Endometriosis fertility treatment makes motherhood possible for many women
When a woman receives a diagnosis of endometriosis, questions about fertility often arise. Is it possible to conceive with endometriosis? Susan Hudson MD wants patients to know that it’s still possible to become a mother. Our New Braunfels infertility doctor offers a variety of endometriosis fertility treatment options to help overcome this obstacle to parenthood.
A quick endometriosis overview
Endometriosis occurs when the tissue that makes up the uterine lining grows outside of the uterus. This tissue can grow on other pelvic organs like the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder and bowel. Many women find this condition results in symptoms that range from pain and heavy periods to infertility.
The only definitive way to diagnose endometriosis is to use minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery. While our New Braunfels infertility doctor is performing this surgery, she can often treat any endometrial implants and scarring that she finds.
All about endometriosis fertility treatment options
Each patient is different. For example, while some patients with minimal to mild endometriosis can conceive on their own, others need help from a fertility specialist. As a result, Dr. Hudson works with each woman in her care to develop a customized treatment plan after performing a thorough fertility evaluation.
Typically, Dr. Hudson will perform a laparoscopy to diagnose and treat endometriosis. In some women, surgically removing endometrial implants and scarring allows them to conceive naturally. For other women, pregnancy is possible with help from other endometriosis fertility treatment options.
In cases of minimal or mild endometriosis, our New Braunfels infertility doctor may use Clomid and intrauterine insemination (IUI) to improve a patient’s chance of conceiving. The woman will take Clomid, which is an oral fertility medication. Her male partner or her sperm donor will provide his sperm. On the day of the IUI, Dr. Hudson will place the sperm in the woman’s uterus using a thin tube.
When a woman has more moderate or severe endometriosis, Dr. Hudson may recommend in vitro fertilization (IVF). This is also an option for other patients who didn’t find success with surgery and/or IUI. For this endometriosis fertility treatment option, the woman will take medications to stimulate egg development. She will then have an egg retrieval procedure. Our laboratory will fertilize her eggs with sperm from the woman’s partner or her donor. Then, Dr. Hudson will transfer one of the resulting embryos to the woman’s uterus.
Learn more about your treatment options
If you’d like to learn more about how Dr. Hudson can help you overcome endometriosis and welcome a baby, we invite you to contact us. Her goal is to stand by your side to help you successfully conceive with endometriosis.