Surrogacy and Endometriosis: Infertility Solutions and Options

Surrogacy and Endometriosis: What to Know About Infertility and Surrogacy Options.

Endometriosis is a disorder affecting many women globally, especially those of reproductive age. Endometriosis is well-known to cause major pain and difficulties, however, one of the most severe effects of the disorder is infertility. If you have endometriosis and find yourself wondering whether you can have children, it’s crucial to know how this disorder influences fertility and what choices—including surrogacy—are accessible to assist in the building of your family.

Common questions for those with this disorder include, “can you get pregnant if you have endometriosis?” This article will address these concerns and explain the link between endometriosis and fertility. Additionally, this article will discuss surrogacy as a successful alternative for people suffering from infertility resulting from endometriosis.

What is Endometriosis?

The disorder known as endometriosis results from tissue resembling the endometrium, the lining of the uterus, growing outside the uterus. In the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and closest pelvic tissues, this abnormal development can cause pain, inflammation, and scar tissue formation. Although it is still unknown why women develop endometriosis, for many women it is a major factor for infertility.

Will Endometriosis Affect Fertility? Understanding the Link

Women diagnosed with endometriosis sometimes worry about how the disorder may affect their fertility. Studies have demonstrated many ways in which endometriosis could harm fertility:

1.     Blocked Fallopian Tubes: Severe forms of endometriosis may produce scar tissue blocking the fallopian tubes, therefore preventing the egg from reaching the uterus.
2.     Inflammation: An embryo’s implantation can be affected in the reproductive organs by inflammation.
3.     Poor Egg Quality: A common question for those with endometriosis is, “does endometriosis affect egg quality?” The disorder can affect the quality of the produced eggs, thereby lowering the possibility of successful fertilization.
4.     Hormonal Imbalances: Endometriosis can also produce hormonal abnormalities that influence ovulation, therefore impairing a natural pregnancy.

Endometriosis and Infertility Rates

Studies reveal that up to 30-50% of women with endometriosis experience infertility. Thus, about half of all women diagnosed with the disorder could find it difficult to conceive. But exactly how different are the fertility rates of women with endometriosis versus women without the disorder? According to statistics, the endometriosis fertility rate is lower than that of women without the disorder; moreover, the more severe the stage of endometriosis is, the more difficult conception may be.

Those with moderate to severe endometriosis may find it much more difficult to get pregnant, while women with minor endometriosis may still conceive naturally. For some women, assisted reproductive technologies (ART), including surrogacy and in vitro fertilization (IVF), could offer the best opportunity for a successful pregnancy.

Chances of Pregnancy with Endometriosis

What are the chances of getting pregnant with endometriosis? The level of the problem and whether any interventions or therapies are used determine the probability of pregnancy with endometriosis.

Though many times, it may take longer than those without the disorder, women with mild to moderate endometriosis can conceive naturally. For patients with advanced endometriosis—that is stage 4 endometriosis—natural conception becomes far more difficult. If you have been trying unsuccessfully to conceive, it may be time to discuss alternative solutions with your doctor. Surrogacy or other fertility treatments are some options to consider.

How to Get Pregnant with Endometriosis

If you do have endometriosis, you might be asking, “how do you get pregnant with endometriosis?” or, “how hard is it to get pregnant with endometriosis?” Depending on the severity of the disorder, there are numerous ways to raise the likelihood of conception:

1.     Fertility Medications: Some women may benefit from drugs meant to induce ovulation.
2.     Surgical Treatment: For women experiencing reproductive endo infertility, surgery may be a choice to remove blockages or scar tissue, possibly increasing fertility.
3.     In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): Often advised for women with endometriosis and fertility issues, especially if other therapies have failed, in vitro fertilization (IVF) is a viable solution.
4.     Surrogacy: For women with severe cases or several failed IVF efforts, surrogacy becomes an extremely acceptable choice.

Surrogacy: A Solution for Women with Endometriosis

For many women whose infertility is caused by endometriosis, surrogacy offers a promising solution. Through gestational surrogacy, a surrogate carries a baby conceived via IVF using the genetic material of the intended parents or donors. Partnering with a trusted surrogacy agency like Northwest Surrogacy Center provides comprehensive support—medical, legal, and emotional—ensuring a smoother journey and maximizing the chances of success.

