Silent endometriosis and infertility can be linked together. At ReceptiveDx, we want our patients to understand the ways that we can be helpful in their fertility journey. Here are things to understand about the link between silent endometriosis and infertility:
Endometriosis: What To Understand
To understand silent endometriosis, a patient should know what endometriosis is. This condition happens when the tissue that usually lines the inside of the uterus grows outside of it as well. In severe cases of endometriosis, a patient may experience symptoms like:
Period Pain: Those who have more severe cases of endometriosis may experience pain associated with their periods. Cramping and other pelvic pain may begin before their period and continue during their period.
Intercourse Pain: Pain associated with intercourse can be a sign of endometriosis. This pain may happen during or after intercourse.
Urination or Bowel Pain: This type of pain can be associated with endometriosis if they are experienced during a menstrual period.
Heavy Bleeding: Excessive menstrual bleeding may be a side effect of endometriosis. Bleeding in between periods can happen as well.
Other Symptoms: Those who have a more severe case of endometriosis may experience bloating, nausea, and fatigue during their menstrual periods.
Silent Endometriosis Symptoms
The symptoms of silent endometriosis are called silent for a reason. There are no overt symptoms for the patient to notice. Patients who experience several pregnancy losses may have silent endometriosis. Failed results from in vitro fertilization (IVF) may be caused by this type of endometriosis.
How To Test for Silent Endometriosis
At ReceptivaDx, we offer a test for those who may believe they have silent endometriosis. Our testing is the first of its kind. Here is what the testing process looks like:
Collection: The first step of the process is an endometrial biopsy taken. This biopsy can be taken during a regular OB-GYN or reproductive specialist visit. The biopsy should be taken during a mock or natural cycle.
Processing: Once the sample has been collected, it is placed in a preservative that is sent to our facility. We then process and evaluate the sample. Our team runs the sample looking for a protein marker called BCL6, which is highly associated with endometriosis.
Results: We send the results of the biopsy to the OB-GYN or reproductive specialist within five to six days. After the results are received, a patient with a positive sample can begin looking at different treatment options.
Reasons To Get Tested
A patient who has no symptoms of endometriosis but has signs of unexplained infertility, may be a good candidate for ReceptivaDx testing. In addition, a patient who has experienced pregnancy loss more than once should get tested. Some patients with a history of miscarriages may also want to get tested before they begin IVF to make sure they are not experiencing unexplained infertility due to silent endometriosis.
Treatment Options
If a patient has tested positive for this condition, there are a few different possible treatments. Depending on recommendations from the physician or your preference, a patient can undergo hormone therapy treatment or laparoscopic surgery. Hormone therapy suppresses the inflammation caused but endometriosis, It is usually prescribed for 60 days. Laparoscopy is a surgical treatment of endometriosis. The doctor removes the endometriosis that may be preventing the patient from achieving a successful pregnancy. Both of these treatment options are equally effective treating the endometriosis. By removing or suppressing endometriosis, studies have proven that patients have a higher chance of becoming pregnant.
Get Tested With ReceptivaDx
We understand that struggling with unexplained infertility can cause stress and confusion. Go to ReceptivaDx, to learn more about silent endometriosis and the ways it affects fertility and how to treat it. To understand more about our testing process, contact us today.