Women with gynecological issues such as endometriosis and fibroids often report increased issues with infertility. Understanding how these two reproductive pathologies affect their chances to conceive can lead those afflicted with these disorders to answers to their conception questions. When patients have the information they need to make informed health care decisions, they become empowered patients who use the latest in medical research to help determine their treatment choices.
How Endometriosis Affects the Uterine Lining
Endometriosis is a disease state where the lining of the uterus is found in other places in the body. Because the uterine lining builds up and sheds each month with the menstrual cycle, build up and shedding can occur where the endometrial tissue has migrated throughout the body. Common places where endometrial tissue can be found in patients with endometriosis are on the surface of the ovaries and fallopian tubes, around the digestive organs, and rarely in other places such as the bladder or brain.
Signs and Symptoms
Common signs and symptoms of endometriosis include severe and debilitating pelvic pain and painful menstrual periods. Some women with advanced cases of endometriosis will also have so much scar tissue built up in the abdomen that digestion can become impossible and intestinal blockages can result.
Endometrial Fertility Issues
There are a number of theories that have been reported to explain how endometriosis is related to infertility. One theory suggests that the endometrial tissue wraps around the organs of reproduction making it impossible for egg and sperm to meet and fuse. Other theories suggest that endometrial tissue forms abnormal chemicals that inhibit ovulation or conception. Whatever the true case may be, those who suffer from endometriosis often have an uphill battle when trying to conceive a child.
Treatment Options
Treatment for endometriosis is usually done through hormone therapy, but this needs to be discussed with a gynecologist if conception is the goal. Hormone therapies can also affect fertility, so discussions about a patient’s reproductive future will be necessary. Other treatments that are available are pain killers and surgery to remove the offending tissues. Depending on the severity of the endometriosis, many of these therapies may be combined to offer the patient the most comprehensive treatment.
Uterine Fibroid Pathology
Uterine fibroids are abnormal but noncancerous tumors that are found within the uterus. Most often, fibroids produce no signs or symptoms and women are often unaware that they even have them. When fibroids become troublesome, it’s usually due to one of two conditions, either increased menstrual bleeding or the inability to conceive.
There are three types of uterine fibroids. Only one of the three types has the potential to cause issues with fertility. The submucous type of fibroid is typically found protruding inside the uterus and causing issues with conception. Although this is the least common type of fibroid tumor, it has been linked to infertility in many women.
Treatment
Treatment for fibroids that cause issues with conception typically requires surgery. A fibroidectomy is recommended when the fibroid intrudes into the uterus and fertility can be restored upon healing. Many women can have normal functioning fertility when the fibroids are removed, but each case is unique.
Patients who receive care for their primary reproductive disorders early in their family planning process will find that they are taking a proactive stance in protecting their fertility. Any woman who suspects that she is experiencing a reproductive pathology is advised to seek the treatment of a licensed health care provider. The provider can offer a number of treatment options and discuss how these treatments can lead to increasing the odds of conception.
Sources:
Endometriosis.org, Endometriosis and Infertility (Accessed January 13, 2011)
MayoClinic.com, Uterine Fibroids (Accessed January 13, 2011)
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Choosing the best method for treating endometriosis and uterine fibroids is a decision that you and your doctor can discuss together. Any reader who is concerned about this issue should contact a doctor for advice.
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