Ovarian Reserve

Dear all, has anyone had experience of being mid 30s, having an endometrioma removed from their ovary and it affecting ovarian reserve? How did they remove the endometrioma - 3 step approach or single operation?

[kitscat]

Hi there

So I have a 2.5cm endometrioma in my left ovary. I’m having a laparoscopy in 5 weeks to remove it and clean up some of the endometriosis. I have some symptoms. My surgeon was quite certain that it wouldn’t cause a reduction in my egg count as the cyst is on the outside and he won’t be removing any ovarian tissue.

Xxx

[Mara_Simba]

I am 34. I had a 4cm endometrioma removed from one ovary and a 1cm endometrioma drained from the other ovary through a laparoscopy, when they also cleaned out endometriosis elsewhere. Unfortunately it has severely affected my ovarian reserve. I knew from an AMH blood test prior to the operation that my egg reserve was low and as expected it reduced further after the surgery. After surgery I was on zoladex for 3 months to give my ovaries a chance to recover and then tried a round of IVF. This wasn't successful and the IVF doctors have said it is not worth trying again because my eggs are too poor quality because of the endometriosis. I am now on the waiting list for IVF with an egg donor. I know that this isn't a reassuring story and I have read stories of people in a similar situation with much better outcomes, but I wish that I had known all of this from the beginning. My doctors assure me that the surgery was the best chance that I had of conceiving and I wouldn't have changed having the operation, even through it did lower my AMH. I was also in so much pain that I couldn't have waited for the surgery any longer.

[Hidden in reply to Mara_Simba]

Thank you for sharing, you are the first person I have heard from on a similar situation to me. Did you have Endo for a long time? My problems only started a year ago so hoping I haven’t had too much damage. However I am 38 ad my AMH level is low which is why they want to do 3 step approach. However private surgeons are happy with just one operation and no zoladex so confused which to do. Thank you again for sharing and so sorry to hear what you have been through. I hope things moving forward will be more hopeful for you. You have gone through a tough time xx

[Mara_Simba in reply to Hidden]

I was only diagnosed in January and had the surgery 1 week later. I live in Kenya and it was all done privately so thankfully no waiting. My main symptom was infertility for 1 year then started getting pain from the cysts over Christmas then diagnosed mid January. I’m not sure how long I have had it but my dr thinks it really worsened in the 1 year off the pill. I really hope all goes well for you.

[Galwambu in reply to Mara_Simba]

Hi, do you mind me asking which Doctor did your surgery?Am also based in Nairobi, Kenya.I have an umbilical nodule that's painful and blocked fallopian tubes.I haven't had a laparoscopy yet as I was advised to proceed with IVF.Am worried though this nodule will cause problems later in pregnancy.Am considering getting a second opinion.

[Mara_Simba in reply to Galwambu]

My gynaecologist is Dr. Elizabeth Kimotho. She did the surgery at Aga Khan together with another surgeon. I can't recommend Dr. Kimotho highly enough, her details are: healthyetu.com/medical-spec...

[Mara_Simba in reply to Galwambu]

Also, for IVF, I would not recommend Dr. Noreh/Nairobi IVF centre. I was not at all impressed with him.

[Galwambu in reply to Mara_Simba]

Thank you so much for the information.Last week I saw Dr Kireki Omanwa,he's a fertility specialist who was working at ARGC London that has really good results and I will be doing IVF with him.I wish you the best in your journey.