Estimated TTC after endo removal

[JosieJo]

A couple of months ago I had my 2nd lap to remove endo, and we're all crossing our fingers this was the reason for our fertility challenges...Does anyone know any numbers on how long we should reasonably expect to wait before looking at the next step- going onto IVF? Do we go back to the same odds as people who who don't have fertility issues? ie most will in the first year? Or does it still take longer?

[EmnM]

Hi JosieJo,

Firstly, hello I've had a few laps myself and like all of us, I guess we draw on our personal experiences. I am wondering what your gyn told you? Did he/she give you an average based on best evidence? Did he/she remove the endo or leave it? Did they say where it was. Lots of questions I know but these things might give you a better idea.

EG, if you have endo on your tubes/ovaries this may make it more difficult then a small amount on the bowel wall.

At the time I was ttc no 1 it took 12 months after my lap. They didn't remove it at all and I took a drug after the lap to stop my periods for 6mths (which I understand is not the preferred method for dealing with endo).

For our second time ttc it took 2yrs in total, 12mth after my 2nd lap to conceive. At the time my gyn suggested that the first 4 'tries' after your lap gave me the best chance of conceiving. I think my endo was so bad it took 4mths just to get over it !

Going to IVF is a big decision and one luckily we didn't need to take but it is a personal decision, depending on what route to pregnancy you may choose to take ie, lots of women here have chosen natural therapies, drugs or a combo of the two.

Whatever you decide, I truly wish you the best and know that when pregnancy doesn't happen how and when you expect it too it is a time when you can really need support.

[JosieJo]

Thanks EmnM sorry its taken me so long to get back.

I've had one lap to have a look and one lap to remove all the endo the first one found. ObGyn said it was all removed and no damage was done to either ovaries or fallopian tubes. Tubes are clear..everything looks good. ObGyn said he'd give me 6mths before we discuss options from there...I bartered for 12 because I'm reluctant to start IVF. He thinks I'll be UTD by the time we touch base in 6mths...so fingers crossed...I guess I was just wondering what the reality is- or has been for other people

[nic]

I've heard and read that he first 6 months after a lap are the best for conceiving.
A family member had a lap and was pregnant within 6-12 months from memory, though they had no endo that needed removing, but everything else you mentioned, was all good

Goodluck, hope you have a BFP soon

[EmnM]

Hey JosieJo,

They are great results from your lap, esp as the important bits are all fantastic. I forgot to say that one of my ovaries had a cyst on it (not caused by endo) which halved my chances to every second month.

I hope you can have faith now that the endo is removed that conception will be smooth sailing.

Best of luck and enjoy the BDing

[Aurian]

Hi JosieJo - our specialist said that if we weren't pregnant within six months of my laparoscopy (for severe endometriosis incl. on the bowel wall; this was after 6mths of Zoladex injections) to come back and see him.

It's now been 16 months and we've since changed specialists (to someone who supports eastern/natural medicine as well as conventional). Also discovered in October '09 that I have blocked tubes, possibly related to scar tissue from endo or surgery. My naturopath is attempting to dissolve the scar tissue using Vitamin E and thiosinamine (mustard seed extract), but we're seeking a referral to MIVF upon her advice next month if this cycle is unsuccessful.

It's up to you, and what YOU and your partner feel is an appropriate length of time to wait (I struggled with this myself when people told me a few months ago that I was jumping the gun by considering IVF as an option). Good luck.