A 2017 study of women undergoing IVF analyzed the role of using the BCL6 protein marker to predict IVF success rates. BCL6 is highly associated with inflammatory conditions of the uterus, most often endometriosis, None of the patients were treated. The study showed that those testing positive and left untreated had less than a 12% chance of success on their next embryo transfer while those testing negative had a 65% chance of a successful transfer suggesting the predictive value of BCL6 for endometriosis and infertility.
Endometriosis in women makes it difficult for them to conceive naturally and can affect pregnancy. For many women, it can be the leading cause of infertility, but unfortunately it is often missed by doctors for a variety of reasons including minimal or no symptoms (asymptomatic), some symptoms like painful sex or heavy periods mistaken for other common causes, and a declining use in surgical laporoscopy, the definitive method in diagnosing endometriosis. Statistically it takes 7-10 years to be diagnosed with endometriosis in this country.According to The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), about 4 in 10 infertile women have endometriosis. While some women with endometriosis may get pregnant, their condition increases the risk of complications during pregnancy. For instance, women have a 60% increased risk of miscarriage if pregnant with active endometriosis,
Endometriosis Explained
Endometriosis is a condition where tissues similar to the uterine lining grow in other areas outside the uterus. Common areas include the pelvic lining, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. Depending on where the tissue grows, it can cause scarring, force tissues to stick together, affect the ovulation cycle, and impede implantation.
Here are some of the common symptoms of endometriosis :
- Pelvic pain
- Irregular, heavy, or painful menses
- Pain when passing stool or urine
- Bloating
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
Endometriosis: Effects on Fertility
In general, Endometriosis makes it harder for one to get and STAY pregnant. . The condition can have various effects on the process of conception depending on where it is is growing and at what stage, For instance, endometriosis can make it harder for an egg to travel to meet the sperm and can interfere with the embryo’s ability to implant in the womb.Other common effects of endometriosis on fertility include:
Cysts
Endometriosis growth in the ovary can form cysts. Ovarian cysts engulf the follicle, blocking egg release for fertilization. The growth can occur in the fallopian tube, impeding the passage of healthy eggs into the uterus. Such events can result in fertility problems.
Egg Quality
Women with endometriosis often have scar tissue around their reproductive organs and tracts. Heavy scar tissue presence can compromise blood flow within the ovaries and uterine wall. One’s organs will receive a lower oxygen supply, affecting their ability to perform optimally. Insufficient blood supply to the ovaries may affect egg production. Women with endometriosis may have a lower egg count and a reduction in oocyte quality.
Pain During Sex
As one of the symptoms of endometriosis, one may experience intense pain in the pelvic area. This pain can worsen during sex, causing discomfort. Endometriosis affects fertility by reducing one’s likelihood and ability to have sex.
Adhesions
An overgrowth of endometrial tissues can result in adhesions. Adhesions refer to scars forming between tissues on different organs, causing them to stick together. If an adhesion occurs in the fallopian tube, it may cause blockage and prevent the egg from reaching the uterus
The role of ReceptivaDx in women experiencing infertility
RececptivaDx can identify women with likely endometriosis before they go through costly IVF transfers. If a woman is experiencing recurrent pregnancy loss, failed implantation, or has been diagnosed with unexplained infertility, they are a good candidate for the test, If positive, treatment typically includes either 60 days of hormone suppression or surgical laparoscopy. Both treatment modalities improve the chances of a successful pregnancy 5 fold. For more information visit us as www.receptivadx.com