My husband and I have been TTC since August 2017. We’ve never had a BFP. I went to see my GP in July and have since found out that I have later stage endometriosis. During my fertility appointment, I was told my only option was IVF but that I’d have to wait until I’d been TTC 2 years (so August 2019) before I could have that on the NHS.
I’m gutted; I really thought that I’d be told to have a laparoscopy Or be given something else to help.
Anyone got any advice as to what I could try between now ans August to increase my chances (with both TTC naturally and IVF) My BMI is good and I’ve already started to build my fitness up with running and interval training.
Please get a second (or even third) opinion. It took me getting to my 3rd gynecologist before i really got the help I needed. It was too late for me by then. Do not wait. Especially if you are already are at the later stage of endo. Be proactive. Try to find an "endometriosis guru" in your area
Hi! I agree with Alanya!
Me and and my husband had been trying to conceive for some time and I had always had the worst most painful periods since a young age and pain & major fatigue throughout most of the month, finally at the age of 28 i was diagnosed with endo, this was in Jan 2018. I was told I needed a lap to see the extent of the damage and removal of any cysts etc. The list was around a 6 month wait but I was lucky enough to be able to go private and had the surgery in Feb 2018. Please go back and ask for a laparoscopic surgery, I know you have to be seen to have been trying to conceive for two years before they will help via the NHS for IVF, I had the op in Feb and managed to start ivf in the June, I really had to be on everyone’s case to get something done. It is hard but do try to push it with your doctors, best to try and get it under control before or surgery out of the way before being able to go through your IVF if required.
Also, diet wise try cutting down on foods that cause inflammation - Especially caffeine if you can! Let me know if you need any other help!
Thank you so much. My main worry about having the lap is the risk of causing damage to my egg reserve (The dr said there was a high risk in my case). I’m 32 so time is not in my side. I’m worried that if I push for it it could all go so wrong but if I don’t IVF might not work anyway :(
Here is a response from one of my Instagram followers
Thank you. X
Since I responded, I had a phone call with a reproductive immunologist who i had blood work done with. He suspects I have endo due to a gene I have that predisposes me to it - along with certain symptoms I’ve had. I’m having a lap done next week to diagnose it so that would be a huge step for you and I pray you can get in somewhere soon. He also told me I should be on an anti-inflammatory diet which can help women with endo get pregnant naturally. If you google it, you can find loads of information on it!