It’s always important to note the root cause of infertility and develop a treatment plan from there. That defines the approach of Dr. Ketan S. Patel and Dr. Diane G. Hammitt. They have helped countless patients in the Scottsdale, AZ and Gilbert, AZ area have children thanks to in vitro fertilization (IVF) and other advanced fertility options.
When a woman has endometriosis, the team at Arizona Associates for Reproductive Health may recommend IVF.
Let’s discuss what this health condition involves and why IVF may be a good option.
Endometriosis is a condition in which the tissue that is normally found in the uterus grows outside of the uterus. This tissue may be found on the ovaries, the outside of the uterus, the bowel, and other organs and tissues in the pelvis.
During a normal cycle, this tissue can become inflamed, leading to pain and discomfort. Over time, this tissue reforms and breaks down, becoming trapped in the pelvis and causing a number of problems, including the formation of scar tissue, cysts, and adhesions between organs.
The most common signs and symptoms of endometriosis include:
Endometriosis is a condition without a cure, unfortunately. That said, many of the symptoms of endometriosis can be managed, which reduces pain during the monthly cycle.
A mix of pain medication, hormone therapy, and the use of contraception can all be used. Be sure to discuss these treatment options with your general practitioner.
It’s been estimated that 30 to 50 percent of women who have been diagnosed with endometriosis have difficulty conceiving. Undergoing IVF can help these women become pregnant and give birth to a healthy children.
IVF helps bypass the problems with conceiving that may be experienced as a result of endometriosis.
Women will not have to deal with painful intercourse, for instance, or blockages in the fallopian tubes caused by cysts and adhesions. During IVF, a viable egg is taken and fertilized in a lab setting. The resulting embryo can then be transferred to the woman’s uterus and carried to term.
Good candidates for IVF are women experiencing issues with fertility who are otherwise healthy and have viable eggs. They should ideally be in their mid-to-late 30s or younger.
IVF is effective at addressing infertility associated with endometriosis. On average, women with endometriosis have similar success rates compared to women without endometriosis also undergoing IVF.
If IVF is not ideal for you and your needs, there are other fertility treatments options that may be helpful. The use of donor eggs or a surrogate can help. This is ideal for women who do not have viable eggs of their own, or who are unable to carry a child to term themselves.
During the consultation process, we can go over all of the fertility procedures available to help you build a family and experience the joys of motherhood.
To learn more about treating female infertility and addressing issues associated with endometriosis, be sure to contact us online or call (480) 860-4792.
