Endometriosis affects 10% of women of reproductive age worldwide. In Mexico alone there are 7 million women who suffer from it. Claudia is one of those women. She tells us her story, how she managed to get pregnant and have her baby girl even though she was living with the disease.
Endometriosis is characterized by the growth of tissue similar to the lining of the uterus, which occurs outside the uterus and is usually found in the ovaries, fallopian tubes or around the womb. Endometriosis often causes a lot of pain during menstruation and can sometimes lead to problems conceiving or infertility.
Despite being a relatively common disease, it is often not diagnosed in time and this can lead to mismanagement during any assisted reproduction treatment, so it's recommended to see specialists in Reproductive Biology, who are able to carry out a treatment of this type at the same time as treating the endometriosis condition.
"I sacrificed everything for her, looking for her for 12 years, Arleth will know everything we did to get her here, she is the greatest happiness I have, she is the love of my life.
My idea was always to be a mother at a young age, although I wanted to wait until I finished my degree, got married and worked, but then things didn't work out the way I wanted them to. Before I had a partner I started to have problems with cysts, I had very strong pains, cramps, bleeding... and when I went to the doctor they told me that I had endometriosis and that it would be very difficult for me to have babies, that I should start as soon as possible.
I was given contraceptive treatment because I have endometriosis, I got married and one day I forgot to take the pill... but I didn't get pregnant. I stopped taking them and after a month, two months, a year, it was no longer normal.
They sent me to La Raza Hospital for an operation where they removed part of my endometrium and one of my ovaries. A year went by, study after study, some of them very painful, and we had 4 artificial inseminations, but none of them worked, it was very difficult at that stage of the journey, it was very stressful, plus the typical: 'When will it be, ask so and so how did she do...' I spent more than 5 years smiling, saying that everything was fine, but you don't know the anguish of each failed attempt.
I was recommended Perinatology, where I had another operation and it was expense after expense because your studies have to be up to date, plus medicines and consultations, but we still had the same results.
I went to the institute by making an appointment online, I told them everything that had happened, all my studies, what I had, and they told me that it was possible, but at that time we had already sold the car, spent almost all our savings and we couldn't afford it.
My husband and I talked about it and we started to raise enough money for a whole year, until we were able to start our 2 cycle treatment.
When I got the result of my pregnancy test I thought it hadn't worked, but they told me it was positive, I was so excited, but I was afraid that something would happen and with all that terror I went to the ultrasound, that's when I saw her heart, when I heard how hard it was beating, I didn't believe it was possible that she was growing inside me, it was beautiful.
I have endometriosis and I got pregnant, after 12 years of fighting, of tears, of so many failed attempts, today we have Arleth! I am enjoying her very much, I will breastfeed her until she is 2 years old, we sleep together, we eat together, we do everything together; and yes, she is very spoiled!
There were days when I fell, when I felt a gigantic emptiness, but I never gave up, I was very brave and I always say that: 'Take care of yourself, take care of yourself and don't stop trying until the end'. She is everything to me, I have sacrificed everything for her and she is the most immense happiness I have".
If you also have endometriosis, or any other condition, and you are determined to fight for your dream of becoming a mother, remember that in order to achieve it, it is very important to have a diagnosis from a fertility specialist, who will give you an expert opinion and a personalised recommendation to help you have your baby.
At Ingenes we have our Initial Program for all women who, like you, want to be a mother and are willing to do everything to achieve it. A program that focuses on identifying the causes that have prevented you from achieving that dream before, and outlining a plan that takes into account each of your previous attempts and complete reproductive health.
This is the path that will lead you to your little star, trust us and we will help you to fulfill your dream of bringing your baby home.
"My experience with Ingenes was very calming all because of the staff, they were welcoming and made you feel at ease with everything."
Ingenes McAllen, TX.
