Can IVF Help Me Conceive if I Have Endometriosis?
Endometriosis affects up to 6.5 million women in the United States. This condition is not only painful, but can impact your fertility, making it difficult to conceive.
At the Center for Fertility and Gynecology in Tarzana, Thousand Oaks, and Bakersfield, CA, our doctors, Dr. Michael Vermesh and Dr. Tannaz Toloubeydokhti, can help determine if endometriosis is preventing you from getting pregnant and if in vitro fertilization (IVF) may be a good option for you.
What Is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a painful condition in which endometrial tissue grows where it should not. This tissue typically grows inside the uterus and is shed every month when the woman menstruates. When this tissue grows in other places, it can continue to grow and scar. This leads to issues such as pain, irregular periods, pain during intercourse, and more. Endometriosis can also make it difficult to conceive.
In addition, endometriosis can cause imbalances. Patients with endometriosis often have increased levels of estrogen. This imbalance can make it difficult to conceive and can impact fertility. If no other issues, such as blockages or structural abnormalities, are impacting your fertility, medications may be able to balance your hormones and increase your chances of fertility.
During your initial consultation, our doctors will discuss your history and run tests like bloodwork, ultrasounds, and more to determine the best course of action for you.
When Is IVF Used for Patients with Endometriosis?
IVF may be a good option for endometriosis patients who have the following issues.
Blocked Fallopian Tubes
Blocked fallopian tubes can be a result of endometriosis. Patients with blocked tubes struggle to conceive due to several reasons, including sperm unable to reach the egg and the egg being unable to move from the fallopian tubes in the uterus. Other abnormalities, such as adhesions in or outside of the uterus, the cervix, and the vagina, can also prevent proper fertilization and implantation. IVF can bypass some of these concerns, increasing your chance of conception.
Structural Abnormalities
Patients with endometriosis that causes blockages or other structural anomalies are also at an increased risk of an ectopic pregnancy. This occurs when the fertilized egg implants in places outside of the uterus, including the fallopian tube. Ectopic pregnancy is especially dangerous to the mother, and ectopic pregnancies must be terminated. During IVF, the egg is fertilized in a lab, and the resulting embryo is placed directly into the uterus, where it can implant and grow.
Other Issues That Do Not Respond to Treatment
If you have previously tried other methods of fertility treatment without success, IVF may be the best fertility treatment for you. Be sure to discuss any prior surgeries and fertility treatment during your initial consultation.
Do You Have Endometriosis and Difficulties Conceiving?
If you have endometriosis or suspect you have endometriosis and are struggling to get pregnant, it may be time to speak with our fertility specialists. We can help determine if your endometriosis is the cause of your fertility struggles and develop a treatment plan to give you the best possible chances of success. If you are ready to take the next step on your journey to parenthood, contact us today to set up a consultation at one of our locations in Tarzana, Thousand Oaks, or Bakersfield, CA.
