Postponing Laparoscopy

[Marie_L]

I wonder whether anyone could give advice 🌞 I’m 26 with mild/moderate endometriosis (suggested in an MRI) & am on the implant. I am not currently trying to conceive but would consider conceiving in the next 5 years or so.

My predicament is whether to leave the laparoscopy/removal of endometriosis until a few years down the line (when I am trying to conceive.)

I’m aware that the endometriosis already there has caused a certain amount of damage to my reproductive structure, but would leaving this tissue for a few years cause further damage?

Any knowledge or advice would be wonderfully helpful!

[Gizmo8282]

hi Marie, I have been suffering with endo for around 12 years, I’ve had the pill, & the implant for years & when I eventually got to see someone it was severe it fused my uterus to my bowel, awaiting laparoscopy I have currently had the implant removed & had the coil but I’m also on prostap injections the specialist said this makes the endo less active, & told me I can stay on them long term with oestrogen add back, maybe try them until your ready to conceive?

[Lofty1589]

Better to do it sooner as it can cause more issues down the line.

[Vntglvr]

I just had my first endo lap last week and the endo was much worse than my doctor thought it would be. It was everywhere and spread all the way up to my diaphragm and ended up perforating it. Because of this, part of my lung was collapsed. Unfortunately, I was misdiagnosed for over 10 years. I finally found a specialist who listened to me. If I found a doctor years ago and had the lap done sooner it’s possible my endo would not have spread as badly as it did.

I completely understand wanting to wait until it’s closer to when you want to conceive. Just keep in mind endo can get worse and worse as the years go on. I was able to conceive my first child relatively easily for having endo. However, trying for our second hasn’t been possible yet. Over the past 2 years the endo has gotten worse enough where my fertility has been affected. My doctor is confident getting pregnant will be much easier now that my endo was excised and endometriomas were removed.

Good luck with whichever choice you decide to make. If you go ahead with the surgery, make sure they are excising it and not doing an ablation.

[16yearsofpainsofar]

If you've been lucky enough to get a date for a lap then I think you should do it. You don't want your symptoms to worsen by the time you're trying to conceive. I was going to have one but then found out I was pregnant! My lap will be soon.

Just as a warning... If you're on the implant then you won't know if you have irregular periods due to ovulation issues and unbalanced hormones. Those affect your fertility too. I was 25 when I was told I wouldn't be able to conceive naturally. Miraculously (aged 26) I found out I was pregnant and now have a healthy beautiful baby. I think you should get a lap and then some blood tests too.