Constant pain in left abdomen after IVF- endometriosis

[Piya28]

Hi,

I have stage 4 endometriosis and had excision surgery in September 2021 to remove the cysts. I had egg retrieval immediately after that. My cysts are not back but before FET the doctor said that I might have hydrosalpinx based on my USG report. I had left side pelvic pain during ovulation (where my hydrosalpinx is) but apart from that no other pain. Anyway, my FET was done on the 21st of May and since then I have had constant pain in my lower left abdomen which radiates to my leg, groin, and back. It's been 18 days now. My beta HCG was negative but I am not sure what this pain could be. Could it be due to the excess amount of estrogen used for embryo transfer that could have caused inflammation or flared up endo?

[Roobs33]

Heya,

Sorry you’re in loads of pain. I have stage 4 endo and had excision surgery in 2020. A month after this I started getting pain down my right leg and all in my hip and lower back. I had an MRI about 6 months post surgery which showed a right sided hydrosalpinx. I was also seeing a fertility dr at this time for secondary infertility and was told that my chances of IVF being a success would be increased by 50% if I had the tube removed or clipped. So I had another laparoscopy to clip it before proceeding with IVF. I think if there’s a chance that the fluid will leak out then it can have a negative impact on implantation. I still get flare ups and that’s where I always get pain still. I’m assuming it’s because of the tube as although it’s clipped it’s still quite large and perhaps is pressing on adhesions or nerves. Would you be able to get an MRI or some advice about what to do next? I think some people are able to have specialist scans where they use dies to test the tubes and check for any leaking. I think the hormone meds for IVF can really have a negative effect on endo sufferers. I had awful pain during the stimulation process before my egg collection last October. Paracetamol has helped the pain a bit and I was told to avoid any anti-inflammatories if trying to conceive. I remember having to take quite a strong painkiller at some points as it was hard to manage. I really hope you get some help from your fertility drs/gynecologists. Wishing you lots of luck xxx

[Piya28 in reply to Roobs33]

Thanks a lot for replying. I have the similar pain as you are describing. I think its because of the hydrosalpinx only. I am not planning for another IVF in the future. I am on contraceptive pill from this cycle and taking pain killers for the pain. Did your pain subside after a few days ? I can't go for another surgery as I already had one in Sep 2021 and another in Nov 2021( pelvic infection and abscess due to egg retrieval). So was thinking how to manage it without another surgery

[Roobs33 in reply to Piya28]

I’ve noticed that pain is always worse before/during and after my period and around ovulation. Some months I have also been pain free so it doesn’t always make sense. I’m on a special diet which does help a bit as I have endo on my bowel so can can IBS symptoms quite regularly. I’ve also done quite a lot of acupuncture which I think has helped me to be more relaxed through IVF and has also regulated my cycles. I’ve also been doing some gentle yoga to stretch my muscles out and relieve tension. I had a FET in January which sadly ended in an early miscarriage. When my cycle returned normally I had horrendous pain for about a month. I then caught Covid and the pain has thankfully been ok since! Which is strange! My GP said that progesterone can make your muscles all loose and she thought that the withdrawal from progesterone could have caused the flare up. I always have no pain when actually on progesterone. I think it’s just the change in hormones. I know that IVF can definitely aid in increased endo pain. Hopefully your pain reduces ones the meds are out of your system. I haven’t been on the pill in years as trying to conceive. But I was on the mini pill previously but it was the progesterone only one which did help and make my periods lighter. Do you know which one you’re on? As if it contains estrogen this won’t help the endo. Sorry for such a long message! X

[Piya28 in reply to Roobs33]

Thanks for the detailed explanation. Really appreciate it. I am on Femilon currently but apparently it contains estrogen. I guess I need to stop it. Right now I can just wait and watch my symptoms and maybe try accupuncture. I also have endo on my bowel.

[Piya28 in reply to Piya28]

May I ask what is the diet that you are following? Is it anti inflammatory gluten free and dairy free or some special diet which has helped you?

[Roobs33 in reply to Piya28]

Yeah I would maybe ask your GP about which contraceptive pill would work best. As there’s quite a few and different ones react differently with each individual. I think it’s just best to avoid estrogen if you have endo. Some people avoid soy products but I still have these occasionally. I spoke to a nutritionist that specialises in endo and fertility. It’s a gluten free diet with no cow dairy, so can still eat some cheese and just lots of fresh fruit and veg each day and protein & seafood. No red meat. Quite varied really! It’s not too restrictive apart from when eating out. But easy to have lots of tasty rice dishes too and stews I also sometimes make a warm oat milk drink with a tiny amount of turmeric powder. I’m not sure if actually makes a difference but it’s meant to be a good natural anti inflammatory. I’ve done quite a lot of my own research since my diagnosis in 2020 and being on this forum has been so helpful too with getting advice. You could also look up caster oil packs for inflammation. A lot of acupuncturists recommend this alongside acupuncture. I’ve tried it a few times and it’s quite relaxing. So I guess it’s just worth trying out things and seeing how you feel and if they help xxx good luck and really hope the pain gets better soon xx

[Piya28 in reply to Roobs33]

Thank you so much for responding. I will have a scan soon to see the issue and take the pill accordingly.