March is National Endometriosis Awareness Month. According to the Endometriosis Awareness Center, approximately 5.5 million women in the United States are affected by the disease, for which there is no definitive cure. While endometriosis is better understood than many other disorders that affect fertility, it’s not known exactly what causes it in the first place.
It is estimated that one third to one half of women with endometriosis will have difficulty getting pregnant. John Rapisarda, MD, a reproductive endocrinologist at Fertility Centers of Illinois, a member of the Attain Fertility® Network, says that while those numbers can be discouraging, women with the disorder should take heart. “With fertility treatments such as ovarian stimulation or in vitro fertilization, chances are very good that a woman will have a baby,” he says.
There are many factors that may relate to the cause of endometriosis though it is still not clearly understood why some women develop the disorder and others do not. Some of the factors include:
A family history of endometriosis
Not having had any children or pregnancies
Heavy menstrual periods lasting more than one week on average
A uterine or vaginal abnormality or obstruction preventing normal blood flow during menstruation
Autoimmune disease
Chemical sensitivity and exposure to dioxins
Frequent yeast infections
Mitral valve prolapse (a condition that causes one of the heart’s valves to close loosely instead of snugly)
Some cancers, including ovarian, breast, endocrine, thyroid, brain, colon, kidney, melanoma and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
The most common symptom that women with endometriosis experience is pain. However, many women do not experience symptoms at all. Symptoms include:
Pain, including severe cramping during menstruation
Chronic nagging discomfort or pain in the pelvic area and lower back
Pain during and/or after sexual activity
Pain in the intestines
Painful bowel movements and/or urination
Diarrhea, bloating, or constipation
Nausea during menstruation
Spotting between menstrual periods
Fatigue
Infertility
Women who feel that they may be at risk for endometriosis or who experience symptoms, especially those who are trying to become pregnant, should see a gynecologist or a reproductive endocrinologist to get a definitive diagnosis. In addition, Dr. Rapisarda recommends that women who receive a diagnosis and want to start a family should not delay getting pregnant. “Along with the fact that age plays a significant role in a women’s ability to conceive, endometriosis can become progressively worse over time if untreated,” he explains.
In the past surgery was routinely recommended for women with endometriosis. “We would routinely remove cysts from ovaries. But we have learned that this doesn’t necessarily enhance fertility and may, in fact, have an adverse effect. We have learned that if the cysts are small, it is often better not to remove them, therefor not putting the ovaries at risk. We just go ahead with fertility treatments, with great success,” said Dr. Rapisarda.
Among the recommended fertility treatments for women with endometriosis are:
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) and Clomid to bolster ovulation
In vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
Although there isn’t a cure for endometriosis, lifestyle changes play an important role in reducing symptoms and lowering the risk of getting the disease. Diet and exercise lead the way. While introducing daily exercise increases fitness and helps to alleviate symptoms, maintaining a healthy diet and body weight and good nutrition can actually reduce the risk of endometriosis.
Attain Fertility will actively promote awareness, education and support for women throughout March for National Endometriosis Awareness Month. Discussions, information and support can be found on the Attain Fertility Facebook page and through blog posts from leading medical experts on the AttainFertility.com website.
2 Comments
I was diagnosed with endometriosis in 2001 through surgery. I had pain that seemed unexplainable and irregular periods. Since then I have had surgery just about every two years. My last surgery showed I now have one blocked tube. We have not been able to conceive in our 15 years of marriage. We did two rounds of invitro with icsi. The first was the initial round and the second we used 3 of our frozen embryos. Unfortunately it did not take, but we hope to try again in the next year or so. I have a sister and two cousins with endometriosis so we try to support each other in our efforts to have families as well as having someone who understands our pain, both emotional and physical. My hope is that there will be improved treatements for endometriosis by the time my future daughters reach puberty.
I’m so sorry to hear that, Annette. I hope better treatments will be coming soon too. ((hugs))