Can I have children with endometriosis?

Women with endometriosis can have children, but may need medical intervention to improve their chances of conceiving. Treatments include medication, surgery, and assisted reproductive technology, depending on the severity of the disease and the individual patient.

1. Drug therapy is the basic treatment for endometriosis. It inhibits the growth of ectopic endometrium through hormone regulation, relieves symptoms and increases the chance of conception. Commonly used drugs include oral contraceptives, GnRH agonists and progesterone. Oral contraceptives relieve symptoms by inhibiting ovulation and reducing menstrual volume; GnRH agonists inhibit endometrial growth by reducing estrogen levels; progesterone acts directly on the endometrium to inhibit its proliferation. These drugs need to be used under the guidance of a doctor, and the efficacy and side effects should be monitored regularly.

2. Surgical treatment is suitable for patients with severe symptoms or ineffective drug treatment. The purpose is to remove ectopic lesions, restore the normal anatomical structure of the pelvis, and improve the pregnancy rate. Common surgical methods include laparoscopic surgery and laparotomy. Laparoscopic surgery is the preferred method because it is less invasive and has a quick recovery; laparotomy is suitable for complex cases or lesions that cannot be treated by laparoscopy. After surgery, drug treatment is required to prevent recurrence, and assisted reproductive technology should be considered according to the situation.

3. Assisted reproductive technology is an important choice for patients with endometriosis to have children, mainly including artificial insemination and in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer. Artificial insemination is suitable for patients with mild endometriosis, and the chance of pregnancy is increased by injecting processed sperm directly into the uterine cavity; in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer is suitable for patients with moderate to severe endometriosis or those who are ineffective with surgery or drug treatment, and pregnancy is achieved by transplanting embryos into the uterus after in vitro fertilization. Assisted reproductive technology needs to be performed in a professional reproductive center, and the success rate is affected by many factors.

Endometriosis patients need to consider factors such as their condition, age, and reproductive needs to develop an individualized treatment plan. It is recommended to seek medical treatment as early as possible and receive treatment under the guidance of a doctor. At the same time, maintain a good attitude and a healthy lifestyle to increase the chance of conception and the success rate of pregnancy. Regular follow-up and monitoring are the key to ensuring treatment effectiveness and preventing recurrence.