Endometriosis and Infertility: What You Can Do
At the Kaldas Center, we're driven to make a difference in the lives of our patients. We aim to help women suffering from pain and infertility find answers to their questions and solutions to their health challenges. Our work is about shepherding dreams of family and normal, full lives into reality.
In a recent blog post, Endometriosis and Infertility: What You Should Know, we explained what endometriosis is and how it connects to infertility. According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, up to 30% to 50% of women with endometriosis may experience infertility. The point is if you think you might have endometriosis or are having a hard time getting pregnant, or both, there are some things you can do right now to get the right answers and the right treatment.
Step 1 - Become Dangerous
Okay, not so much dangerous. Knowledgeable is a better word. Take a little time to read up on endometriosis and infertility. We have several blog articles on these topics, and you can also visit the AMSR website to find more information. This isn't about becoming an expert or developing your own diagnosis. It's about understanding enough to engage with your doctor and discuss your options.
Step 2 - Get It Together
Your medical history and your burning questions, that is. In an earlier blog post, we talked about preparing for your appointment. Like Step 1, this step is about coming to your appointment with the information your doctor will need to diagnose your challenge effectively.
Be prepared to talk about what's wrong. Not just what's bothering you, but the implications. What does it keep you from doing? And don't forget to include details like symptoms, medications or supplements you take, and any recent treatments you received.
Step 3 - Be Bold
Ask what you need to ask. The worst thing you could do is leave your appointment with one of your burning questions unaddressed. If your doctor's a good listener, asking those questions will help them better understand your situation and your health goals. Make sure you thoroughly understand your options. And if you don't feel like you're getting an answer or being listened to, don't hesitate to get a second opinion.
Step 4 - Get Back to Normal
If you do appear to have endometriosis, the only way to diagnose it for sure is with laparoscopic surgery. But here's the critical thing to remember - the Kaldas Center is nationally recognized as a leading provider of laparoscopic surgery. In fact, Dr. Kaldas was taught by the guy who invented video and laser laparoscopy.
This means that after minimally invasive surgery to address endometriosis, you might only need minimal fertility treatment. Sometimes, you might not need any. Once the surgery's done, most patients are cleared to start trying to conceive four weeks after surgery, following a postop visit.
We're here to help.
As we said, we're driven to make a difference in the lives of our patients. We stand ready to walk through these steps with you. We can promise that you'll be listened to here, so bring all of your questions, and let's work together to help you feel normal and healthy. Call the Kaldas Center at 920-886-2299 or schedule an appointment online.