Endometriosis can affect a woman’s fertility and ability to conceive, but it is possible to get pregnant. Let’s explore some facts about endometriosis and what is worth trying when trying to conceive.
Firstly, having endometriosis does not mean you won’t get pregnant. But it can mean there is a delay for many. Endometriosis is very common. With 1 in 10 women experiencing from very mild to extremely severe symptoms.
It is a painful, sometimes debilitating condition that affects many women. And it can go diagnosed for years – pitting it down to painful periods. Endometriosis occurs when endometrial tissue, which is normally found in the uterus, grows in places outside the uterus. Places like the ovaries, fallopian tubes, on the rectum, bladder and abdomen.
It can be very painful because endometrial tissue responds to the same hormonal shifts that trigger the menstrual cycle, the pain associated with endometriosis will follow the same 28-day cycle as your period.
What is the difference between Endometriosis and Adenomyosis?
Women can also experience Adenomyosis which is where the uterine lining overgrows within the uterine cavity. We hear the two be categorized as endometriosis often. Given its World Endometriosis Awareness Month in March, it’s a great opportunity to make this distinction.
Endometriosis and Adenomyosis is largely categorised as an inflammatory condition and it is common to have excessive oestrogen in the body. Excessive oestrogen does not cause the conditions, but it can exacerbate the severity.
Both Endometriosis and Adenomyosis can cause irregular periods, heavy bleeding, painful cycles and ectopic pregnancies. And there are medical and holistic approaches that women explore to help mitigate symptoms. And forge a path to pregnancy.
But there is hope! And there is also pregnancy hopes for women with endometriosis. Lifestyle strategies for reducing inflammation, strengthening the immune system, supporting the liver, and balancing hormones can make a huge difference in reducing symptoms and improving quality of life.
When I see clients present with Endometriosis and Adenomyosis, I take an inventory of health and lifestyle habits to help with symptoms. And look at the menstrual cycle closely. Both the menstrual cycle length and the quality of blood are markers for what is happening internally. And there are things in your control that you can do!
How can lifestyle habits improve endometriosis?
When we look at diet and the effect it has on the liver and the gut biome we can start to make necessary changes, one mouthful at a time. The liver is important in helping you manage endometriosis. This is because the liver filters out old hormones from the body. And oestrogen encourages endometrial growth.
Let’s talk about the link between Candida and Endometriosis. Candida infections can interact with functioning hormones that may stimulate endometrial growth. Yeast infections can affect fertility. Many people do not know this, and see their conditions as separate and unrelated.
TIP: Switching to a Candida lifestyle diet can go hand in hand and be successful in opening the window to conceive. Especially if you have been prone to yeast infections. The other benefit to following a candida lifestyle diet is it anti inflammatory in nature.
Basically, helping the body eliminate excessive oestrogen and introduce lifestyle habits like diet and exercise can open up the magic timeframe for pregnancy.
Try the below tips I give my clients:
- Exercise often. Sweat it out most days to help eliminate excessive oestrogen through sweat, peeing and pooping.
- Have fibre with every meal to help the liver detoxify
- Hydrate well and often
- Consider a Candida friendly diet, especially if you are prone to yeast infections.
- Have surgery if it is recommended by your healthcare professional. Pregnancy rates are higher post surgery, where the excessive lining is removed. (but please note it is prone to growing back). Post surgery, there is a window of opportunity where a higher proportion of women get pregnant than without having the surgery.
- I highly suggest taking on a 16 week program to help with inflammation, liver function, gut health and hormonal health prior to any surgery, so you can optimise the window of opportunity. Win-Win
I am an advocate of cycle syncing for priming womens health. It is not rocket science….I promise! With the right guidance you can make a difference, one mouthful at a time.
Below is a guide to help you get started.
Need more guidance? Access my Six Day FREE Course – How to Prime Your Body for Pregnancy and take a look at what can be introduced and eliminated in your life and open up the window of conception. Introducing the right lifestyle habits to help your hormonal health prior to surgery adds to the success!
You get this guide plus more! With step by step easy-to-implement advice.
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Take Away Message
Getting pregnant with endometriosis is possible. Having the right support around you is key. Lets make this your baby year !
