Endromityosis/Conception Worries

[David_Wilts]

Good evening,

I'm a new member and wonder if anyone would be able to offer any insight? My wife and I have been trying to conceive naturally for just under a year - my wife suffers from endromityosis and so far we haven't been successful. We have been in contact with our GP for the past 6 months re: our concerns but haven't yet been referred to a clinic, pending various test results though unfortunately these cannot be done at the moment owing to Covid-19. We're pulling our hair out (!) and feel completely overwhelmed. We would be really grateful to hear if we aren't alone in this.

Many thanks.

[Florencenightingale]

There in an endometriosis forum on this website if you have a search on the homepage, that will you give you some good advice too.

I think until you have the tests and get the results you wont know where you stand and if theres anything you can do/change to help.

But to give you some hope....less than a year TTC may seem like a lifetime but it often takes the average couple around a year to conceive (without any fertility problems).

It is possible to conceive with endometriosis...I've been there.

There are things both you and your doc can do to increase these chances. Have a look into an endometriosis diet.

Improve your diet and exercise, decrease alcohol and smoking. Take pre conception vitamins (both partners), avoid hot showers, extra stress, tight underwear etc. If you have a search online there are some useful tips.

Wishing you luck in your journey

[David_Wilts in reply to Florencenightingale]

Thank you so much for your response - it's really helpful and good to know that we aren't alone. This year has seemed an eternity and the uncertainty really doesn't help!

[Florencenightingale in reply to David_Wilts]

Yeah but always seems a lonely place but knowing others are there too does help. Try and use this time to read up on how to handle it all. Good luck with TTC x

[Dinah_lady]

Hello,

I echo what the previous 2 posts say. I had 7 years of pain before getting a diagnosis of endo. I got a diagnosis about 10yrs ago.

In terms of coping with the monthly stress and pain, I found this book really helpful-

‘Endometriosis-A key to healing and fertility through nutrition’ by Dian Mills. There is a lot of science in it but you can just pick up and read the parts that are most relevant to yourselves. It is an old book but I still recommend it.

I have always been healthy but I cut out red meat, dairy, wheat, soya and caffeine pretty much out my diet 9 years ago. It helped me hugely to feel in control of my endo and then gave me better quality of life. Less pain also meant less stress 😊. I can eat all of those things now in all small amounts and it does not affect me.

There are things that can help. For example, getting prescribed Zoladax for 3-6 months puts the female body into a temporary menopause, allowing the endo to shrink (& body to rest). It can also help boost fertility for a couple of months when stopped. Speaking to a good endo/fertility specialist will help to look at your options. However, they may say to try naturally for longer (depending on age) before offering any fertility treatment. Good luck.

[David_Wilts in reply to Dinah_lady]

Thank you so much for your reply - really appreciated. We will take a look at the book you mention - we're both relatively healthy and my wife is a vegetarian and has cut out quite a lot of foods over the past 12 months, including caffeine etc, which does seem to have helped. Though the stress and anxiety haven't allayed.

Many thanks.

[Hidden]

I have endometriosis which took a longtime to diagnosis. I conceived naturally twice once the endo was treated - first was a chemical pregnancy & after my third lap I conceived my daughter whose 1 next month. It is possible to have a successful pregnancy with endometriosis. Never give up hope. This site I found amazing in terms of support don’t know how I would’ve kept going without it xxx

[David_Wilts in reply to Hidden]

Thank you so much for sharing your story - there is hope! - so positive to hear.