy. In vitro fertilization is a multi-step procedure in which mature eggs are fertilized outside of the body and then transferred into the uterus once healthy fertilization has occurred. This is a highly controlled fertility treatment with impressive success rates.
Schedule an Appointment
At The Center for Fertility and Gynecology, we have helped many men and women overcome infertility and become pregnant. If you suffer from endometriosis or have had difficulty conceiving and would like to know why, schedule an appointment with one of our fertility specialists at your earliest convenience. We can help you determine the source of infertility and offer fertility treatment that is best suited to your unique needs. We look forward to meeting you!
