Treating Endometriosis at Medfem Fertility Clinic

Understanding endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus, called the endometrium, grows outside the uterine cavity. This ectopic tissue can implant on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, the outer surface of the uterus, and other organs within the pelvis. These growths can cause inflammation, scarring, and adhesions, leading to chronic pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, and infertility.

Endometriosis is often classified into four stages (I to IV) based on the extent of the disease, with Stage I being minimal and Stage IV being severe. However, the severity of symptoms does not always correlate with the stage of the disease. Some women with mild endometriosis experience severe symptoms, while others with advanced disease may have few or no symptoms.

The impact of endometriosis on fertility

Endometriosis can significantly affect a woman’s fertility in several ways:

1. Anatomical distortion: The scarring and adhesions caused by endometriosis can distort the reproductive organs, particularly the fallopian tubes and ovaries, making it difficult for the egg to travel from the ovary to the uterus.

2. Ovarian reserve: Endometriosis can reduce the ovarian reserve, which refers to the number of eggs a woman has. This is particularly true in cases where endometriomas (cysts caused by endometriosis) are present on the ovaries.

3. Embryo implantation: The inflammatory environment caused by endometriosis can impair the ability of an embryo to implant in the uterine lining.

4. Egg quality: Endometriosis may also affect the quality of the eggs produced by the ovaries, reducing the likelihood of fertilisation and successful pregnancy.

Given these challenges, it is essential for women with endometriosis who are trying to conceive to seek specialised care from a fertility clinic with extensive experience in treating this condition.

Medfem’s approach to treating endometriosis

At Medfem Fertility Clinic, we take a multidisciplinary approach to treating endometriosis, focusing on both alleviating symptoms and enhancing fertility.

Our treatment plans are tailored to the individual needs of each patient, taking into account the severity of the disease, the patient’s symptoms, and her fertility goals.

1. Comprehensive diagnosis

The first step in treating endometriosis at Medfem Fertility Clinic is a thorough diagnosis. This typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, imaging studies (such as ultrasound or MRI), and sometimes laparoscopy—a minimally invasive surgical procedure that allows direct visualisation of the pelvic organs.

2. Medical management

For women with mild to moderate endometriosis who are not trying to conceive, medical management may be the first line of treatment. This can include hormonal therapies that suppress ovulation and menstruation, thereby reducing the growth of endometriotic tissue and alleviating pain. Common treatments include:

– Oral Contraceptives: These can be used to regulate menstruation and reduce menstrual flow and pain.
– Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) Agonists: These drugs induce a temporary menopausal state, reducing estrogen levels and, consequently, the size and number of endometriotic lesions.
– Progestins and Danazol: These hormones suppress the growth of endometrial tissue.

3. Surgical treatment

For women with severe endometriosis, or those for whom medical management has not been effective, surgery may be recommended. The goal of surgery is to remove as much endometriotic tissue as possible while preserving fertility. This is typically done via laparoscopy, which is a minimally invasive procedure.

At Medfem Fertility Clinic, our fertility specialists are skilled in advanced laparoscopic techniques, allowing for precise removal of endometriotic lesions with minimal damage to surrounding tissues. This surgery can significantly improve fertility outcomes, especially when combined with fertility treatments like in vitro fertilisation (IVF).

4. Fertility treatment options

For women with endometriosis who are trying to conceive, fertility treatments are often necessary. Medfem Fertility Clinic offers a range of options tailored to the unique needs of each patient:

– Ovulation induction and Intrauterine Insemination (IUI): For women with mild endometriosis and no significant anatomical distortions, ovulation induction combined with IUI may be an effective first step. This involves stimulating the ovaries to produce multiple eggs, followed by placing washed sperm directly into the uterus to facilitate fertilisation.

– In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF): IVF is often recommended for women with moderate to severe endometriosis, especially if other treatments have been unsuccessful. During IVF, eggs are retrieved from the ovaries and fertilised with sperm in the laboratory. The resulting embryos are then transferred to the uterus.

At Medfem Fertility Clinic, we use advanced IVF techniques to maximise the chances of success for women with endometriosis. These include preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) to select the healthiest embryos and specialised protocols to optimise the uterine environment for implantation.

– Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET): In some cases, it may be beneficial to freeze embryos and transfer them in a subsequent cycle when the uterine environment is more favourable. This approach can be particularly useful for women with endometriosis, as it allows time for the uterus to recover from the effects of ovarian stimulation.

5. Managing associated conditions

Endometriosis is often associated with other conditions that can affect fertility, such as adenomyosis (when the endometrial tissue grows into the muscle of the uterus) and fibroids. At Medfem Fertility Clinic, we routinely screen for and treat these conditions as part of our comprehensive approach to fertility care. This may involve surgical treatment or medical management to optimise the chances of a successful pregnancy.

6. Lifestyle and supportive therapies

In addition to medical and surgical treatments, we emphasise the importance of lifestyle modifications and supportive therapies in managing endometriosis and improving fertility. This can include dietary changes, exercise, and stress management techniques. Chronic stress, in particular, is known to exacerbate the symptoms of endometriosis and impact fertility negatively.

Medfem Fertility Clinic also offers counselling services to help patients cope with the emotional challenges of endometriosis and fertility treatment. Our experienced psychologist provides support and guidance throughout the fertility journey, helping to reduce stress and improve overall well-being.

Where to get the right endometriosis treatment

Endometriosis is a challenging condition that requires expert care, particularly when fertility is a concern.

At Medfem Fertility Clinic, we provide comprehensive, personalised care to women with endometriosis, helping them to achieve their dream of parenthood. Through a combination of advanced medical treatments, skilled surgical interventions, and holistic support, we offer hope and effective solutions to those affected by this condition.

If you are struggling with endometriosis and are concerned about your fertility, we invite you to schedule a consultation with one of our specialists at Medfem Fertility Clinic.
Our team is here to guide you through every step of your journey to parenthood with compassion, expertise, and cutting-edge care.

At Medfem we believe in helping you reach your family dream through:

.: World-Class Fertility for Everyone – we believe in making world-class fertility treatments available for everyone
.: A Positive Fertility Journey – It is our joy and commitment to give you a positive outcome to your fertility journey
.: Delivered With Empathy & Caring – So you may have a fond memory, of a feeling of empathy, caring and being part of the Medfem family

You can meet one of our fertility specialists at Medfem Fertility Clinic by simply clicking here to book an initial consultation or contact us telephonically on +27 (11) 463 2244.

Our Fertility Specialists can also meet with you during a virtual consultation via Zoom or Skype. Click here to book a virtual consultation now.

We look forward to meeting you at Medfem Fertility Clinic!