Endometriosis affects 10% of women of reproductive age worldwide. In Mexico there are around 7 million women living with this condition. Claudia is one of them and shares how, despite everything, she managed to have her little Arleth.
What is endometriosis and how does it impact fertility?
Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the endometrium grows outside the uterus, on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or peritoneum. That tissue responds to your hormones just like normal endometrium, but causes scarring, chronic pain, and can affect your ovulation or the quality of your eggs.
When adhesions form, sometimes the tubes become blocked or the ovaries don’t function the same. Therefore, if you want to increase your chances of pregnancy, it’s best to consult a reproductive specialist before self-medicating or trying treatments on your own.
What assisted reproduction treatments exist for endometriosis?
For mild to moderate cases, intrauterine insemination combined with ovarian stimulation (for example, between 150 and 225 IU of FSH) is a low-complexity option. When endometriosis is moderate to severe, in vitro fertilization (IVF) usually offers better success rates.
At Ingenes we design multicycle programs where we adjust doses, monitor ovarian response in mL, and evaluate embryo quality before transfer. With our Initial Program we create a personalized plan based on your medical history and previous studies.
My experience after more than 10 years trying to conceive
“I had been trying for over 12 years. I underwent endometrial resection, had an ovary removed, and had four unsuccessful inseminations. Each failed attempt hurt, but I never lost hope. My advice: don’t self-medicate, trust a team of experts, and follow a comprehensive protocol to save time and energy.”
Why choose a reproductive biology specialist?
A reproductive biology specialist not only performs the procedure, but also diagnoses and manages endometriosis throughout the process. This helps avoid unnecessary surgeries, optimize each cycle, and improve implantation rates.
Testimonials like “After 10 years and with uterine fibroids, I had my baby” or “I became a mom despite having endometriosis” show that with the right support, the dream of becoming parents is possible.
Sources consulted
- National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. (2021). Endometriosis. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/endometriosis.html
- Giudice, L. C. (2010). Clinical practice. Endometriosis. The New England Journal of Medicine, 362(25), 2389–2398.
- Harada, T., & Iwabe, T. (2014). Pathophysiology and management of endometriosis-associated infertility. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research, 40(10), 1957–1964.
- Practice Committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. (2012). Endometriosis and infertility: a committee opinion. Fertility and Sterility, 98(3), 591–598.
Frequently asked questions about endometriosis and pregnancy
Does it always prevent fertility?
Not all women with endometriosis experience infertility, but 30% to 50% do have difficulty conceiving. Early diagnosis and timely treatment greatly improve pregnancy chances.
How long until IVF results are seen?
An IVF cycle usually shows results with the pregnancy test 2–3 weeks after egg retrieval. The transfer is done 3–5 days after fertilization and confirmation with beta-hCG at 12–14 days.
Is laparoscopy recommended?
Diagnostic and therapeutic laparoscopy can remove implants and adhesions, improving pelvic pain and tubal function in mild to moderate cases. In advanced stages, it’s necessary to balance removal with preserving ovarian reserve.
What care is needed before and after a cycle?
Before: maintain a BMI between 18 and 25 kg/m², take folic acid (400 µg/day), and avoid tobacco and alcohol. During: strictly follow ovarian stimulation and hormonal tests. After: relative rest, progesterone support, and regular ultrasound monitoring.
We know how challenging this journey can be. We accompany you with empathy and professionalism. It’s always best to see an assisted fertilization specialist to receive the plan most suited to your case. You are not alone; your dream of having a child can become reality!