Life
Endometriosis symptoms can wreck havoc on your body and life — not that you need me to tell you that. What's even worse about this condition is how few medical answers there are for women suffering from the physical and psychological pain associated with this condition. How to cope with endometriosis when trying to get pregnant is just one of the questions women suffering from endometriosis ask themselves.
A little background information. According to the Endometriosis Foundation of America, there are 176 million women affected by endometriosis. And because endometriosis has no cure, women afflicted with it are used to the power of managing symptoms as a solution to dealing the condition, which is indeed a challenge of its own. One of the most frightening symptoms of endometriosis is the possibility of infertility, according to Mayo Clinic. To make matters worse, doctors don't really know why this is. However, the United States Department of Health and Human Services theorizes that endometrial growths can prevent sperm from uniting with the egg, or that lining of the uterus is not as strong as it could be, thus preventing the potential to carry a baby to term. This is why trying to conceive when you have endometriosis can be a drag, to say the least.
Having said that, there are many women with endometriosis who conceive and carry babies to term. OB-GYN and board member of the World Endometriosis Research Foundation David Adamson told Everyday Health that one-third of women with endometriosis will easily conceive without any fertility treatment at all. And Adamson added that, with treatment, most women with endometriosis will eventually get pregnant. So, peruse the following for tips on how to cope with getting pregnant if you have endometriosis.
1
Seek Early Diagnostic Treatment
Because endometriosis is a very complicated condition, Adamson advised women who are trying to get pregnant to seek treatment from a specialist as soon as they know they want to have kids. In the aforementioned article, Adamson told Everyday Health that surgery to remove endometriosis lesions has been successful in 30 to 80 percent of cases. Depending on your diagnosis, you may opt for surgery as step one of your conception plan.
2
Make Sure You Have A Trusted Physician Or Fertility Specialist
According to Healthy Woman, IVF might be the perfect solution to trying to conceive with endometriosis, so you also want to be under the care of a reproductive endocrinologist and/or fertility specialist.
3
Try A Diet To Help Manage Endometriosis
There are two diets that can help manage the pain of endometriosis, and even reduce some of the symptoms associated with the conditions. One is a hormone balancing-diet and the other is an anti-inflammatory diet. These holistic options may help promote a solution to pain. You're not going to take birth control or narcotic pain relief, two of the most common solutions to pain resulting from endometriosis, when trying to become pregnant.
4
Try An Exercise Program
According to Prevention, exercise can reduce inflammation, which is associated with endometriosis. Exercise will get your blood flowing, and stop it from "gumming," which is as painful as it sounds. Additionally, Fitness recommended that women trying to conceive should incorporate moderate exercise into their lifestyle. Plus, getting a good sweat on helps you feel like the boss lady you are.
5
Stay Knowledgable On Endometriosis Research
According to another article in Everyday Health, you want to stay armed with information about endometriosis, because new research is coming out all the time. If there's a new treatment option, be sure to know about it and bring it to your physician.
6
Avoid Alcohol & Caffeine
The Huffington Post noted that women suffering from endometriosis who are trying to conceive should avoid alcohol and caffeine. If you do conceive, you want to make sure that you're doing everything possible to avoid early pregnancy complications, which are linked to alcohol and caffeine, reported NBC.
7
Try Acupuncture
According to the American Pregnancy Association, acupuncture can increase blood flow to the endometrium, which can promote a thicker lining. So, this process-oriented therapy is worth a try if you suffer from endometriosis. It's also a super relaxing treatment, which might decrease some of your anxiety around trying to conceive.
8
Try Reflexology
According to massage therapist Kristy Hawthorn of Natural-Fertility.com, reflexology promotes healthy circulation, which can relieve pain associated with endometriosis. Additionally, this modality releases oxytocin and endorphins to help you feel good, so you can set aside your woes for the time being, and enjoy the pleasures of someone rubbing your feet.
9
Find A Support Group
You're not alone in your struggles. According to the Endometriosis Foundation of America, one in 1o women suffers from endometriosis, and is dealing with the same challenges of conception that you are. Seek out others in a similar situation to help you through the tougher times.
RESOLVE is an accredited infertility organization that offers support and education about women's health and infertility, and is very knowledgable about endometriosis. You can find online support groups and regular meetings throughout the country through the RESOLVE website. The Endometriosis Association also offers a 24/7 hotline if you need to speak to someone for additional resources.
Sometimes, it's the small things that can help you cope with the stresses of trying to get pregnant with endometriosis. I'm not saying it's not a challenge, but it's one you can overcome.
