Endometriosis is known to sometimes cause issues with fertility. However, even if you do manage to get pregnant when you have the condition, a variety of problems can arise.
Read on for more information about endometriosis, pregnancy and the risk factors it presents.
How Endometriosis Affects Your Chances of Getting Pregnant
Endometriosis doesn’t always impact your ability to get pregnant. However, if you have a severe form of the condition, it does increase the risk that you’ll have trouble conceiving.
This is because as the condition worsens, scar tissue and adhesion can start to develop. This makes it more difficult to achieve pregnancy as the eggs can get trapped and fail to move through the Fallopian tubes.
Generally speaking, those who have a mild form of the condition tend to have the same chance of getting pregnant as everyone else.
How Does Pregnancy Affect Endometriosis Symptoms?
One of the only benefits of having endometriosis while you’re pregnant is that it can reduce or eliminate the symptoms. As periods stop, it can temporarily provide relief from endometriosis symptoms. It is also thought the increase in the progesterone hormone can improve symptoms too.
However, not all women experience a reduction in their symptoms when they’re pregnant. In fact, for some, it can even make the symptoms worse. The reason they can worsen is said to be down to the pressure the growing uterus places onto the areas of endometriosis. The increase in estrogen can also play a role, encouraging additional lesions to grow.
So, some women may find their symptoms temporarily disappear, while for others they could become much worse.
What Risks Does It Present?
While your chances of getting pregnant may not be affected, endometriosis can cause several issues during the pregnancy.
There have been a few studies which have shown the risk of miscarriage increases in those with endometriosis. Even those who are experiencing a mild form of the condition are at an increased risk of losing the baby.
It can also increase the chances of your baby being born prematurely. Analysis of numerous studies has shown that women with endometriosis are 1.5 times more likely to give birth prematurely than those who don’t have the condition.
There is some evidence to suggest that pregnant women with the condition could also be at an increased risk of developing placenta previa. This is where the placenta attaches to the bottom of the uterus, rather than top or the side of it. This is a potentially life-threatening condition, so it needs to be recognized as quickly as possible.
Understanding the Treatment Options Available
There are treatment options available for both women who are struggling to get pregnant, and women who do achieve it while suffering with endometriosis.
Having said that, if you do manage to fall pregnant, the treatment options available are limited. Typically, the condition is treated via surgery or hormonal treatments. However, these aren’t safe during pregnancy. So, pain relief medications may be recommended, alongside gentle exercise, eating fiber-rich foods and using heat pads.
While endometriosis doesn’t necessarily cause additional issues during pregnancy, it does increase the risks involved. Therefore, it’s important to seek medical advice and to be monitored more frequently throughout the pregnancy.
More Articles
- Endometriosis: what is it?
- Being Pregnant with Endo
- Managing Bladder and Bowel Issues
- Endometriosis Symptoms: What to Look For
- Getting an Endometriosis Diagnosis
- Endo Treatment Options: Medical
- Endo Treatment Options: Natural
- Skin Symptoms with Endo and How to Treat them
- Finding Support from Endo Groups
