That can add to an already stressful situation. You have Endo, a debilitating invisible disease and you also are now worrying about whether or not you can bear children.
I'm not getting bogged down in the negativity of this. Let's look at it this was, NOT ALL Women who have Endo will be infertile.
{But, if all Women suffering Endo where, there would be a significant decrease in birth rates and then probably a rush by Medical Science to figure out a viable treatment option or even dare I say it~Cure. However, that's not the case but it does paint a perspective and get's you thinking doesn't it? I'll leave it up to you guys to decide how you feel about that theory. }
There are many women who are only diagnosed when they cannot conceive and their Doctor conducts a pelvic laparoscopy to uncover any cause of infertility and BOOM there's Endo present. {Between 30-40% of women going for a laparoscopy for infertility are diagnosed this way}
How does Endometriosis impact on your Fertility?
One of the big obvious factors here is that Endo can cause pain during intercourse so the couple may not be able to conduct intercourse during the Women's fertile time of the month I.E when ovulation occurs.
However, there are other factors to consider here;
The scarring and adhesions present in Endo may mean that the fallopian tubes and ovaries are not in the correct position, so the transfer of egg from ovary to fallopian tube cannot take place. Also, Endo can cause blockage and/or damage to the fallopian tubes preventing the egg from travelling down the tube into the uterus.
Another factor to consider is the over production of prostaglandins. These are the hormones that play an important role in the implantation and fertilization of the embryo. So an excess of prostaglandins can interfere with these processes.
Tests for Infertility
For a female to be fertile, the ovaries must release healthy eggs regularly and the reproductive tract must allow the eggs and sperm to pass into the fallopian tubes for a possible union.
Your Doctor will begin by taking a history of your menstrual cycles, your general health history, sexual habits and a physical exam. This would include a regular gynaecological exam.
Specific tests that may involve a trip to the hospital can include;
- Confirmation of Ovulation ~ Generally done by a simple blood test to detect hormone levels. Usually you would have a day 2 blood test (performed on the second day of your period) and a day 21 blood test (performed on day 21 of your menstrual cycle)
- Basal Body Temperature ~This test was once standard but is being used less and less today. Although if you are searching through the internet you may still come across those who believe in it's uses for helping couples conceive. Charting a Women's body temperature does not seem to be as reliable in detecting infertility as once thought.
- Ovulation Tests or Urinary Luteinizing Hormone (LH) Kits ~ Again, these tests can have very unreliable results. I would advise consulting with your Doctor before using one. Much like a pregnancy test, these tests are designed to detect when you are ovulating. But in cases of Women with Endo and possible infertility the tests can be inaccurate and very often misleading, adding to your stress levels as you can imagine.
- Hysterosalpinography ~ Sometimes called a HRG for short. It is basically a x-ray of your uterus to detect if any damage has occurred to your fallopian tubes or indeed your uterus. This test is performed by injecting a dye in a fluid into the uterus to determine whether the fluid progresses out of the uterus, through the fallopian tubes and into the and general peritoneal cavity. If there are any blockages they can then be treated with medication or surgery.
- Laparoscopy ~ This test is performed under General Anaesthetic and allows your Doctor to see by means of a scope inside your womb. For more information click on the Endometriosis? tab above
- Fertility test for your Man ~ Your Doctor may also want to have your Partner's fertility tested to rule out any further issues. This involves the man giving a sperm sample which is then tested in a lab and the results sent to your Doctor who will discuss his/her's findings with you both.
Remember, you are NOT alone. There is so much support out there and so many couples with Infertility issues. Staying positive really is the key to coping with this issue.
Also good to note is the fact that you are a couple! Yes he might not be going through all of these tests, but if you are TTC (trying to conceive) remember It takes two!
If you're stressed, losing hope REMEMBER!
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