Conceiving with endometriosis

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I've recently been "diagnosed" with suspected endometriosis. I'd always put it down to IBS which I do have but now also this. It's unbelievably painful and I'm coming off the pill on Saturday as we want to start TTC. I'm really worried about the pain as it's so severe but I'm also now super worried about conceiving. I haven't undergone any tests but because the pain is so bad I'm worried it's doing a lot of damage to my body 😭 does anyone have any success stories please?xx

Hi there! Yes I've always used the pill to treat my endometriosis, so coming off it to TTC is terrifying. I really recommend talking to your doctor about medications you could take to alleviate the pain- I was initially on diclofenac and tranexamic acid which helped me a lot, especially the tranexamic acid which usually has minimal side effects and makes a big difference for me in reducing bleeding and the pain (you can't take it when on the pill as like the pill it slightly increases blood clot risks).

Ah and I forgot to say! I know how worrying TTC is when you have (or suspect you have) endometriosis, so I should add it took me a little while to conceive my first but I did conceive and now have a very happy one year old. It's more likely than not than you'll be okay conceiving, so try not to worry if it doesn't happen immediately (I know it's a lot easier to say than do)

I haven't used either of those so I'll have a chat with them thank you so much! Aw glad to hear it worked out for you!x

We did conceive (eventually) but it did involve IVF. Best of luck with it.

My mum had really severe endometriosis, suffered hugely with pain and bleeding, and was told she would be highly unlikely to conceive.

My mum...

I'm diagnosed with endometriosis (and PCOS, double whammy).

Many people with endometriosis (and PCOS, for that matter) conceive naturally (and easily), it isn't necessarily bad news on that front, so don't panic yet!

I conceived my DS the first cycle we tried. I'm now pregnant with baby number two, having conceived on the fourth cycle of trying (the issue there was actually PCOS - I had two anovulatory cycles - resolved by taking Metformin). I'm in my early thirties so age is admittedly on my side (particularly so with my first pregnancy).

I get IBS symptoms, particularly around the time of my period. I recommend anti-inflammatory medication for the pain (have a chat with your GP, you can take most anti-inflammatory medications when TTC, just need to stop taking once pregnant).