Any tips for IVF with endometriosis?

[happyseal]

Hello everyone 😊

So, after years of starting our fertility journey, we're finally doing our first cycle. It took a long time as we were first using NHS, and there was COVID, surgeries,etc etc.

We're now working with a private clinic and we're now doing our first cycle of embryo batching (to accumulate embryos before transfer).

That being said I am getting side effects and would love any tips regarding IVF in general, specially the below:

- Should you mention that you're going through IVF with your employer? As I understand IVF is not covered at all. Any tips on how to best manage all the appointments while working?

- Any tips to best manage the side effects? When I was on progesterone I was struggling a lot. I don't do well on hormone therapies and the progesterone tablets gave me several side effects. I'm now on the stimulation fase and the meds give me hot flashes several times a night so I cannot sleep. I also wake up with horrible pelvic pain/cramps. I am really bloated and gassy. I also have lower back pain. I will mention these in my next scan but is there any tips on how to best manage the bloating and hot flashes. I have tried different things for hot flashes but they don't work for me.

- How was your diet? I feel that the extreme bloatedness is making it hard to eat my usual vegan diet as I eat a lot of vegetables and beans.

- Any books or anything worth having a look?

- Any other tips and tricks would be very much appreciated.

Oh...my endo is very spread through my intestine and I have a lot of adhesion, so I think that is not helping at all. But oh well, that's what I got. How was IVF with you...taking into account endometriosis.

Thank you all and I hope you're doing well!

[Lunasa81]

I told my manager directly over me,but went normal sick when I needed too didn't tell upper management it was because of IVF. I have similar endometriosis, stage 4 cysts and fallopian tube adhered to bowel. It definitely effected me getting pregnant naturally but only difference with IVF was my clinic put me on long protocol down regulation and it worked

[happyseal in reply to Lunasa81]

Great to hera it worked. I'll have to have a look about the protocol you're in.

Thank you for answering...I guess I'll tell my manager today hehe...

[Elsidee11]

hiya - congrats on reaching your first cycle, it really does feel like a huge milestone!!

I have stage 4 endo, I was diagnosed years ago, possible 15 years now? Consultants believe maybe an over diagnosis at the time but without another lap they are not sure - but anyway, they say it doesn’t matter either way as we’re doing IVF.

The stims of my first round definitely flared up my endo - I had pain in the 2ww and pain after the collection & I only produced one blast on the short protocol, which sadly failed implantation.

My second round which starts next week will be long protocol with down reg, so praying this works better alongside my endo.

Diet wise I just make sure I follow the ‘Mediterranean’ diet and lots of greens, oh and just try and cut out sugar, alcohol etc. also take coq10 for egg quality as I believe my endo defo impacted mine. I have AMH of 15 with 14AFC and only produced 3 mature eggs. So fingers crossed for a better outcome this time.

Good luck to you, there’s lots of success stories from women with endo and I hope ours is the next 💫

[Elsidee11 in reply to Elsidee11]

forgot to say, def tell you’re employer! It took me a lot of courage and it’s the best thing I did. It removes a lot of pressure and just having the support makes all the difference - especially with needing appointment time off etc. good luck !x

[happyseal in reply to Elsidee11]

Thank you for sharing. Sorry to hear the first round wasn't successful and best of luck of The new protocol. All good energies your way and may it be successful.

I am having a flare up as well. I haven't had a flare up in a long time, but the meds are making my endo act up.

I do eat a ovo-vegetarian diet, but with endo flaring up, I'm a bit afraid of fiber haha 😂, as I eat a lot of vegetables.

Not sure if mine is long or what. They called it a mild protocol.

I am a bit nervous about bringing it up with my manager, not even sure how to. She never even heard of endometriosis before I mentioned it.

Sending great vibes your way...

[C-a-t-m-u-m]

Hello,

I also have Endo, mine seem to quite down when ever I’m going through IVF. Although my meds the Oestrogen has made it grow slightly. I believe Endo feeds of Oestrogen 😭. I have a little boy from a fresh round afew years ago. Now I’m trying for a sibling, which I’m finding even more stressful . My diet etc was amazing when I did my fresh, plenty of greens, sweet potatoes, nuts , fruit etc. This time round I just can’t have the same diet looking after a Toddler etc.

My advice is just go with the flow, rest when you can, try and stay positive and don’t symptom spot as it will drive you insane. I try too carry on as normal. My first FET ended in a recent mmc.

Work wise my boss is amazing! Super understanding and has supported me even from the 1st time. She’s knows all about my Endo.

Wishing you lots of baby dust ❤️❤️

[Tendo611]

hello! I have stage 3 endo so on one ovary and my bladder so tried for 2 years and have just had our first successful round of IVF.

I didn’t tell my manager but I also managed to work from home a lot during the stims which I think really helped. I don’t think you can really avoid the bloating, it is super uncomfortable and is the worst I found after my egg retrieval. I did find using probiotics helped, I tried to do some light walking everyday and found a heat pad was the only thing that helped the cramping. The progesterone was my least favourite part!

I really wish you all the best, it is such a daunting process sometimes!