IBS and fertility

[cazzieb75]

Hi There, does anyone know if IBS bears any relation to fertility. I am asking as have had IBS for 10 years and has mysteriously stopped as begun IVF? Previously it was regular just before my period each month.

[KittyK]

I don't know if it has any effect on it but I have IBS too. My IBS is definitely hormonal and my hormones are messed up because of severe PCOs so I think if anything, the infertility has an effect on your IBS. When I was trying to deal with my IBS way before any infertility things, being on different pills (like birth control) used to help and my doctor said from the way I responded if I got pregnant I may find my IBS either gets worse or better because it's so closely related to my hormones in my case. Years ago half the girls at work were diagnosed with IBS and the only thing we had in common was that we all were on the pill at some point so I swear it's a hormone imbalance thing that worsens it. When I came off the pill to try having a baby naturally years ago (obviously before I knew about my infertility) my IBS symptoms improved so much without the hormones. Of course now with all the medication I'm on for IVF it's flared up again though lol Xxx hope that helps a bit, that's just my experience of it. I don't think it effects your chances just makes it all very uncomfortable xx

[Hollibob]

Have you looked at the other symptoms experienced with endometriosis to see if that might fit with you or have they ever discussed this as an option??

[CE_88_14]

I was diagnosed with IBS about 6 years ago after a lap showed no endometriosis. This year I had another lap due to appendicitis and they found endo on my left side and it flared for me at ovulation and period time so was very cycle dependent. Since starting IVF it has calmed right down although now on stims I'm hoping it doesn't flare up. Might be worth looking into endometriosis as IBS shouldn't be cycle related x

[Sammy-h]

My cousin has IBS and although it didn't affect her fertility it did disappear whilst she was pregnant.

[misswinky34]

Hi I've had IBS since my teens, with a small amount of endo on my bowel. Don't know if it directly affects fertility or not but when assisted fertility flagged up my thyroid, the meds for that made a huge difference to the IBS symptoms as well as kick starting ovulation again. The endo on my bowel has never had treatment but I know it's still there because i still rectally bleed every AF (sorry if tmi) so I think it depends on the severity and location to determine if it affects fertility. Xx