How do you get pregnant with endometriosis?

Overview of endometriosis

Endometriosis is an abnormal condition when the tissue that should line the uterine wall (endometrium) grows outside the uterus. The endometrium will generally experience a thickening approaching ovulation (release of an egg) in order to prepare the future fetus to attach to the uterus in the event of fertilization. If there is no fertilization, the endometrial tissue will shed so that menstruation occurs.

But in cases of endometriosis, the endometrial tissue that grows outside the uterus also sheds during menstruation. It's just that, because it is not in the uterus, endometrial tissue cannot come out through the vagina like other normal tissue.

As a result, the tissue that cannot get out will settle in the surrounding tissue so that over time it will cause inflammation, cysts, scar tissue, and eventually cause symptoms.

What is the proper way to get pregnant with endometriosis?

Many women think that when they have endometriosis, it will be difficult for them to have children. Even though this disease attacks the reproductive system, it doesn't mean you can't get pregnant.

The reason is, according to G. David Adamson, MD, an endocrinologist and director of The Palo Alto Medical Foundation's In Vitro Fertilization, saying that as many as one third of women with endometriosis can get pregnant naturally even without fertility treatment at all.

But if you want to try fertility treatments, citing the Healthline page, there are several ways doctors usually recommend so that women who have endometriosis can remain pregnant.

1. Womb fertility drugs

Fertilization drugs are usually given to help provide an additional boost for follicle development so that the body can ovulate and then produce some mature eggs. For example, the drug clomiphene, in the form of a pill.

Clomiphene works by inhibiting the release of the hormone estrogen, so that the body will increase the production of the FSH hormone. Furthermore, FSH will stimulate the follicles in the body to grow and develop. This follicle then triggers the ovaries to release more eggs.

However, if you have been taking this drug for 6 months and nothing changes, your doctor may recommend that you switch to another method.

Because in some cases, uterine fertility drugs may not be very effective at increasing the chance of pregnancy when compared to several other ways.

2.Intrauterine insemination (IUI)

If the way to use uterine fertilization drugs has not got maximum results, then the next recommended method, namely using intrauterine insemination. This is an option that can be tried by women who want to become pregnant with endometriosis.

With a note, these women still have normal fallopian tubes, mild endometriosis stage, and the partner has good sperm quality.

Intrauterine insemination works by selecting the sperm that has the best quality, then the sperm will be inserted into your uterus through your cervix using a catheter. Furthermore, the sperm will move and find their own way to find an egg that is ready to be fertilized.

3.In vitro fertilization (IVF)

Many women who become pregnant with endometriosis end up undergoing in vitro fertilization, aka in vitro fertilization. This program is often recommended for women who have moderate to severe endometriosis.

The IVF program works by fusing a mature egg with sperm to be fertilized, then the fertilization product called an embryo will be incubated for several days.

The healthiest embryos are then inserted into the uterus to continue their growth and development in your body.

In essence, it's good to always discuss problems that occur in your reproductive organs with your doctor. Especially if you have the desire to become pregnant with endometriosis.

Usually, doctors will provide handling related to reproductive organs as well as fertility treatments that are appropriate for your body condition.