Endometriosis can make conception difficult for couples in Tucson

Many women are aware of how painful endometriosis can be, especially during their periods.  Although cramping can be normal during a menstrual bleed, the patient with endometriosis can have severe pain during her period.  Pelvic pain is a common side effect of endometriosis as is difficulty conceiving a baby (in Tucson).

[videoplay autoplay=”0″ videourl=’https://ivftucson.com/clips/vid1.mp4′ cssclass=’myclassVideo’]

For pregnancy to happen, an egg must release from the ovary,  and make its way through a fallopian tube where it is fertilized by a sperm cell.  Unfortunately, endometriosis can cause an obstruction to the tube and prevent the uniting of the egg and sperm. It can also damage the egg as it travels from the ovary through the pelvis and into the fallopian tube.

Dr. Scot Hutchison, along with his sister Holly, opened Reproductive Health Center in Tucson back in 1995. Known for his compassion and down-to-earth friendliness with his patients, Dr. Hutchison’s goal has always been to help patients achieve the birth of a healthy child. In addition to traditional medicinal practices, Dr. Hutchison also uses a holistic approach to patient care. Diet, exercise, a wellness plan, and other life-balance skills are often included in any course of treatment.

How do I know if I have endometriosis?

Only a detailed physical examination and evaluation by Dr. Hutchison will determine if you have endometriosis, but there are general symptoms of the disease. These include pelvic pain and cramping that begins before your period, along with low back and abdominal pain. Additionally, pain during and after sexual relations, painful urination or bowel movements, and heavy periods or bleeding between periods can all be signs of endometriosis.

If I am diagnosed with endometriosis, does than mean I can never conceive?

Studies show that 33 to 50 percent of women with endometriosis will have a difficult time conceiving. But, they can become pregnant and carry a pregnancy to full term.

What can Dr. Hutchison do to treat my endometriosis?

If you are having difficulty conceiving with endometriosis in Tucson, and are mainly concerned about pain relief, Dr. Hutchison can prescribe hormonal medications that will inhibit the growth of endometrial tissue. This treatment will prevent you from conceiving.  If you are wanting to conceive, a course of therapy that includes restricting the growth of endometriosis, an anti-inflammatory diet, and exercise will be prescribed before attempting either IUI or IVF. Laparoscopy,  a surgical procedure that removes endometrial tissue in the pelvis and around the ovaries may be performed if the pain of endometriosis is severe.  Dr. Hutchison’s most recommended treatment for patients with endometriosis and infertility is IVF (in vitro fertilization). This procedure bypasses the affected pelvic organs, ovaries and fallopian tubes fertilizing the eggs in the lab and forming embryos which are then transferred  directly into the uterus. Even though performing IVF does not alleviate pain or other symptoms of endometriosis, it gives a patient the best chance of having a successful pregnancy. And, while pregnant, you won’t have periods and consequently you won’t have the pain. After delivery, Dr. Hutchison will prescribe a lifestyle plan that will help alleviate symptoms of endometriosis.

If you suspect or know that endometriosis is causing you to have problems conceiving, schedule a consultation with Dr. Scot Hutchison at his state-of-the-art offices and laboratory facility. Simply complete and submit our online appointment request form, or call the Reproductive Health Center at 520-733-0083.