Removal of tube and possibly ovary - Salpingo-oophorectomy

[Booda21]

Hi everyone,

I’m just posting to see if anyone has any experience with having their tube and possible ovary removed?

I had a consultation today privately as I’m awaiting follow ups from the hospital I was in in October following a tubo-ovarian abscess.

I have been diagnosed with endo for about 18 months and had a lap last May to remove a large endometrioma on my right ovary and a smaller one on my left and excised all traces of endo which could be removed, I had some on bowel and my womb is stuck to my bowel but he left this due to the complexity and it not affecting me too badly.

I then underwent a round of ivf and had an egg collection and for whatever reason ended up with this infection. I am now left with a tubo-ovarian cyst which the consultant I saw today (who is an endo specialist) said he thinks will cause me problems due to blocked tube going forwards with fertility treatment and conceiving naturally due to the toxic nature of the contents of the fluid filling the tube. He also says he thinks my tube and ovary are likely fused together and if I went ahead with surgery to investigate that he would check to see if my left ovary was still healthy (which it should be) and then could potentially have to remove both the tube and ovary if stuck together and unable to just remove the tube.

My question is has anyone done this and then had further issues? Once home I started googling and read how it can lower fertility chances, even using ivf, and also can cause menopausal symptoms due to the decrease in hormones. Has this further negatively impacted your fertility? Or anyone who has had this done and it been successful for them?

Thanks to anyone who has any information and takes the time to reply ✨

[Snoopydraws23]

Hi Booda21,

I have had experience of both my tubes being removed but not my ovary as well. My right tube was removed via emergency surgery following an ectopic pregnancy after my 4th IVF transfer. I then paid privately to have my left tube removed before undergoing transfer number 5 as I also had an ectopic pregnancy after my 2nd transfer which was treated with medication and wanted to reduce the risk of it happening again.

Like you I have endometriosis- stage 4 and it’s extensive with my uterus tethered to my bowel although I’m asymptomatic so left it alone.

I had an MRI prior to my last transfer to investigate any explanation for the ectopics and it showed hematosalpinx so I was advised to have the tube removed for this reason as it would reduce the chances of IVF successful. I had my transfer 3 months after surgery and was very fortunate to have had a successful pregnancy.

Sorry I don’t have any advice about the ovary removal and hormone levels but I was told that the toxic fluid filling the tube can reduce IVF success by up to 50%.

Good luck with the surgery and future IVF. X

[Booda21 in reply to Snoopydraws23]

your symptoms sound very similar to mine! And this is my worry, if I leave it I know it really decreases the chances of any ivf working as the environment is less than ideal! Congratulations on your little one. And thanks for the response x

[JA-fnuk Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

Best try not to google too much May be should discuss your concerns with your consultant - this might help reassure you going forward

Sending you a big hug

Janet

[Booda21 in reply to JA-fnuk]

You are right! I should steer clear but I like to have as much info as possible: I’ve booked another consultation with the surgeon to find out more information. So seems the best bet!