Endometriosis can increase the risk of miscarriage by causing problems in the reproductive system. Unexplained infertility can originate from endometriosis even when there are no symptoms, affecting the body’s ability to maintain a pregnancy. Here are some ways this health condition contributes to pregnancy loss:
Hormonal Imbalances
The proper levels of estrogen and progesterone prepare and maintain a stable uterine lining. If these hormones are imbalanced due to endometriosis, the uterine lining may become unsupportive, failing to sustain the embryo and increasing the risk of pregnancy loss. An embryo cannot be implanted if the endometrium is not thick enough due to an excess of estrogen. Low progesterone affects blood flow to the developing embryo, further compromising its growth and heightening the possibility of a miscarriage.
A fertility specialist may help regulate hormones by prescribing hormone therapy and monitoring how a patient responds to treatment. Some medications lower estrogen production, reducing inflammation and creating a favorable environment for carrying a pregnancy to term. Progesterone supplements may help the uterine lining become more stable to enhance the chances of successful embryo implantation.
Persistent Inflammation
Endometriosis causes long-lasting inflammation in the pelvic area, releasing chemicals that inhibit embryo growth. These substances may harm the embryo, increasing the risk of losing the pregnancy. Due to the pain and swelling, the immune system may fight the embryo because it perceives it as something foreign, which can lead to miscarriage. The body rejects the pregnancy due to poor coordination between the immune system and the embryo.
Constant inflammation may affect the development of a placenta that supplies nutrients and oxygen to the embryo. If this organ isn’t functioning well, the embryo won’t receive any nourishment, contributing to a miscarriage. A fertility doctor may perform procedures like laparoscopy to remove scar tissue that contributes to swelling and unexplained infertility among women. They also prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs to manage the pain and inflammation that comes with this reproductive health condition.
Damaged Reproductive Organs
As the endometrial tissue grows, it forms scars and adhesions in and around reproductive organs. Adhesions may develop around fallopian tubes, damaging them and stopping eggs from traveling to or implanting in the uterus. This increases the risk of infertility and recurring pregnancy loss. Endometriosis can cause ovarian cysts, which create lesions and reduce egg quantity, affecting fertility.
Scarring can change the structure of the uterus, making it harder for the embryo to attach in the right place, causing the pregnancy to end early. If there are infections in the uterus due to this health issue, the resulting damage can create a poor environment for embryos to grow. If the cervix has underlying health issues, it opens before the embryo is fully developed, leading to early labor and miscarriage.
Reduced Egg Quality
The presence of endometriosis damages ovaries, reducing the number of healthy eggs available for fertilization. When fertilized eggs are of poor quality, they result in embryos with too many or too few chromosomes, which may contribute to pregnancy risks and losses. Low-quality eggs can fail to grow properly after fertilization, which means they won’t survive, leading to premature pregnancy loss.
An embryo made from a poor-quality egg could experience challenges attaching to the uterine lining, meaning the pregnancy won’t continue. When the egg viability is compromised, a fertility doctor may suggest IVF, which allows fertilization to take place outside the womb. IVF specialists test and assess the number and quality of eggs to determine whether this is a suitable treatment option.
Get Tested for Unexplained Infertility
Since endometriosis is one of the root causes of unexplained infertility, you can get tested to understand whether the condition is affecting your health. After you get your results, fertility specialists prescribe medications or perform surgery to manage your symptoms. To begin your journey toward becoming a parent, visit a trusted fertility clinic today to get tested for endometriosis.
