Endometriosis and fertility

[Puglover96]

Hello,

I am 28yrs old and was recently given a 'suspected' diagnosis of stage 3 endometriosis (via MRI) after a year long struggle with irregular and very heavy periods. It's on both my ovaries and posterior uterine wall - towards the rectum. Fallopian tubes look unaffected! This has worried me quite a bit and advice/information from professionals has been scarce and contradictory. Making me feel lost and unsure what to do. Me and my husband and I have been trying for a baby for nearly a year now with no luck!

Alongside diet changes/cutting caffeine out/exercise/ blood tests and supplements, I have been referred to a gynaecology and fertility specialist to discuss options for improving my fertility. There has been mention of having laparoscopic surgery to

A. Formally diagnose endometriosis.

and

B. To potentially remove lesions to improve chances of conception.

I'm wondering if there is anyone who has either recently undergone the surgery and found this improved fertility or had successful conception without this! Is it worth considering if we are trying for a baby, I'm seeing a few horror stories and the idea of surgery does freak me out so feel it would be my last resort! Or would it be better to go straight down the IVF route?

any experiences or advice would be greatly appreciated!

[Irma-T]

Hi Puglover96,

I found out I have endo due to trying to conceive with no success. I was referred to fertility specialist who referred me to have a diagnostic laparoscopy which confirmed my endo. I then had excision surgery 3 months later via another lap. I was hopeful that I’d fall pregnant naturally after that but unfortunately I was still in a lot of pain despite the surgery and didn’t fall pregnant ‘naturally.’ I went on to have IVF successfully after my 1st round and right now I’m holding my 7 week old daughter. Every woman’s journey is different as I’ve heard of women becoming pregnant after surgery with no IVF. The nature of this condition unfortunately is it’s not a one size fits all. I’m glad I had my surgery in the end but I don’t know if IVF would have worked without it. All the best.