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Endometriosis and pregnancy: possibilities, symptoms, testimonials and options
Today, we want to focus on the endometriosis. This disease, also called “invisible disease” by the World Health Organization (WHO) , affects approximately 10% (around 190 million) of women and girls in their reproductive age worldwide.
- 1. What is Endometriosis?
- 2. Symptoms and diagnosis
- 3. How is Endometriosis detected? Tests and treatments
- 4. Treatments for Endometriosis
- 5. Fertility solutions
- 6. Possibility of pregnancy with endometriosis
- 7. Vida Fertility Institute
- 8. Frequently Asked Questions about Endometriosis and Pregnancy
- 9. Testimony of pregnancy with endometriosis
- 10. Our fertility treatments
- 11. Where can I find Vida Fertility centres in Spain?
What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a disease characterised by tissue similar to the endometrium growing outside of the uterus. This leads to a chronic inflammation that can result in the formation of scar tissue in the pelvis. Although this condition can manifest in different types of lesions and areas beyond the pelvis, it’s not visible to the naked eye. Despite a normal external appearance, women who have it experience excruciating and persistent pain.
Endometriosis is classified into four stages, ranging from mild to severe (Stage I, II, III, and IV).
Symptoms and diagnosis
Common symptoms of endometriosis include:
- Dysmenorrhea: Pain in the lower abdomen or back (pelvic pain) due to menstruation
- Chronic pelvic pain (pain in the ovaries, uterine contractions)
- Chronic fatigue and menstrual pain that interfere with daily activities
- Dyspareunia: Pain during or after sexual intercourse
- Painful urination
- Intestinal disorders (especially during menstruation)
- Difficulty in getting pregnant
Detection of endometriosis varies in each case and can be based on persistent symptoms or identified during a medical examination such as pelvic exam, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or laparoscopy.
How is Endometriosis detected? Tests and treatments
The detection varies for each case and person. Consistent abnormal symptoms usually lead to a proper diagnosis, so it’s important to consult a gyneacologist if you experience any of them.
>> The endometrium: does it influence my fertility? <<
Tests to detect an endometriosis also depend on each patient. However, if there are cysts, scars, or growing tissue outside the uterus, the following exams are usually conducted:
- Pelvic exam
- Ultrasound
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Laparoscopy
Treatments for Endometriosis
Although there’s no cure for the endometriosis, there are treatments for endometriosis and available to relieve the pain and improve the quality of life.
Endometriosis can be treated medically or surgically. Medical treatments may include hormonal contraceptives, agonists and antagonists of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Gn-RH), treatments with progestins, and aromatase inhibitors:
- Hormonal contraceptives: Birth control pills, patches, vaginal rings, hormonal IUDs that release progestin hormones.
- Agonists and antagonists of Gn-RH.
- Treatment with progestins.
- Aromatase inhibitors.
Fertility solutions
In terms of fertility, women with endometriosis are more likely to experience infertility or have difficulties getting pregnant. However, there are solutions for infertility due to endometriosis.
In most cases, a laparoscopy will be recommended to remove growths, eliminate any lesions, and improve the fertility of women with mild or minimal endometriosis. In particular cases, surgery can increase their chances of getting pregnant.
If pregnancy isn’t achieved through this laparoscopy method, in vitro fertilisation (IVF) can be an effective option to become pregnant. The IVF protocol is tailored to each patient’s individual needs, considering factors such as pain and ovarian reserve.
Possibility of pregnancy with endometriosis
There is a 60% to 70% chance of spontaneous pregnancy with endometriosis.
However, in some patients, endometriosis can make conception difficult, especially if there are adhesions, affected fallopian tubes, endometriomas or low ovarian reserve.
Assisted reproduction treatments to get pregnant with endometriosis
It depends on your age, AMH, ovarian reserve, fallopian tubes and semen analysis, but the most common treatments are:
- Artificial insemination (AI): in very mild endometriosis and good prognosis.
- IVF/ICSI: if the disease is more advanced, the fallopian tubes are affected, there is low reserve or other factors.
- Egg donation: when ovarian reserve is compromised.
- Egg vitrification: if you wish to postpone motherhood.
As specialists in assisted reproduction, we must inform you that if you have been trying to conceive for between 6 and 12 months and you are over 35 years of age or have been diagnosed with endometriosis, it is worth assessing your case so as not to waste time or opportunities.
Vida Fertility Institute
At Vida Fertility Institute, we understand the challenges that endometriosis can bring on your journey to becoming parents. Our team of fertility specialists is dedicated to providing personalised solutions.
Together, we will face these obstacles and build a successful path to parenthood. If you’re seeking answers and support, you’ve come to the right place. Don’t hesitate to contact us today and let us be a part of your fertility journey and help you make your deepest dream come true!
