Endometriosis

[nmorgart]

A friend of mine was diagnosed with endometriosis, and her OB told her that she may never be able to have kids. She came to me looking for answers and I told her I would do some research on the matter and get back to her. I've never heard of this. I had a client in July who had it and she had a healthy pregnancy, and a full term baby.

Any thoughts??

[amylou]

It causes infertility due to the scaring and adheisions that form. PTs are usually told the sooner the better for having a pregnancy - which translates to the longer you wait the more difficult if becomes to get pregnant, as the condition only worsens - doesn't improve. I know several people who have had sucess, but it really depends on how much damage your friend already has.

Also, I am not sure if IVF is a possible soultion in this case.. I BELIEVE but am not sure - that most of the damage is OUTSIDE the uterus and thereby makes the tubes unable to move to catch the eggs -- I wold suggest she speak to her DR at more length about her specific circumstances.

[breezyinsc]

Endometriosis affects the lining of the uterus as well as neighboring organs---bladder, intestines, rectum, falopian tubes, ovaries, etc. What happens is the endo cells that usually form healthy tissue are produced in over abundance and scar the uterine lining or migrate to other organs, colonizing and causing inflammation. The scar tissue is not a good place for fertilized eggs to implant so there are fewer places for eggs to grow (trouble conceiving) or the pregnancy ends in miscarriage.

I was diagnosed at 16 and have had several 2nd trimester losses as well as some initial difficulty conceiving. My periods have always been horrifically painful. My endo cells scarred the inside of my uterus and the outside, causing constant inflammation and killer back pain. I was offered a lapraoscopy (think D&C) when I was 18, but decided to wait and see.

Sometimes, the most affective treatment for Endo is a successful pregnancy. I feel dramatically better after the births of my babies for about 6 months to a year; then it comes back with avengance! It's different for every woman.

My life line --- http://www.endometriosisassn.org/

[earthgirl]

http://www.endo-resolved.com/diet.html

[nmorgart]

Thank you!

[DoulaWendy]

Did she actually get a confirmed diagnosis or is he diagnosing her based on symptoms? I was told I had endo because I had very painful periods. My OB encouraged me to hurry up and get pregnant and I did because I was very afraid of losing my fertility. I was only 22 (luckily I was married with a career).

Severe cases can go without any symptoms and mild cases can have severe pain. So if they are basing her diagnosis off of symptoms she may not be as bad as the pain she is feeling.

I hope that helps.

[SpiritedDoula]

I have endo and had the lapraoscopy procedure 3 years ago, after unsuccessful hormone therapy. I suffered killer back pain, horrible periods, and constipation as a result. I was encouraged to try to get pregnant sooner than later if I wanted children (for the reasons already mentioned). Luckily, we got pregnant soon after the procedure and the pregnancy did indeed cure the endo symptoms. Had we not concieved my OB/GYN would have given me fertility drugs (like clomid)

Your friend has several options, she can TTC (if she is ready) or she can have the lapraoscopy (to diagnose and remove scar tissue) and she can make sure they do a Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) where they insert a blue dye through the cervix into the uterus and fallopian tubes. The dye enables the radiologist to see if there is blockage that could affect fertility, there are also other fertility tests she can undergo as well.

Hope this helps.

[amyb]

I have endo. I was told to try and get pregnancy asap but haven't yet (2 years). I have had two surgeries where they removed the endo. I would recommend reading, Taking Charge of your Fertility. Also I am vegan which has helped with the symptoms (cutting certain foods out can help). The next step in my journey is my doctor is going to be testing the lining of my uterus. Let her know there are options out there. I would suggest seeing a specialist, I am.