Ivf with a 7cm endometriosis cyst and stage 4 endo

[Sunshine_1976]

I've started mild natural ivf. Worried. I'm 39 soon and have very very low amh so the doctors all say get pregnant ASAP.

[Leila1976]

Hi Sunshine,

I'm exactly the same age as you with low amf, stage 4 endometriosis and previously had a 5cm endometrioma. The endometrioma was discovered during one of my IVF cycles. I was not on a natural IVF so the drugs did enlarge the endometrioma and the Dr could not collect any of the follicles from my left ovary but did manage to get some from my right ovary, although the cycle was unsuccessful. The Drs keep telling me that it only takes one good quality egg so they were not too concerned about my low amh. Just stay positive and I have my fingers crossed for you. Wishing you all the best in your IVF cycle.

[Cmat in reply to Leila1976]

Hello, can I ask whether the enlargement of your endometrioma during IVF was painful and did it have any longer term effect i.e. did it stay large? I have a stage 4 endometrioma in the posterior fornix (so not on ovaries but can be painful and plays havoc with my bowel - too risky to remove where it is). I was told that IVF wouldn't affect the endometriosis and if anything encouraged to get on with it by my consultant. I hadn't even heard of natural IVF. I start my IVF drugs tomorrow eek! Hadn't even heard of natural IVF before this post. I would love to hear of your experiences xx

[Leila1976 in reply to Cmat]

The endometrioma did not cause me any pain at all during my IVF. The only problem it caused was that the follicles couldn't be collected from my left ovary as the endometrioma blocked access to it. A few months after my unsuccessful IVF cycle, I had an MRI and it showed that the endometrioma was no longer there. The Drs said this can happen i.e deflate without causing any pain. I have had 4 cycles of IVF and each time it has played havoc with my endometriosis. After my last cycle, it was discovered that I had endo in my bladder. I had the endo removed a month ago. After each cycle, my periods were also very painful. It took a good few months for my body to settle after IVF.

Natural IVF is when one egg is collected during a normal menstrual cycle without follicle stimulation. I understand that the success rate is very low.

Everyone is different and you might not suffer like I have. Wishing you all the best.

[Cmat in reply to Leila1976]

Thanks so much and sorry to hear of what you've been through. It helps so much to be prepared at least. All the best to you too xxx