Endometriosis and IVF

Infertility has been a major cause of depression among women. The causes of infertility may be many but one of the most debatable and discussed cause is endometriosis.

Endometriosis has been one of the most challenging diseases for gynecologists in helping women conceive. This is typically a condition where endometrial tissue which lines the womb, starts to grow outside the womb. Not only does it cause immense pain, it is one of the leading causes of infertility. The causes of endometriosis remain oblivious yet sometimes endometriosis may be caused due to genetic predisposition, immune dysfunction or may be environmental changes.

The process of endometriosis means chronic inflammation, scar tissue, and adhesions. Women with endometriosis usually complain of pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and the whole baggage of infertility. Endometrial deposits can cause disruption or obstruction in the fallopian tubes and can prevent fertilization. The endometrial deposits can lead to cysts and interfere with the process of ovulation.

Endometriosis has been reported to affect 6%-10% of the female population and nearly 25%-50% of infertile women suffer from this debilitating disease. What’s even more startling is that nearly 35%-50% of the women with endometriosis are infertile. 

Endometriosis at all stages has been reported to affect female fertility potential. With inflammation and subsequent formation of adhesions in the pelvis, the anatomy of the pelvis is distorted and this directly affects the anatomical connection between ovaries and fallopian tubes. 

Advanced stages of endometriosis may lead to tubal blockages and also the formation of hydrosalpinges. In fact even mild or minimal endometriosis adversely affects spontaneous conception.

With all said and done it can be noted that some laparoscopic surgery may be a good option for younger patients. However for patients beyond 37 years the situation is alarming.

IVF comes as a blessing to patients suffering from endometriosis and are relatively not so young in age. Various researches show that after 1-4 IVF treatments nearly 56.7% women even in stage 3 or 4 endometriosis were pregnant and a whopping 40.3% were successfully able to give birth. 

IVF provides a ray of hope for patients suffering from endometriosis. Women diagnosed with endometriosis have shown favorable results for conception when treated with IVF or FET (Frozen Embryo Transfer). In IVF, women’s eggs are retrieved and fertilized with partner’s sperms under controlled conditions in a laboratory. The resulting embryos are transferred in the uterus and pregnancy is ensured. Since endometriosis does not interfere with the fetus development, the pregnancy is healthy and so are the babies after IVF. 

Endometriosis is a hindrance to conception and pregnancy. However under the aegis of an experienced doctor/gynecologist, the stumbling block can be removed and pregnancy can be accomplished. Dr. Shivani Bhutani, Eva Hospital, Ludhiana is a renowned doctor specialist in infertility and has handled umpteen cases of couples suffering from endometriosis successfully. She says, “Endometriosis has a detrimental effect on pregnancy. However with proper diagnosis and IVF/FET treatment, the infertility clause can be ruled out.”

Let there be million memories with your baby as you get rid of the infertility due to endometriosis. For any query or diagnosis, seek an appointment with the best infertility expert of Punjab, Dr. Bhutani.