If you’ve faced challenges with fertility treatments due to endometriosis, surrogacy could be the ideal path to starting or growing your family.

Why Choose Surrogacy for Infertility Related to Endometriosis?

Surrogacy is an incredible option for women who have tried and failed other fertility procedures without success. Women with endometriosis-related infertility may find surrogacy to be the best option for several reasons:

1.     Bypassing the Uterus: Surrogacy lets the intended parents have a child free from the hazards linked to a damaged uterus. This is relevant in the cases where endometriosis affects the uterus and makes it difficult or impossible for a woman to carry a baby.
2.     Improved Chances of a Successful Pregnancy: Surrogacy offers women with endometriosis who are unable to carry a pregnancy, the opportunity to have a child genetically related to them.
3.     Emotional and Physical Relief Women with severe endometriosis often face the dual challenges of physical pain and the emotional impact of infertility. Surrogacy offers a path to parenthood, allowing them to experience the joy of having a child without the physical demands of carrying the pregnancy themselves.

Can Endometriosis Affect Pregnancy?

Women with endometriosis who do become pregnant may wonder, “can endometriosis affect pregnancy?”  Those with endometriosis who can conceive must be aware that the pregnancy runs risks.

1. Increased Risk of Miscarriage

• Hormonal Imbalances: Endometriosis is associated with hormonal disruptions that can affect the maintenance of early pregnancy, increasing the risk of miscarriage.
• Immune System Factors: Altered immune responses in women with endometriosis may lead to an increased likelihood of the body rejecting the embryo.

2. Higher Incidence of Pregnancy Complications

• Preeclampsia: Women with endometriosis have a higher risk of developing preeclampsia, a condition characterized by high blood pressure and potential damage to other organs, usually occurring after the 20th week of pregnancy.
• Placental Issues: There is an elevated risk of placental previa (where the placenta covers the cervix) and placental abruption (where the placenta detaches from the uterine wall prematurely), both of which can pose serious risks to both mother and baby.
• Preterm Birth: Endometriosis is linked to an increased likelihood of preterm labor and delivery, which can result in premature birth and associated health complications for the baby.

3. Delivery Complications

• Cesarean Section (C-Section): Women with endometriosis are more likely to require a C-section due to factors like pelvic adhesions, anatomical changes, or complications arising from pregnancy.
• Labor Difficulties: Scar tissue and anatomical alterations caused by endometriosis can make vaginal delivery more challenging, potentially necessitating surgical interventions.

4. Postpartum Challenges

• Chronic Pain: Even after delivery, women with endometriosis may continue to experience chronic pelvic pain and discomfort, which can affect postpartum recovery and overall well-being.
• Emotional and Psychological Impact: The stress of managing endometriosis symptoms alongside pregnancy and postpartum responsibilities can take a toll on mental health, increasing the risk of anxiety and depression.

5. Impact on Fetal Development

• Growth Restrictions: There is some evidence suggesting that endometriosis may be associated with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), where the baby does not grow to a normal weight during pregnancy.

6. Management and Monitoring Challenges

• Complex Medical Care: Pregnancies in women with endometriosis often require more intensive monitoring and specialized medical care to manage the increased risks and ensure the health of both mother and baby.
• Medication Management: Certain medications used to treat endometriosis may need to be adjusted or discontinued during pregnancy, necessitating careful coordination with healthcare providers.

While many women with endometriosis can achieve successful pregnancies, the condition can introduce a range of challenges that require careful management and specialized care. If you have endometriosis and are considering pregnancy, it is essential to work closely with a healthcare team, including fertility specialists and obstetricians, to navigate these potential difficulties and optimize outcomes for both you and your baby.

Considering Surrogacy?

At Northwest Surrogacy Center, we bring over 30 years of expertise to supporting families navigating infertility. For intended parents facing fertility challenges or the physical difficulties of endometriosis, surrogacy offers a path to having a biological child. Whether you’re at the beginning of your fertility journey or have already undergone surgery or treatments, surrogacy provides clarity and hope for the future.

Are you struggling with endometriosis and infertility? Discover how surrogacy can help you build the family you’ve always dreamed of. Contact us at Northwest Surrogacy Center for compassionate guidance and expert support.