Endometriosis / IVF research - where do I start?

Hi, I stumbled on this group as I'm researching IVF.

I'm 40 and I have endometriosis , diagnosed 7 years ago. We have been trying to conceive naturally for 2 years with no luck. . My bloods show good ovarian function and my husband has an above average sperm count and no issues.He has a child already from previous.

I've been through the NHS and they are doing a HSG xray in a couple of weeks to check my tubes but I have also seen private gyae for enndo My gynae suugests IVF asap and before we try surgery to remove endo. Is this a good idea?

surely endo may cause issues with pregnancy or the success of IVF?

Hubby is nervous of IVF and the stress it will put on us and I didn't want to do this to start with, but now it could be our only chance I'm considering it more.

Where do I start with research? We have to go private as he already has a child. But I want to understand the process, how many appointments, which clinic, etc.

What do I do about work? Do I tell them or just try to blag the time off for appointments?

any resources and advice welcome 🙏

[Orangeflowers]

Hey, even privately, the process can take a long time. I'd advise going ahead with IVF and banking embryos, to transfer later when your endo is removed. Time matters after 40 but the earlier the better and you'll have a good chance. Good luck 🤞 x

[Hidden in reply to Orangeflowers]

Yes, that's what I was considering also. Thanks for your reply x

[Aurora20]

Hi, I would suggest having your endo removed first I have endo myself and had it removed 5 years ago. My cousin is 39 she has endo only found out she had it 6 months ago. Gyno told her to have it removed and then try for a baby straight away and she got pregnant the first go!! Obviously everyone is completely different but just a positive story for you 😌 so I would maybe talk to your gyno and start with that first instead of going through ivf as the op might help x

[Hidden in reply to Aurora20]

Aw that's a lovely positive story. I had endo removed when first diagnosed, but I know its back and especially after 2 years with no treatment. Gynae did also say there's a small chance to increase fertility by removing it. I already have surgery scheduled for August, so I'm tempted to go for it, try natural for a couple of months and then start IVF if not successful. I can start talking to IVF clinics in this time as I am unsure if they have a waiting list.

[Littlepeax]

Hi there, the reason they usually suggest ivf before endo surgery is because the surgery can decrease your ovarian reserve as that's the main part of the surgery (usually) I've had two laps, and my ivf consultant said do not let them touch your ovaries again! So I would suggest having egg collection first, and then if you really need surgery have that after. Having polyps and fibroids removed first is fine though and increases your ivf chances if you do have these. I did. Try the AIP diet before your ivf to help increase your chances, cut out alcohol, sugar, processed foods all of which make endo worse and increases inflammation. Wishing you both lots of luck. ❤️💫

[Skittles11 in reply to Littlepeax]

This was also my understanding. It may be different advice depending on if your ovarian reserve is low or high, mine is low and I have been told by two independent clinics not to touch the endo by way of surgery as it is risky in stripping back the reserve. Good luck

[Hidden in reply to Littlepeax]

OK I can see why that would be an issue. My gynae also works at a fertility clinic and she said she would not touch the ovaries. My main issue is a lump in my belly button. But she would do full laporascopy to check tubes. She is recommending IVF first though.

[StarsAllAround]

Most clinics do free open events for Q&A some vai teams now. Have a look at some clinics in your area and book yourself a place at an open event then you can ask them some questions and get a feel for them and what you may want to do. We attended a few from different clinics. As for telling work if your line manager knows it will be far easier to get time off for appointments as these are usually short notice especially during stims and you will only get around 72 hours notice of when egg collection will be.

[Hidden]

We went to the HFEA website to choose our clinic as we had our first round NHS, but couldn't be bothered to wait.

We looked at ratings etc and chose a clinic. Nobody knows we were going for treatment so didn't have anyone to ask.

Time is so important at this age so I would say get those embryos frozen ASAP 😊