Endometriosis and secondary infertility

[Sevennationarmy]

Hi everyone,

I was diagnosed with endometriosis in February after having a laparoscopy done privately. My consultant thinks I may have developed it after having 2 c sections, the last one being almost 6 years ago.

I had no trouble at all getting pregnant with my two children. We decided at the the start of 2021 to try for a third baby, but nothing happened. My symptoms were getting progressively worse and I was suffering with pain to the point I was passing out at times. I have been going to the gp for the last 5 years and just kept being told I probably had IBS. I have a lot of autoimmune conditions in my immediate family; my tests always came back abnormal, but it was ‘non specific’ apparently.

I went back to the GP in October 2021 to discuss the fertility issues and as I’d just turned 37, she offered me a blood test to check I was ovulating. This showed I was. There was still no mention of endo, but she suggested I went to a private gynae re the fertility issue. Fast forward to this Feb and I had the lap and also a hysteroscopy. Hysteroscopy all fine and tubes were also clear, but I did have endo, an endometrioma and some adhesions. The surgeon treated what he could using a laser.

I thought the lap would significantly improve my pain, but it hasn’t. The bowel symptoms are worse if anything. I’m at a crossroads now, my consultant said if I was younger he’d suggest going on treatment for a while and then TTC again after. He obviously can’t tell me what to do, but he just made the point that the longer I leave it, the worse the endo will get.

Has anyone been in a similar situation? Is there anything else I can try other than IVF? I’m going back to the GP later this week, who is keen that I begin hormonal treatment, but I obviously can’t if I want to carry on trying to conceive.

The idea of giving up on having another child is heartbreaking, but I realise I’m incredibly lucky to have my two children. Endo has changed who I am over the last few years and I don’t want to live like this anymore. I just want to take control of the situation, endo seems to control me these days…

Apologies for the long rambling post!

[KlP28]

Hi! Omg, you are not alone!

I had my first laparoscopy back in March. I was hoping for some relief from pain but nothing! As you say, if anything the level of pain is the same or some days worse!

I also feel endo is running/ruining my life!