Question for Ladies Diagnosed with Endometriosis

[PocoHR]

Heya, I've just turned 30 last month, and I had a laproscopy done last week where my doctor discovered I have advanced endometriosis (he removed a lot of it, although not quite all he told me).

He told me he thinks the chances of me getting pregnant on my own are small and he has recommended that before we even start trying again I should be put on a medication to stop ovulation (to simulate menopause) for three to six months. He said, after that, we should start doing IVF.

I'm wondering, is this normal? If anyone reading this has been diagnosed with advanced endo, what were you told to do? Did you have to stop ovulation and then go straight to IVF, or were other options offered to you?

If I am honest, I kind of want to try naturally as soon as possible, and if after a little while it doesn't work, then move on to IVF, without taking this menopause medication in between. But, if it really helps to take it, then I'll do it. I'm just not sure! Stories and advice are welcome!!

 

[Gherkin]

Hey

I have severe endo too. I had a laparotomy to remove 3 ovarian cysts and then went onto Zoladex for 6 months (which stimulates the m/pause). At the time I wasn't ttc so after the treatment went back to normal. I personally found the treatment to be a bit pointless... I didn't stop having my period and it seemed to do little for me... Though everyone is different.

I am going back to my gynae as I have more cysts and have been ttc now for about a year with no luck. I do however know quite a few people with endo who have conceived naturally (one of my friends even ended up having organs fused together it was so severe). I am hoping I will be one of the lucky endo sufferers who conceive naturally too.

Your specialist sounds like they have a good plan for you. I personally would listen to them. The zoladex will shrink back your endo giving you a better chance of conceiving...

Good Luck and keep us posted

Baby Dust xxx

 

[wanabeamama]

Hi I have severe endo too stage 5 I have had a laparoscopy 2011 and it all came back within 3 months then I had major surgery jan 2012 BC it was so bad my bowel was stuck to my uterus and my ovaries stuck to that too such a mess in there so after the surgery I was referred for ivf and had 3 months of prostap (the medication you mentioned ) similar to zolodex it really made me feel better Unfortunatly my ivf didn't work first time so I just had another 3 month injection yesterday and go straight into my next ivf, it really does help even after my surgery I used to bleed from my belly button and after my first 3month jab it stopped so it gets rid of what surgery can't get too.

 

[PocoHR]

Thanks Gherkin for sharing your story, its reassuring! I am going to start the treatment soon Good luck to you!

Hey wanabeamama, sorry to read your first IVF didn't work, hope the next one will take. Lots of to you!

I found out at my last check up that actually I have stage three endo, so its not as bad as I thought originally. I have decided to do one ttc cycle normally before starting the medication. I know it has a very small chance of working, but I just feel like its something I want to try. Also I am going on a trip and starting a new job next month, so I think I would like to wait a little before beginning the meds since I am afraid they might give me some side effects. We'll see though Thanks again!