Why does endometriosis cause infertility?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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We know it causes pelvic pain most of the time. If you read my post yesterday then you now know it may not cause pain…⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Did you know that endometriosis is seen in up to 50% of women with infertility? And 30-50% of women with endometriosis have infertility. I know sounds a bit confusing…but no I didn’t write the same thing twice ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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The more severe the disease the lower the pregnancy rates are with or without IVF. There are many reasons for this:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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* Distorted anatomy caused by scar tissue: this can prevent egg release and capture of ovulation⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
* Premature depletion of follicular pool either from destruction from inflammation or surgery ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
* The inflammation can also affect egg quality, fertilization or even implantation (this is often seen in IVF). You see, all the inflammatory markers are increased in the fluid that surrounds the eggs which can damage them. Since there is an overall inflammatory environment in the abdominal cavity this can be toxic to sperm, and the embryo ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
* Tubal motility can also significantly be impacted and even if your tubes are patent it doesn’t necessarily mean they are functional⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
* In the endometrium, we may see progesterone resistance which affects endometrial receptivity hence why many women affected experience recurrent implantation failure⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Endometriosis can be very damaging and I feel for all of you who are dealing with the negative effects of this disease. Understanding it better can help you better discuss your treatment options with your provider and make an informed decision.”
Instagram: @sashahakmanmd
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