How long after a diagnostic lap can you have IVF treatment?

[Becksdk]

I am currently recovering from a diagnostic laparoscopy (it’s taking longer to recover as there were complications during the surgery)

They found stage 3 endometriosis on the uterosacral ligament, and my left Fallopian tube is blocked.

I’m currently going through fertility tests as we’ve been trying almost 3 years and at my last consultation I was told if they found anything untoward in the reproductive system then they will be offering me IVF.

I just wondered how long before I can start the treatment as I am keen to make a start as soon as possible really, but I don’t want to cause more damage in the process. I’ve done plenty of research what to expect with the IVF process and it sounds really strenuous work.

If anyone has been through similar I’d be much appreciated if you could offer some guidance on how it was for you.

Thank you

[Fwright44]

I would give yourself 6 months to fully recover from the lap. But in the meantime start the referral process for IVF, because that can take time. IVF worked for me, so if you want a further chat, let me know Fi x

[Becksdk in reply to Fwright44]

Thank you for replying.

So do I have to apply for the IVF they can’t just commence it straight away? I’ve been told I qualify for 2 free rounds already which is good news! I lost lots of weight in the time I’ve been trying for a baby (2 1/2 years) so I’m ready for any type of treatment.

Cause I’ve had all of the necessary tests and scans, my husband has had his too (which came back fine) but during the hycosy I passed out, they said it was because of cervical shock 😳🤭 so that’s why they referred me for the diagnostic laparoscopy as they would do the dye test during the procedure, obviously not expecting to find endometriosis too.

My 2nd appointment at the fertility clinic was the 2nd week of January and I remember the consultant saying to me ‘we will ensure you have a baby by the end of this year’

At first I was excited because I thought it would be plain sailing as I was in capable hands and he can work miracles, so this has been a complete stumbling block and now it’s nearing the end of the year, and I don’t really feel any further than I should be.

I always thought my heavy periods, severe pain, irregular periods and fatigue were just part of a normal period, how naive I was!!

I’m 27 and my husband is 30. We don’t want it to get to the point where our chances for IVF to be successful plummet, so we want to get it started sooner rather than later but I appreciate it won’t be as quick as I think!

I’m so frustrated with it all, especially as two of my friends are currently pregnant (one fell ‘accidentally’ 🙄🙄)

Becky

[Fwright44 in reply to Becksdk]

Hi the IVF cycle commences with your second day of your period. You ring the clinic and say your period has started and they book you in the next morning. They take bloods and you ring to find later in the morning your hormones and the levels of drugs you will need to take (injections). By then you will already have the drugs you need to take, which take over the ovulation cycle.

As far as I am aware there is no panel, but it maybe depend on area you live in. If the consultant said yes, then you do qualify. You will be having a follow up appointment soon, so discuss it then.

In the meantime I would take conception multivitamins for you and your husband. I wasn't diagnosed with endo until I was 34 and IVF worked for me at 38. Now have a very healthy, energetic 3 year old to chase around, don't give up hope. I know it is hard, take care

[Becksdk in reply to Fwright44]

Thanks fi for your reply.

You’ve given me hope, so thank you.

It’s just all such a confusing time!!

[L2213]

Hey sorry to hear about what you’ve been going through. I found out I had endo last summer after ending up in hospital with the pain, after several appointments and mri I was referred straight to ivf however when I got to the fertility clinic the cysts on my ovaries had grown and they decided it was best to have surgery to remove them first. That was in February and the clinic asked me to wait a full cycle and then I started ivf on day 21 of the following cycle so 2 periods later. I felt fine with it and was keen to get started didn’t have any issues. Good luck with everything xxx

[Becksdk in reply to L2213]

Thank you for replying

Can you explain the referral process? Is it sent to a panel and they decide if I can have the treatment? And does it take a while?

Becky

[L2213 in reply to Becksdk]

I was told by my consultant that I’d need ivf and that they would inform the fertility service (the ivf referral needed to come from them and we’d already been referred there by our GP - the fertility service where I live doesn’t do ivf themselves they refer to private clinics commissioned by the ccg) i was then contacted by the fertility service the following week and we had an appointment the week after. The referral was made at this appointment and I was seen in the clinic for our first ivf appt 2 weeks later. This all happened pretty quickly which I was really thankful for as I know ladies in some areas have to wait longer depending on waiting times. Wishing you all the best and I hope things get moving quickly for you xxx

[Becksdk in reply to L2213]

Thank you for your reply I hope our journey is as quick xx