Can a woman get pregnant with endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a disease in which endometrial cells (the inner layer of the uterus) proliferate outside the cavity. This, in turn, provokes an inflammatory process and the formation of scars. Endometriosis becomes a cause of infertility if the tissue proliferates and affects not only the genitals but also other organs (intestines, digestive tract, urogenital system, etc.). According to the WHO, in 2021, the pathology was diagnosed in 10% of women of reproductive age, which has led to the increasing popularity of the surrogacy programme.

Causes and symptoms of endometriosis

The key reason for endometriosis is a hormonal imbalance in the body. Other factors can also stimulate the growth of endometrial tissue:

• Metaplasia of cells, in which one type of cell is replaced by cells of another type;
• Pathological change of stem cells, which then spread throughout the body through the lymph and blood;
• An increase in oestrogen levels, which provokes the development of inflammation.

Women who have previously had abortions, injuries to the genitourinary organs, or taken hormonal contraceptives regularly to prevent pregnancy are at risk. The clinical picture is represented by menstrual disorders, enlarged uterus, bloating, digestive problems, decreased fertility, copious discharge (sometimes leading to anaemia). There may be pain during coitus, urination and defecation.

Can a woman get pregnant if she has endometriosis?

Yes, it is possible. Moreover, scientists have determined that getting pregnant not only reduces the development of the disease, but may also eliminate it completely. In 85% of cases, a woman will conceive and carry a healthy child even with this diagnosis.

Medical and psychological support

Providing quality medical screening is difficult, but an agency with a good reputation will do it without any problems. Professionals must ensure that participants are physically and emotionally healthy and that they recognise the task ahead of them. Both the future parents and the surrogate mother should be examined. This includes confirming the diagnosis, identifying health problems, analysing the results, and issuing certificates and conclusions. Equally important is the provision of psychological support at all stages of the programme.

When it comes to surrogacy, the issue resolves itself. The biological mother undergoes a stimulation procedure and biomaterial sampling, after which all interventions into her body are completed. If the endometriosis has reached an extremely severe stage, an operation may be necessary. This will remove the remains of the abnormal tissue, adhesions and cysts, while maintaining the patency of the Fallopian tubes. After the operation, the woman should have regular check-ups (including assessment of sex hormone levels), normalise her diet and lifestyle and limit physical activity and stress.

How to diagnose and treat endometriosis?

Endometriosis can be diagnosed by collecting its medical history, gynaecological examination, colposcopy, hysteroscopy, hormonal analysis, ultrasound, CT scan and cytology. There is no unified protocol for the treatment of the disease. The standard option is to take medication, which is effective in the early stages. They inhibit the activity of the endometrium in the foci of pathology and also stop the pain syndrome. If this does not work, a surgical procedure in the form of a laparoscopy is used. The operation does not require a deep incision, is guaranteed and has a minimal complication rate.

We conclude that endometriosis, although it poses a reproductive risk, does not exclude the possibility of conceiving. If this option is unsuitable, we propose the use of a surrogacy service in a special clinic.