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Uterine Factors

How Abnormalities of the Uterus Contribute to Infertility

By Gwen Morrison

"I had a small amount of adenomyosis along with other factors, which my doctor cleared up with an operation," says Lisa Casteel of Dacula, Ga. "We went through a lot of tests, biopsies, and it was only by accident that we discovered I was pregnant."

Casteel was scheduled for in-vitro fertilization and went in for a procedural blood test. The doctor's office called back two hours later to inform Casteel that she was pregnant.

"This was incredible for my husband and I, as we were told about three years prior that there was no way we would get pregnant on our own," she says.

The only definitive treatment that has been found for adenomyosis is a total hysterectomy. In some cases a hormone supplement GnRH (gonadotropin releasing hormone) has been used, which decreases the size of the uterus and even offers the ability to conceive. The bad news is that this treatment can be short term, and there is often a re-growth of the adenomyosis within six months after stopping the therapy.

"Uterine factors, though not common, are usually treatable unless they are the very rare, severe DES-associated, T-shaped cavity," Dr. Pollycove says.

As a woman, it is up to you to know your body signals. If you are having pelvic pain, abnormal menstrual bleeding, irregular periods or any other noted symptoms, contact a medical professional for further investigation.

Want to see more?

• Check out our Article Library.
• When Life Is a Pain: The Facts on Endometriosis
• Trouble Conceiving? Get the Right Medical Care!
• Private Suffering: The Issue of DES Daughters
• Talk about it!