Scared for fertility

Hi Carrie,

I'm sorry to hear that your ivf didn't work on this occasion. I have responded with my story to a few posts similar to yours over the recent months but yes, l do have severe endo and yes l conceived naturally. I do believe a lot depends on the location of your endo, successful surgery prior to trying to conceive as well as the overall wellbeing and health of both you and your partner.

Hard as it is, try not to focus solely on your need to conceive, worrying and stressing makes it harder. I am totally guilty of this and remember the frustration and desperation l felt every month that we were unsuccessful. Perhaps, if you can, take a mini break or holiday together where you can relax and enjoy your time together. I am a little younger than you but was still told to get a move on(!) I am a month short of 34 and my son is 7.5 weeks old. I was lucky enough to conceive naturally so please don't give up.

Wishing you lots of luck xx

Yes me. I'm stage 4. First cycle failed and I was very downhearted. 8 months later we did a 2nd cycle at a private clinic who used a different protocol. We had 5 frozen embryos and one put back resulting in my ten month old son. Do not give up yet. Sometimes the first cycle is experimental. The clinic should be willing to suggest and implement tweaks considering things they learned on the first cycle. If you choose a different clinic they will ask for your notes from the first. Clinics differ in their approach and it's worth doing your research if you aren't happy to stay with your first clinic. But I would say pick yourself up and make a plan. Don't delay. Feel free to PM me if you like. I'm always happy to try and help. X

Hello Ladies,

Thank you all so much for your messages, these are really inspiring, and huge congratulations to you on your lovely babies! This is really wonderful to hear.

We're going to get a holiday booked hopefully for April and just get away to the sun, relax and hopefully things will happen naturally. We have been through a stupid amount of stress in the last year and I worried going from endo surgery then back work then on to ivf might all be a bit too much.

We're waiting on a review appt with our clinic and I'll ask for a summary of the surgery (it was carried out at the same hospital) so we can see exactly what we're dealing with. If no further surgical checks are available at the clinic I'll ask my GP for a referral to a specialist centre also. I'm looking into some acupuncture to help with overall stress levels too, fingers crossed though.

Thank you very much everyone, it's much appreciated! All the best 💜 XXXX

So nice to hear stories of pregnancy after being diagnosed.

I've been diagnosed stage 3-4 (different areas) and have been off contraception for 18 months and still no baby

Need to lose 3 stone and keep trying naturally until my next appointment then if not its fertility treatment.

The thought scares the living daylights out of me.

Good luck to everyone still trying!

X

I also have severe stage 4 endo everywhere and am so lucky to have two amazing boys naturally, but friend who couldn't conceive, has just adopted a little girl which is equally an amazing. Good luck xxxx

Hi there, we managed to conceive naturally despite stage 4 Endo and adenomyosis. I will message you a list of stuff we did when ttc - lot of holistic things that may help, if even only to make you feel healthier and stronger in pursuing Ivf process. I have no idea what specifically helped us as I tried everything! We had 2 mc and were booked for baseline tests for ivf and also a major surgery when I fell preg. I was told if I wasn't preg by 27 I would need ivf, then if hadn't had any by 30 that I wouldn't - started trying at 30, fell preg 3 times within 6 months - the docs can be wrong and everyone is different. Try not to be too disheartened with the ivf not working out first time round. It has I think about a 33% chance with severe Endo each time so maybe next time will be your time - I would highly recommend acupuncturist who specialises in fertility, it really helped me with pain management and also coping after mc. I know the girl I see supports a lot of women through Ivf process. X

Hey Jade,

I'll just post the stuff here, some silly things you'll know or have tried in amongst. I'm not an expert, but keeping myself busy doing all this certainly helped me be proactive, I was def healthier and in less pain as a result.

Above everything - be good to yourself.

Dealing with Endo pain and fertility worries is very stressful and can feel isolating. Be around people who make you feel good, go for massages, have mini breaks, not for the 'relax and you'll get pregnant' reason, but because you deserve it and taking care of you is good for your health.

Wishing you lots of luck xx

- had a few surgeries/rounds of prostap to treat Endo.

- Endo diet - esp. Cutting out red meat and dairy. Wheat is a tough one - try switching to brown bread and pasta etc. Make healthier choices.

endo-resolved.com/diet.html

(I think there is a book by Carolyn Levett with recipes and so on)

- lose as much excess weight as poss as fat cells increase circulating oestrogen in the body which stimulates Endo. I tried weight watchers app which was very good. Pain reduced and creates a better uterine environment for embryo implantation when Endo less active.

- acupuncture (fertility specialist)

- both hubby and I cut out alcohol completely and took vitabiotics pre conception vitamins. (Alcohol increases chance of chromosomal malformation and thus mc, also 3-8 wks critical to early brain development in embryo)

- cut out caffeine, discovered peppermint tea fab for Endo

- cut out much of the medication I was taking, this was tough!! Even paracetamol use of 3+ weeks throughout preg is linked to probs in babies (adhd/reproductive system development) So had to do it! Horrible for the first few months, acupuncture, determination and getting preg quickly helped (had 2 mc before successful preg too)

- bbt tracking, used both my days app and paper tracker (advice and blank chart in link)

babycenter.com/0_blank-bbt-...

We found it difficult to have frequent sex, only 4-6 times per month due to pain at a push. So were strategic! £10 thermometer better investment than ovulation tests - so expensive and I found them to be largely inaccurate.

- on the more fun side, orgasms before and after are meant to help too. As does staying lying down for at least 20 min after.

- you probably have this already (my gp gave me it when ttc)

patient.info/health/plannin...

Thankyou so much applebird xx

I had stage 3 endo (discovered in August 2017). It’s in my tubes - slow to spill apparently.

I’ve got a child already - endo will not cause harm to your pregnancy but it does it’s best to prevent it happening in the first place!

I’m giving it 3 months (till Christmas) to conceive if it doesn’t happen I’m going on the pill because I’m p’d off with the whole thing. I’m not doing ivf - I think if you can accept your situation (which is not a great thought) it might just happen.

Therefore I’ve decided to accept mine. After these three months are over, I’m booking a fantastic holiday all inclusive, going to have mini weekends away indulging.

I’ve decided for me, Ive spent too long wanting something and it’s not going to happen so I’m not wasting anymore of my life on it.

The fact u have one working tube is fantastic and you are ovulating - it just might take longer.