Endometriosis affects roughly 10% (190 million) of reproductive age women and girls globally; that’s a big number! Women with endometriosis develop tissue outside of the uterus, usually on other reproductive organs inside the pelvis or abdominal cavity. 

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Each menstrual cycle, the misplaced tissue breaks down and results in small bleeding inside of the pelvis. This can lead to inflammation and swelling as the tissue breaks down. As a result of the misplaced tissue, women may experience excessive and heightened menstrual cramps, pain during intercourse, heavy menstrual flow, infertility, and nausea, to name a few. 

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CEO and Founder of Treehouse, Julia Slanina, partnered with Reproductive Endocrinologist and Fertility Specialist from CReATe Centre, Dr. Prati Sharma, and Gynecologist at Sunnybrook Hospital, Dr. Grace Liu, to address and answer questions on the topic of endometriosis.

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Is there a link between endometriosis and fertility?

Yes, endometriosis can affect all aspects of getting pregnant.  Endometriosis affects the ability to ovulate, egg quality and growth. In addition, inflammation due to endometriosis can affect implantation when trying to get pregnant. It is also noted that pregnant women with this condition have higher rates of miscarriage or threatened preterm labour.

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What will my pregnancy be like with endometriosis?

In general, most preganant women do well in the first trimester with endometriosis. Often, pregnancy can have a suppressive effect on endometriosis; the individual may experience less symptoms. The second trimester is dependant on the the severity of the individual’s condition; there is no gurantee that symptoms will improve. 

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How will endometriosis affect my ability to give birth?

Endometriosis should not affect an individual’s pelvis or how to deliver, however, there may be issues if the patient does not have a successful VBAC as the C-Section may be complicated.

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Are there any risks or complications during pregnancy and birth with endometriosis?

A few risks may be:

• Threatened preterm labour
• Premature ruptured membranes
• Preterm birth
• Decrease placenta function 
• Increased miscarriage 
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Can I freeze my eggs with endometriosis?

Yes, it may be recommended to freeze your eggs depending on the situation. A few motivating factors may be age, level of disease etc. 

To learn more about endometriosis and fertility, visit our resource page at www.treehousecommunity.ca/resources.