How long did TTC take you with endo?

[Halfsies]

I have endometriosis. I am in pain most days, my period is absolutely hell and I call in sick to work the first two days of it as I really can't move much. I have always had painful periods but was put on the pill at 14 and took it back to back until recently (27 now).

TTC for 7 months so obviously no pill to keep periods at bay and it is KILLING ME.

I'm hoping to hear from fellow endo sufferers about the TTC journey and how long it took and how you coped!?

Just to add I'm pretty confident I ovulate each month as I have lots of egg white discharge and higher sex drive on fertile days.

Hi Halfsies
At 29 I tried for a year before beginning investigations. A laparoscopy found endometriosis had caused both my tubes to be blocked. I wasn't surprised about the Endo as my periods are hell too. I'm so sorry to hear you're in so much pain :(

Its now been 2 years from when we started trying and I'm about to have my first IVF embryo transfer.

Hi @River30

Thanks so much for your reply. Sorry to hear about your endo blocking your tubes. If you don't mind me asking, were you on birth control until ttc?

The pain is almost unbearable isn't it? The one thing that helps is extreme heat as it helps me fall asleep, but I have marks all over my stomach from hot water bottles (which I know isn't healthy!).

Wishing you all the success and luck with your IVF treatment 🩷

Hi @Halfsies - I had Stage 4 endometriosis. Loads of scarring and adhesions and a huge endometrioma. Ended up with a full laparotomy and one ovary and tube being removed as the endometrioma had crushed them. It was basically a huge mess in there!! However, three years after the surgery DD was conceived naturally (she's 8 now).

You have my sympathy- endo pain is horrendous, wouldn't wish it on anyone. And whilst they couldn't remove all the adhesions, I personally did notice that my periods improved post pregnancy (less painful and heavy, more regular cycle etc).

Hi @Shergill15 oh my goodness, that must have been so much to deal with at the time, delighted to hear you had your dd naturally though 🩷 and that the pain has reduced! What age were you when you fell pregnant naturally? Must have been the best surprise ever after 3 years.

It is just such a struggle. I hope I fall pregnant soon x

A year.

That was after surgery though.

We were at the point of seeing the GP (had been told to try for a year before they would do investigations)

Hi OP
Yes, I did come off the pill when we started trying, I've been on and off it over the years. Luckily I'm only in severe pain for a few days during my period. I've just been prescribed voltaren suppositories which are the first thing that has ever helped with the pain!

@Halfsies I was 33 when I had her. I had sort of got to the point where I thought it wouldn't happen so she was a wonderful surprise! Wishing you all the very best with it all, dont give up hope xx