Frequently Asked Questions

What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is the growth of endometrial tissue, which normally lines the uterus, in other parts of the body. Endometriosis typically grows in the abdominal cavity and most often attaches to the ovaries, fallopian tubes, outer surface of the uterus, bowels, or other abdominal organs. Endometriosis growths, called implants or lesions, often bleed during menstruation, causing pain. They may also develop scar tissue (adhesions) that can interfere with an organ's normal function. Scar tissue can also cause pain and difficulty becoming pregnant (infertility). The diagnosis of endometriosis is usually made by ultrasound and is verified by surgery through a procedure called laparoscopy. Endometriosis can be treated with medicines or with surgery to remove implants and scar tissue.

  1. What are the symptoms?

    Endometriosis is an enigmatic disease; some women have no symptoms or problems whereas some women may have severe pelvic pain or cramping. Some women may go on to develop infertility as a result of the endometriosis. There is no way to predict whether endometriosis will get worse, will improve, or will stay the same until menopause.
     
  2. Does Endometriosis cause infertility?

    Some women who are infertile have endometriosis (some have more than one possible cause of infertility). Experts do not fully understand how endometriosis causes infertility. Explanations include the following. Scar tissue (adhesions) may form at the sites of implants and change the shape or function of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or uterus.
     
  3. Treatments?

    Infertility caused by endometriosis can sometimes be successfully treated with surgery, fertility drug treatment and assisted reproduction. The common forms of assisted reproduction include intrauterine insemination or in vitro fertilization.

Frequently Asked Infertility Questions

  1. I have been diagnosed with blocked tubes. Is there any way I can get pregnant?

    Yes. In vitro fertilization is effective in overcoming a variety of infertility problems relating to blocked or tied fallopian tubes. Surgery to open the tubes may be another alternative treatment.
     
  2. I am 40 years old. Am I too old to get pregnant?

    A simple blood test can be done to predict your ovarian reserve. If you cannot produce quality eggs, but you can carry the pregnancy to term, our egg donor program is an option for you.
     
  3. My period is irregular and unpredictable. Can I have a baby?

    Y
    es. Irregular periods may suggest a hormone imbalance. Our board-certified physicians are trained to treat these conditions.
     
  4. I have no problem getting pregnant, but I have had many miscarriages, can an R.E. help me?

    T
    here are many causes of miscarriage; some may be treated by a reproductive endocrinologist. PGD may be recommended to test the embryos before transferring them into the uterus.
     
  5. My husband had a vasectomy. Is there any way we can have a baby?

    The sperm can be retrieved during a simple office procedure and injected into eggs to achieve fertilization. The resulting embryos are transferred into the uterus for implantation and pregnancy.



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