Endometriosis and Pregnancy

Can I undergo assisted reproductive techniques like IVF if I have endometriosis? Definitely. In fact, IVF and similar techniques offer a very good option for women with endometriosis. However, you should know that success rates of IVF in women with endometriosis are nearly half those of women with other reasons for their infertility. Just as with the whole fertility/endometriosis connection, however, we still don't know exactly what is behind these lower success rates. One bright spot in this area (although the research is still preliminary) comes with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). In this procedure, a single sperm is injected into the egg, then the resulting embryo is implanted in the uterus. Two studies suggest success rates in women with endometriosis are similar to those in women without the condition.

So what should I do if I want to have a baby? Start early. Although I don't have the studies to prove it in women with endometriosis, we do know that women overall are much more likely to get pregnant when they're in their twenties than when they are in their thirties and forties. Since you already know you have a greater risk of fertility problems than a woman without endometriosis, you want to stack the deck in your favor. That means starting a family earlier rather than later. Also focus on your overall health. A woman who maintains a healthy weight, eats a healthy diet high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and gets regular exercise, has a body prepared to nourish an embryo. Your reproductive system picks up on this; it's why very underweight or overweight women, or women who are malnourished, are less likely to get pregnant—their bodies are not in good shape for pregnancy.

I also recommend that you see an infertility specialist sooner in your quest to have a child rather than later. If you've been trying for six months and the stick still hasn't turned pink, make an appointment.

Above all, don't panic! Every day brings us information about new treatments and options when it comes to getting women—even women with endometriosis—pregnant and helping them deliver healthy babies.