Endometriosis is a common cause of infertility. It was the reason it took us 6 years to conceive our first child. The condition occurs when the lining of the uterus, typically shed during the menstrual cycle, grows outside the uterus. In most cases, endometriosis is found on the reproductive organs, including the outside of the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries.
Endometriosis is a progressive condition. The problem grows more serious with each passing menstrual cycle. When you bleed during your cycle, the tissue on the outside of the uterus bleeds as well, causing scar tissue. For this reason, the earlier the condition is treated, the more likely you will be to conceive successfully.
Endometriosis is diagnosed via laparoscope. In some cases, treatment for endometriosis is started at the same time it is diagnosed, with the surgeon removing adhesions and cysts at the same time. This is what was done in my case. In more serious cases, more than one surgery may be needed.
There are also hormonal treatments for endometriosis. These include hormonal birth control pills and medications that block gonadotropin releasing hormones. In most cases, these treatments are not used in lieu of surgery. Most of the time, the hormonal treatment is started after surgery.
One method that has been used with success for many years is a class of drugs known as gonadotropin releasing hormone antagonists. There are several different medications available in this class, most given by injection. The one I was given is called Lupron. The drug simulates menopause and the idea is to shrink the remaining endometrial tissue by cutting off the supply of estrogen in the body. It tends to work well. (Says the woman who now has four children!)
Lupron treatment involves monthly injections for a specific period of time, in my case six months. The drug is usually given in the doctor’s office and treatment starts within a couple days of the beginning of your cycle. This is done to be sure you are not already pregnant before you are given the injection. Some women experience some spotting about two weeks after beginning the treatment and periods will completely stop in about a month or two.
When taking gonadotropin releasing hormone antagonists, such as Lupron, you may experience symptoms typically associated with menopause. These include hot flashes, night sweats and mood changes. In fact, it is basically a simulated menopause, so it makes sense that these side effects occur with the changes in hormone levels.
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