Endo, damaged Fallopian tubes and TTC

[HortC11]

Hi All,

This is my first post and I was wondering if there was anyone out there in a similar situation to me. I was diagnosed with endo and adenomyosis earlier this year. I have some cysts on my ovaries but the worst part is I have bilateral hydrosalpinx, basically inflamed, fluid filled Fallopian tubes. My partner and I have been TTC for 20 months now, nothing has happened. He has been checked out and is fine so the problem lies with me. I have seen a couple of endo consultants who have both said my chances of conceiving naturally are low and the best chance of success will be IVF, but to give that the best chance I should have both tubes removed, otherwise the fluid could harm an embryo. If I was to get pregnant naturally I am at increased risk of an ectopic or miscarriage. I have found this all very hard to process. I am now at the stage where I am going for an AMH test in a couple of weeks, along with another scan, as my consultant recommended egg freezing before any kind of surgery, just in case surgery damages the ovaries and reduces the egg number. I am hoping that surgery will be enough to fix things so I can get pregnant naturally without having to do IVF but I am also conscious of time, I am 34 now.

Has anyone been diagnosed with a similar problem and gone on to have a baby naturally? Or had surgery and then successful IVF? Sorry for the long post but I don’t really have anyone that properly understands how I feel right now.

[TedLocat]

Hi HortC11,

It sounds like I’m in a very similar position to you; I’ve recently been diagnosed with severe extensive endo, including in my bowel and bladder, and also suspected bilateral hydrosalpinx. My husband and I have been trying for 21 months too.

My consultant has advised laparoscopy then ivf but has said she doesn’t want to touch the cysts on my ovaries due to the potential damage risk.

I haven’t had my surgery yet, it’s hopefully going to be at the beginning of next year, so I can’t offer any advise on that front. But I just wanted to reach out to say you’re not alone, I completely understand how you’re feeling 💜

There’s so many unanswered questions about the future, but try and take 1 step at a time. I have found it helpful to write a list of questions before my appointments with the consultant, as it’s helped me to remember what I want to ask, and also to get some sort of clarification about the future.

I hope everything works out for you!

[Dee_EndoUK Moderator Endometriosis UK]

Hi HortC11

First of all a warm welcome to the forum - it's lovely to see that one of our members - TedLocat has reached out to you already with a supportive message.

TTC can be a stressful process in itself, without taking into account the added complications of endometriosis and possible surgery. As well as the forum, you may also find our support groups useful as a place where you can discuss endometriosis and the issues you are facing with other sufferers. To see if there's one in your area, visit: endometriosis-uk.org/find-a.... If there's not one in your locality, we also have an online support group.

My own journey when TTC started with a diagnosis of stage 4 endometriosis. Endo was also found on my bowel and scar tissue had blocked one of my fallopian tubes. Following a laparoscopy to remove the adhesions (as far as was possible), I did undergo successful IVF around six months later.

I wish you all the very best with your journey and I know that so many of our members will identify with how you are feeling. Take care x