Adenomyosis is a type of disease that affects the uterus and usually leads to painful menstrual periods, excessive bleeding etc. Many do not know adenomyosis can be related to fertility making it difficult to conceive. Most adenomyosis diagnoses are made between ages 40 and 50, but 5-20% of adenomyosis cases affect women before the age of 40. This article will discuss adenomyosis and infertility, and its impact on fertility treatment. Identifying how adenomyosis relates to infertility and learning what to do next, can help you set onto a smooth path to parenthood.
Adenomyosis: A Quick Overview
Adenomyosis occurs when the inner lining of the uterus, endometrium breaks through the muscle wall of the uterus. Symptoms may include severe cramping in the abdomen during a menstrual period, heavy periods and pain during sexual intercourse. Although both conditions share some similar characteristics, they affect different areas within the reproductive system. There are many other potential implications of adenomyosis, including its potential to affect fertility even when you do not necessarily have painful periods.
How Adenomyosis Affects Fertility
Can adenomyosis affect fertility? While it is not yet entirely clear how adenomyosis affects fertility, research talks about some theories about the possible effects of adenomyosis on fertility. This disorder affects the structure of the uterine wall, disrupts how the uterus contracts to assist with moving sperm, making implantation more likely to fail. Adenomyosis also causes chronic inflammation of the uterine lining, which has a negative impact on hormonal systems and the expression of implantation genes, which are essential for conception. Adenomyosis and IVF have shown a link wherein, women with adenomyosis who underwent IVF had a lower pregnancy and implantation rates than women without adenomyosis.
Treatment Options for Fertility with Adenomyosis
If you have been diagnosed with adenomyosis and are having difficulty conceiving, you may feel comforted to know there are several options available to help you achieve your goal of having a baby. Hormonal therapies such as GnRH agonists may help decrease the size of adenomyosis lesions and improve fertility. GnRH agonist therapy is an option for endometrial preparation prior to frozen embryo transfer. The use of GnRH-a therapy for the preparation of the endometrium has been shown to positively affect clinical pregnancy rate, implantation rate, and ongoing pregnancy rate.
In severe cases, surgical removal of the affected area may be recommended, but there are also many ways to treat infertility, such as IVF. The success rate of these options varies depending on many factors, including other health conditions, the degree of adenomyosis and so on. Therefore, it is important for you to talk to your fertility specialist to develop a plan that will work for you.
Conclusion
While other fertility issues often overshadow the condition, adenomyosis and infertility is significant. If you’re dealing with painful periods or heavy bleeding and are struggling to conceive, it might be time to discuss adenomyosis with your doctor. By diagnosing and treating this condition, you may be able to improve your chances of a successful pregnancy. If you suspect adenomyosis might be affecting your fertility, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re ready to support you with the care and treatment options tailored to your needs.
FAQs:
- What is the main difference between adenomyosis and endometriosis?
Adenomyosis affects the inner walls of the uterus, while endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. Both conditions can impact fertility but in different ways. - Can I still get pregnant with adenomyosis?
Yes, it is possible to conceive with adenomyosis, though it may take longer, and fertility treatments like IVF may be necessary. Working with a specialist can help improve your chances. - Can adenomyosis be cured?
There is no permanent cure for adenomyosis, but treatments such as hormonal therapy or surgery can manage symptoms and improve fertility outcomes. - How is adenomyosis diagnosed?
Adenomyosis can be diagnosed through imaging tests like an MRI or ultrasound. Sometimes, it’s identified during fertility evaluations when other causes of infertility are ruled out.
