Endometriosis occurs when endometrial tissues that normally grow inside the uterus grow elsewhere, like in the fallopian tubes. The condition can lead to uterine inflammation, adhesions, progesterone resistance, and other issues. Women with endometriosis may find it harder to get pregnant and experience higher IVF failure rates. Here’s more information about how endometriosis affects IVF embryo transfer success:
Reduces Embryo Implantation Receptivity
Endometriosis can cause inflammation and abnormal molecular signals in the uterus. Such conditions affect how well embryos adhere to the uterine lining, increasing the risk of IVF failure. Inflammation leads to immune system changes that can alter the uterine environment, reducing implantation success. The presence of cytokines, prostaglandins, and other inflammatory compounds also reduces the embryo’s ability to implant properly, increasing the risk of miscarriage. Experienced fertility doctors conduct tests like BCL-6 to determine if a patient has endometriosis. If the tests come back positive, the doctor may recommend procedures to remove the abnormal endometrial tissues before beginning an IVF cycle.
Shortens Embryo Implantation Window
Since endometriosis can make the uterine lining less receptive to implantation, it reduces the window available for implantation. The risk of failure goes up if the IVF treatment is done at a time when the uterus is less receptive. Endometriosis shifts the implantation window, making it harder for doctors to determine the ideal time to implant the embryos. The condition can also lower the quality of eggs if it directly affects the ovaries. Modern screening advancements have made it possible for fertility doctors to test the quality of oocytes before fertilization. Without high-quality oocytes, the extraction and fertilization processes are delayed because doctors only use high-quality eggs for IVF. This is because poor-quality embryos have a higher chance of implantation failure.
Complicates Embryo Implantation and Growth
Severe cases of endometriosis may lead to scars around the pelvis, reproductive organs, or wherever the abnormal growths occur. Such adhesions can alter the anatomy of the fallopian tubes and uterus, making it harder for ovulation to occur and for embryos to implant. Even if the embryos implant, the scars and structural issues can interfere with normal uterine blood flow. Poor circulation reduces oxygen and nutrient supply to the embryo, resulting in growth issues. Endometrial tissuescan also prevent catheters from reaching the uterus during the embryo transfer. Fertility doctors may recommend removing the abnormal growths before implantation to increase the chances of successful transfers.
Increases the Risk of Progesterone Resistance
Progesterone is a pregnancy hormone required to prepare the uterus for implantation. The body’s levels of progesterone naturally increase during ovulation in anticipation of fertilization and embryo implantation. Fertility doctors prescribe progesterone medications during IVF cycles to increase the chances of a successful pregnancy. Endometriosis can interfere with hormone levels and increase the risk of progesterone resistance. If a woman develops progesterone resistance due to severe endometriosis, her endometrial lining becomes less receptive, resulting in poor implantation. Progesterone resistance also reduces the effectiveness of pregnancy drugs patients take in preparation for IVF cycles. Treating endometriosis can help reverse the resistance and mitigate the risk of IVF failure.
Reduces IVF Success Rates
Endometriosis is a leading cause of unexplained infertility in women attempting in vitro fertilization. Women who have been diagnosed with unexplained infertility or experienced multiple failed IVFs should take a BCL-6 test. A BCL-6 test is also advisable for any woman preparing to conceive. If the test results are positive, women should pursue additional diagnoses for endometriosis and get treatment for the condition. Some forms of endometriosis are asymptomatic while others are moderate or severe. Women with severe endometriosis are more likely to experience failed IVF.
Reduce IVF Failure With Proactive Endometriosis Testing
Endometriosis is a treatable condition, so diagnosing it early can help increase couples’ chances of getting pregnant. After being diagnosed with endometriosis, seek hormonal and surgical treatment to prevent and remove abnormal tissue growth. Speak to a fertility specialist today about getting a BCL-6 test to check for endometriosis and reduce the chances of IVF failure.
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