Overcoming two common fertility problems

Help is available for PCOS and endometriosis

For many women who want to start a family, becoming pregnant is fairly easy. But for others, conceiving can be a challenge—especially if they are living with endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Along with causing discomfort and raising the risk of other health problems, these conditions can make it harder to become pregnant. But there are treatments that can help a woman conceive, says David Goldstein, MD, an OB/GYN at St. Mary Medical Center.

Here’s a brief look at endometriosis and PCOS, how they affect fertility, and possible treatments.

Endometriosis

This disease occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of that organ.

“When you look at people with infertility, 25% to 50% of them will have some degree of endometriosis,” Dr. Goldstein says.

Endometriosis often causes pain during intercourse, menstrual period pain and chronic pelvic pain. Some women have pain during bowel movements or when urinating too.

To ease symptoms, doctors may suggest medications. If you want to become pregnant, other medicines or a procedure may improve your chances. One option may be laparoscopy to remove patches of endometrial tissue. This may improve fertility. Some women may wish to consider other fertility treatments.

PCOS

PCOS affects 1 in 10 women of childbearing age. It involves an imbalance of hormones. Signs and symptoms of PCOS include:

• Missed periods
• Heavy periods
• Male-pattern hair growth (unwanted facial hair)
• Weight gain
• Insulin resistance (the body has trouble using the hormone insulin)
• Acne

Because PCOS interferes with normal ovulation, it can make it hard to get pregnant. Lifestyle changes and a medicine that helps ovulation can improve PCOS symptoms and the chances of getting pregnant.

“The first treatment option will be lifestyle modifications, such as diet and exercise,” Dr. Goldstein says. “Ovulation function can improve if you lose between 5% and 7% of any excess body weight.”

If medicine doesn’t help, a doctor may refer you to a specialist for fertility treatment.

Speak up

It’s important that you tell your doctor if you have any of the symptoms of endometriosis or PCOS. You should do that even if you don’t want to become pregnant.

Treatment can help reduce the symptoms of these conditions and some of the health problems they may cause. And if you do want to have children, your doctor can offer options that may help you conceive.