Freezing eggs before first lap?

[midwifewithendo]

TW; enquiring about fertility experiences

Hi everyone. I just wanted to introduce myself and ask if anyone had similar experiences to me and could offer some insight.

I’m 24 years old, been suffering with endo symptoms since I was 14 years old and just got diagnosed by ultrasound and MRI with Stage 4 endometrosis (Deeply Infiltrating Endometrosis) as well as superficial bowel endometriosis.

I don’t have any living children & would like to start trying in a few years.

I was wondering if anyone had any lived experiences and had recommendations of what they would do differently/ what they have done?

My primary concern is getting my pain under control and my life back. But I have serious concerns over my future fertility and want to protect it at all costs.

Would anyone recommend freezing eggs before laparoscopic surgery? My doctor says it’s not required but I want to do everything I can to protect my fertility.

Has anyone had the coil put in immediately after surgery and removed it a while after and had a successful pregnancy?

Details of my story below:

Current medication: amitriptyline 10mg, cerazette 75mcg

Diagnosis from ultrasound and MRI:

Stage 4 endometrosis (Deeply Infiltrating Endometrosis)

-severe DIE on posterior uterine wall onto the lower back

-superficial bowel endometrosis

-superficial bilateral ovarian endometrosis (no endometriomas)

-suspected rectovaginal endometrosis

Plan (booked for September)

-Laparoscopic excision of all visible endometrosis including superficial bowel

-Hysteroscopy

-Dye test to test fallopian tubal patency

-VE and PR examination plus rectovaginal removal of endometrosis

-Insertion of Mirena coil

[Gardenist]

Hello I was told at 27 that it would be unlikely I could have children. I also had Stage IV endometriosis and a similar operation to the one you mentioned. I didn't have the mirena coil fitted then as I had been in a relationship for 8 years and so thinking about starting a family asap given the situation. I know plenty of women who have had them though as contraception and no trouble removing it and getting pregnant.

I had my first child 3 years after my op and although it took a while (and that was stressful) it was all natural. I had my second a few years after that. A few years later I had the mirena coil fitted. I bled every day for a year but it was better than the pain. It really didn't suit me though so I had it taken out. I never thought about having my eggs frozen as I didn't have a problem with my ovaries but with my uterus and tissue in my stomach cavity. I presume that even post surgery they can get your eggs out should you need to try IVF or use a surrogate? Good luck with your surgery.

[midwifewithendo in reply to Gardenist]

Thank you so much for responding! It’s really good to hear stories of people naturally conceiving despite having stage 4. May I ask how you manage endo now? Did it flare up in pregnancy & did you have any further surgeries?

[Gardenist in reply to midwifewithendo]

Hi after I had the endometriosis removed I had no problem for years and I had no problem with endo in my pregnancies or when I was breastfeeding but sadly when that was all done the pain came back as I decided to not be on any artificial hormones as I didn't feel like myself. Things got worse and I had a subtotal hysterectomy at 37 and that helped a lot but sadly now I also need further surgery ( I'm now 41). Its been a challenge but I wouldn't say it holds me back just gives me fewer choices sometimes. I have had to make some lifestyle changes but since I've been this way since the age of 12 I've got pretty good at managing it. I hope your surgery goes well and it helps. Stay positive x

[midwifewithendo in reply to Gardenist]

Thank you for telling me your story! Take care x

[Anna_EndoUK Moderator]

Hi Midwifewithendo,

I watched a webinar recently organised by Endometriosis UK, and the surgeon said that removing endometriosis from your ovaries can have an impact on your fertility as it can damage the healthy parts of the ovary. As you've got endometriosis on your ovaries, I would speak to your surgeon to see if they think that any damage will be done to your ovaries during surgery and if so, if it is worth freezing your eggs in advance.

I hope this helps and good luck with TTC xx

[midwifewithendo in reply to Anna_EndoUK]

Hi Anna,

Thank you for responding!

I read about this too. From the literature I read it’s the endometriomas& ovarian cyst removal from the ovaries that has been documented to damage AMH, egg quality and ovarian reserves.

I asked two gynaecologists about egg freezing and they said no need. He also said there are no signs of endometriomas on MRI for me, but there could always be small ones that the naked eye or MRI couldn’t see.

I’ve requested that if there are any endometriomas seen inside the ovaries, to leave them alone. As I would freeze eggs first and then have another surgery to remove these. Freezing eggs is very expensive and there’s the risk of OHSS so hoping to only do it if absolutely necessary.

Thanks again ❤️