Endometriosis Awareness
What is Endometriosis?
About 1 in 10 women will have to deal with endometriosis at some point in their life. Endometriosis is a condition, that usually occurs during a woman’s reproductive years, in which the lining of the uterus begins to grow outside of the uterus. This will cause scar tissue and adhesions which could possibly do long-term damage to the reproductive organs.
The risk of infertility arises when the reproductive organs are affected. It is a risk that no woman really wants to talk about, but infertility is an important risk to be aware of if you are diagnosed with endometriosis. So, what exactly are the chances of becoming infertile, and is there anything that can be done in order to reduce this risk?
Dealing with Endometriosis
The bad news about endometriosis is that there is no way to completely prevent it. The best way to combat it is to get an early diagnosis and begin treatment right away. The quicker it is recognized, the smaller the chance of the disease progressing and affecting fertility in women. If the disorder is caught early on, basic medication that can be prescribed by a doctor might be all that is needed in order to kill the condition and get back to normal.
If it is more severe, a laparoscopic surgery might be needed to remove the excess tissue. Even if surgery is needed, a woman may still be able to have children.
What Are The Chances of Infertility?
If the condition spreads to the reproductive organs, mainly the ovaries or Fallopian tubes, the possibility of infertility is increased. These organs are very delicate, so it does not take much to affect them. The Fallopian tubes, which play an important role in the reproductive process, can lose their ability to function properly pretty easily. In the case that the Fallopian tubes are rendered dysfunctional, the embryo has a limited chance of forming, as the sperm can’t properly fertilize the egg.
Currently, about 1/3 of the women who suffer from endometriosis end up being infertile. While that might seem very alarming, the good news is, that in many cases, there are alternative options for people to consider. After fertility treatments, surgery, medications and more, it may be possible for a woman to give birth naturally. IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) is also an option if there are still difficulties.
How to Identify Endometriosis
As stated above, an early diagnosis is very beneficial for any woman suffering from this disorder. Be on the lookout for recurring pain in the pelvic region. The pain will typically start with the beginning of a period, but it may also start a few days before.
Some women do not experience the normal abdominal pain that is associated with endometriosis, which could make it difficult to diagnose. However, it is important to seek treatment early to avoid any long- term side effects.
Final Thoughts
Endometriosis can be an alarming diagnosis for a woman, but if treated properly, the condition can be overcome. Even in the worst-case scenario, there are still alternative options for people to turn to so that they can conceive a child.
