Fertility struggles can be a challenging and emotional journey for many couples. Adenomyosis, a condition where the tissue lining the uterus starts to grow into the muscular wall, can further complicate the path to conception.
Does adenomyosis affect fertility?
Adenomyosis initiates when the natural boundary between the internal and middle layers of the uterus is disrupted, leading to the growth of endometrial tissue within the uterine walls. Individuals with this condition often encounter symptoms such as heavy periods, pain, and lower abdominal fullness. These symptoms can disrupt the normal conception process, making the implantation of the zygote challenging and compromising adequate uterine support for the developing fetus. Consequently, this heightened difficulty increases the risk of miscarriage and premature birth.
Infertility in adenomyosis
Adenomyosis presents certain symptoms that serve as potential indicators of infertility. The foremost and most important of these is experiencing a painful period. Pain serves as a sign of inflammation, and where inflammation occurs, scar tissue formation follows. The inflamed uterus poses a challenge for the easy implantation of a fertilized egg.
Another notable symptom of adenomyosis is heavy bleeding, often indicative of hormonal imbalance that significantly impacts physiological processes crucial for pregnancy. Additionally, the globally enlarged uterus, a consequence of the presence of endometrial tissue within the uterine wall, adversely affects normal implantation.
Risk Factors for Adenomyosis-Related Fertility Issues
Several factors increase the likelihood of adenomyosis affecting fertility. These are:
- having a history of pelvic infections
- endometriosis
- previous uterine surgery raises the risk
- multiple miscarriages
- age 35 years or more
Certain lifestyle factors can contribute too. Smoking and having a high body mass index (BMI) may make it harder for women with adenomyosis to get pregnant or sustain a pregnancy.
It’s essential to understand that not all women with adenomyosis will experience fertility problems. For those who do, there are various treatment options, including medication, surgery, and assisted reproductive technologies like in vitro fertilization (IVF).
How to get pregnant with adenomyosis naturally?
Lifestyle Modifications:
Adenomyosis diet: Adopting a nutrient-rich, balanced diet is crucial for overall health and fertility. Include a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins in your daily meals. Antioxidant-rich foods such as berries, leafy greens, and nuts can help combat oxidative stress associated with adenomyosis.
Eating lots of fresh vegetables: Add more veggies in the diet, especially cruciferous ones like cauliflowers, radish, and turnips. These are rich in antioxidants, which fight inflammation caused by adenomyosis.
Don’t skip fruits: Despite concerns about sugar, fruits provide essential vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. Berries, in particular, are excellent for their antioxidant properties. Include two servings of fruit daily for a healthy diet.
Include grains and carbs: Contrary to some advice, don’t cut out grains and carbs completely. They are essential for energy and meeting fiber needs. Opt for whole grains like brown rice, wholemeal pasta, and quinoa.
Incorporate healthy fat: Healthy fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E, can help manage pain. Include foods like avocados, nuts, seeds, oily fish, and extra virgin olive oil in your diet.
Cut down on saturated fats and excess sugars: Research suggests that foods high in saturated fats can trigger inflammation. Minimize foods like butter, coconut oil products, ghee, fried items, and sugary treats to manage inflammatory responses associated with adenomyosis.
Maintain a Healthy Weight:
Maintaining a healthy weight is essential for fertility. Both underweight and overweight conditions can negatively impact reproductive function. Achieving a healthy BMI through regular exercise and a balanced diet can improve hormonal balance and enhance fertility.
Regular Exercise:
Engaging in regular physical activity is beneficial for fertility and overall well-being. Exercise helps regulate hormones, improve blood flow to the reproductive organs, and reduce stress. Opt for activities you enjoy, such as walking, swimming, or yoga, and aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.
Adenomyosis treatment for fertility
The treatment approach for adenomyosis-related fertility problems may involve a combination of medical and surgical interventions. It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice based on an individual’s specific situation. Here are some general treatment options:
Pain Management:
Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or naproxen may help manage pain associated with adenomyosis. Prescription medications, such as hormonal therapies, may be recommended by doctors to control pain and reduce inflammation.
Hormonal Therapies:
Hormonal treatments like birth control pills, hormonal IUDs (intrauterine devices), or progestin therapy may help regulate menstrual bleeding and reduce symptoms. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists may be prescribed to induce a temporary menopause-like state, suppressing estrogen production and reducing adenomyosis symptoms.
Fertility Treatments:
If adenomyosis is affecting fertility, fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) may be considered. IVF involves retrieving eggs, fertilizing them outside the body, and then transferring the embryos into the uterus.
Surgery:
In some cases, surgery may be recommended to remove adenomyosis-affected tissue. This can be done through a procedure called adenomyomectomy. In severe cases or when fertility is not a concern, a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) may be considered.
3-D Precision Guided Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE):
3-D Precision Guided UAE is a minimally invasive procedure where tiny particles are injected into the blood vessels supplying the uterus, cutting off the blood flow to the adenomyosis-affected tissue.
Dr. Imtiaz Ahmad, an expert endovascular surgeon and interventional radiologist, is the pioneer of this procedure in Pakistan. With extensive experience in treating fertility issues in both males and females, he has played a crucial role in helping numerous couples realize their dream of starting a family. Dr. Ahmad is committed to the principle of utilizing minimally invasive technology in his practice, emphasizing a patient-centric approach to provide effective and compassionate care.
For further assistance email us at at info@drimtiazahmad.com. Follow us on Instagram @Profdr_imtiaz_ahmad for daily updates.