Frequently Asked Questions about Endometriosis and Pregnancy
Women with endometriosis may face a slightly higher risk of complications during the early stages of pregnancy, such as miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. There is also an increased likelihood of preterm birth or the need for a caesarean section.
Although most cases are not classified as high-risk pregnancies, closer monitoring and personalised medical care are recommended to minimise any potential complications during gestation.
Endometriosis is a chronic condition, and currently, there is no definitive cure for it.
As previously mentioned, in some cases, surgery may be performed to remove endometriotic lesions, which can improve the chances of conception. However, its effectiveness over the long term is not always guaranteed, particularly when multiple surgeries are involved.
During pregnancy, the menstrual cycle stops, reducing the hormonal activity that fuels endometrial lesions. This can lead to less pain and an overall improvement in wellbeing.
Although many women experience relief from endometriosis symptoms during pregnancy, this state should not be considered a cure.
The effect is temporary. Once the pregnancy ends and the menstrual cycle resumes, symptoms may return. Therefore, while pregnancy may offer a period of relief, it does not eliminate the disease or prevent it from recurring.
Yes, it is possible to become pregnant even if you have mild endometriosis.
Endometriosis does not necessarily mean infertility. In fact, a significant proportion of women diagnosed with the condition – between 50% and 70% – conceive naturally.
However, some may face difficulties, especially if the condition affects the fallopian tubes or reduces ovarian reserve.
In such cases, assisted reproductive treatments can be an essential aid in achieving pregnancy.
Endometriosis is most commonly diagnosed through an ultrasound scan.
This is usually the first diagnostic tool used when endometriosis is suspected. It can reveal a fairly characteristic image, especially in the case of ovarian cysts (endometriomas), which have a recognisable appearance.
In some cases, blood tests may also be requested, although these are not part of the standard diagnostic protocol as their usefulness in this context is limited.
Testimony of pregnancy with endometriosis
It is incredible how, from absolute resignation, these doctors have lifted my spirits. They got me pregnant and gave me my life back. They live up to their name.
I had to find a way to become a mother if I wanted to pursue my career and not settle for just any partner. I made the right choice.
From the very first moment I felt I was being listened to, understood, and above all, I felt that my treatment was finally going in the right direction.
Hello dear Mrs Ortega,
you and the whole team of Vida fertility make us so happy. Finally a relief that we can be helped! Many thanks to you and all the others for the great care and exceptional quality work. This high quality means a lot to us. We hope that in 2024 we can take a healthy baby full of love into our arms.❤️
Thanks to Dr. Kathi’s support and by following all her advice, the best moment of the treatment came: I got pregnant.
I didn’t know if I would ever be able to get pregnant and now I’m in my 5th month of pregnancy.
It hasn’t been an easy journey. After the second attempt, I am happy to say that in two months I will be meeting my little girl.
Being able to experience this shared motherhood has been a gift for the two of us.
THANK YOU to this great team for everything!
We highly recommend Vida Fertility to anyone who has already given up hope and wants to give it one last try.
A huge thank you to the entire Vida Fertility team, especially to Sophie and Dr. Spies, who helped us achieve the wonderful project of expanding our family. We met a very competent team who perfectly guided and advised us on the medical choices to make at each stage of our journey. 🫶
I recommend Vida Fertility for their professionalism, humanism, and availability.
Our wonderful baby is the proof that the results are there!
Thank you!
Thanks to Vida fertility, we are now mums. Mums!!
It’s the greatest gift of all, we’re so happy!
The good feeling will certainly have contributed to the success of the treatment.
When we first contacted the clinic, I didn’t expect to become a mum so quickly, and now I even have hope that we might be able to create a sibling for our son with the remaining blastocysts.
Thank you!
I chose Vida Fertility because it’s a clinic that offers human support from the very beginning. I’m convinced that my state of mind, so influenced by the unconditional support they gave me, was key to the success of my treatment.
At the first consultation, I felt heard, understood, and full of hope again. The final transfer, our last chance, took place in February 2024… and it worked. Our little girl has brought immense joy to our whole family.
Being a single parent brings challenges, but I’d recommend anyone thinking about it to go for it. Vida Fertility made my dream come true with my first IVF.
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Where can I find Vida Fertility centres in Spain?
📍 C/ Palermo 15, Hortaleza, 28043 Madrid
📞 Phone number: +34 919 29 83 23
🕒 Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 8am to 7pm
📍 Av. Óscar Esplá 1, Bajo, 03008 Alicante
📞 Phone number: +34 919 29 83 23
🕒 Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 8am to 7pm
ℹ️ The information published on Vida Fertility is reviewed by our fertility specialists and medical team, following up-to-date scientific criteria and evidence-based medicine. Our team is a member at scientific societies such as SEF, ESHRE and SEGO.
