How to Prepare for Your First Pregnancy Ultrasound
Ultrasounds provide a safe and effective way of viewing your growing baby. Read on to learn more about why they are done and what you can expect at the appointment.
Many women realize getting pregnant can be more difficult as they get older. However, age isn't the only factor that can influence fertility. Certain health conditions can play a role, too, including endometriosis.
Dr. Thomas Hatchett and Britteny Barron, our midwife nurse practitioner, offer a wide-range of gynecological and obstetrics care for women at all stages of their lives at Habersham OBGYN in Demorest, Georgia. Whether you're suffering from a health condition like endometriosis, are seeking preventive care, or are having a baby, we can help with personalized care using the latest technology and equipment.
Each month, a woman's body creates a new endometrial lining in the uterus in preparation for receiving a fertilized egg. However, in 2-10 percent of women ages 25 to 40, this tissue also grows outside of the uterus, which can cause a number of issues. This condition is known as endometriosis.
Tissue commonly builds up on or around the fallopian tubes, ovaries, pelvic cavity lining, on the outside surface of the uterus, and in the area between the uterus and the bladder or rectum. Less often it can develop on the cervix, vagina, vulva, bladder, abdomen, intestines, and rectum.
Normally, endometrial tissue that has formed in the uterus is shed with a woman's monthly cycle. When it grows in other locations, however, it is not lost and can result in inflammation, scarring, and cysts.
Symptoms run the gamut, with some women having none to others having all. Common issues include painful menstrual cramps and discomfort during sex or afterward. Heavy or irregular periods, spotting, and fatigue can occur, as well as issues with urination and bowel movements during the menstrual period. Fertility can also be affected.
Endometriosis is a common diagnosis in women experiencing infertility, affecting anywhere from a quarter to a half of those having trouble getting pregnant. The exact reason it affects fertility is not known, though it is believed scar tissue may negatively impact eggs being released from the ovaries or the egg's attempted trip through the fallopian tube to the uterus. The condition may also harm sperm or the fertilized eggs prior to implantation.
The good news is, there are possible treatment options that may improve a woman's chance of getting pregnant. Depending on the situation, the surgical removal of endometrial tissue may help fertility. Certain fertility preservation procedures and in vitro fertilization, or IVF, may be other options.
Whether you've been diagnosed with endometriosis or are having trouble getting pregnant, we are here to assist you on your journey to parenthood. Call our office at 706-229-4233 for an appointment today or book one online.
