The Most Common Questions About IVF And Endometriosis

As you will probably know if you have been diagnosed with endometriosis, this is a condition where womb lining deposits outside the womb. Unfortunately, for many women, endometriosis can make it more difficult for them to fall pregnant naturally and it isn’t uncommon for those who have moderate or severe endometriosis to require the assistance of fertility treatment in order for them to start a family. 

Arguably, one of the most frequently recognised fertility treatments is IVF treatment and it isn’t uncommon for women with endometriosis to wonder whether this well-known treatment will still be suitable for them. We understand that it can be incredibly difficult to find out correct information in this regard on the internet, so below we have answered some of the most common questions about IVF and endometriosis. 

Is IVF treatment suitable for women with endometriosis?

IVF can be an effective treatment for women with endometriosis and this treatment has helped couples to start a family in the past. That being said, the suitability of this treatment and the likelihood of success will differ from women to women and depending on the severity of the endometriosis, it might not be the most suitable solution. 

Often, the chances of those with minimal or mild endometriosis successfully falling pregnant with the help of IVF is no different from women without endometriosis. However, for those with moderate or severe endometriosis, the IVF success rates are usually lower. 

How can IVF help those with endometriosis fall pregnant?

The process involved with IVF treatment is the same for all women and if you have endometriosis, this won’t differ. So, the benefits of IVF for women with endometriosis are the same as the benefits for women without this condition. Essentially, by removing eggs from your ovaries and fertilising them with sperm in the laboratory before returning the embryo to your womb, you dramatically increase the chances of a successful pregnancy. 

Is IVF the best fertility treatment available for women with endometriosis?

Endometriosis affects women in different ways and, for this reason, IVF isn’t always the best course of treatment for everyone. The treatment choice depends on a number of factors, in particular the severity of the endometriosis, and a fertility specialist will take a woman’s individual circumstances into consideration before deciding whether IVF will be right for them.

How will you know if IVF treatment is suitable?

If you’re experiencing signs of endometriosis, it is always recommended that you speak to your doctor who will be able to run the required tests to confirm a diagnosis for you. Once you have your diagnosis, if you’re trying for a baby, it is beneficial to take fertility tests or ‘fertility MOT’ to find out more about your fertility in general. This will provide you with the information needed to decide whether or not IVF treatment is suitable for you. 

What other fertility treatments can be helpful for women with endometriosis?

Sometimes, again depending on many factors, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) may be recommended instead of IVF to help women with endometriosis. It may also be the case that if your endometriosis is causing you to have an irregular menstrual cycle, a simple treatment like ovulation induction may be able to help you conceive naturally. 

The best thing you can do is reach out to a private fertility clinic with specialists who are experienced in helping women with endometriosis. They will be able to discuss suitable fertility tests and treatment with you in much more detail. 

Getting IVF when you have endometriosis 

Hopefully, the answers above to some of the most commonly asked questions about IVF and endometriosis will have provided you with the information you were looking for in relation to your own questions. All in all, if you are having fertility problems due to your endometriosis then it is worthwhile speaking to a fertility specialist who will be able to provide you with more information about IVF treatment and help to determine whether it will be suitable for you. 

When you’re searching for a fertility clinic who you can rely on to help you maximise your pregnancy success rate after being diagnosed with endometriosis, please don’t hesitate to contact us here at London IVF and Genetics Centre. Our team of dedicated specialists understand that fertility treatment is anything but straightforward and they will work closely with you to put together a fertility treatment plan that is suitable and that you feel comfortable with. We are here to help you with your pregnancy journey in any way we can.