An Option for Women who are Still Infertile after Laparoscopic Surgery for Endometriosis
By Jackie
Endometriosis is one of the most common causes of female infertility. In this condition, the endometrium (the lining of the uterus) is found in places outside of the uterus. It can cover the ovaries and prevent their proper function, such as the release of an egg. It can also squeeze the fallopian tubes shut from the outside or block them from the inside. Endometriosis that attaches to the outside of the uterus can also constrict or pull it. To confound the problem, endometriosis can also cause painful inflammation. Inflammation causes the body to produce and form adhesions. These “sticky” adhesions can restrict tissues and bind them to neighboring structures – which can also cause infertility.
When a woman who has endometriosis is trying to conceive, a doctor may recommend laparoscopic surgery to clear as much endometriosis and adhesions as possible. Many women are able to conceive after this procedure, but a large percentage of women are still unable to conceive afterward. Two possible explanations for this include:
- A surgeon cannot remove adhesions or endometriosis in areas where the removal of tissue might compromise a woman’s fertility – such as the delicate fimbriea.
- The surgery itself can cause adhesions to form. Thus, even though the endometriosis might be gone, the resulting adhesions can prevent fertility.
For women who are unable to conceive after laparoscopic surgery, a second surgery may be a risky option due to subsequent adhesion formation. Our treatment uses solely manual techniques to break apart, detach, and deform adhesions.
One of our former patients, Amania, learned she had endometriosis at age 18. Years later, Amania married and struggled to conceive. She underwent laparoscopic surgery but still couldn’t become pregnant. She tried a second laparoscopic surgery, followed by two IUIs – but with no luck. Amania told us, “I changed specialists three more times and had a laparotomy that cleared 80% of the endometriosis but left scarring.” She tried IVF afterwards, but it was unsuccessful.
After reading an article about our therapy, Amania decided to attend treatment. Two weeks later, she was feeling “off” and took a pregnancy test. “Lo and behold,” she told us, “The test was positive!”
Amania’s full story and those of 75 other CPT patients will be featured in the upcoming book, Miracle Moms, Better Sex, Less Pain. Please visit our endometriosis page to learn more about our treatment for endometriosis.
