Laparoscopy advice and experiences

[JJB92]

Hi all

We've been struggling to conceive nr2 for almost 18 months now. Besides a short luteal phase, none of the other tests really showed anything and on my husband's side everything looks great.

My doctor mentioned that he suspects I might have endometriosis after I mentioned that I experience deep pain during intercourse (I always thought everyone with endometriosis have excruciating periods so this was a surprise to me), but suggested that we first try to improve ovulation and the luteal phase with letrozole (and possible progesterone's) for 6 months before considering a laparoscopy.

I'm starting to wonder whether I should request that we do it earlier, but I don't really know enough about the impacts of endo on fertility. I'm scared that if I do have endometriosis, my current treatment won't really help anyway and we are just wasting time. On the other hand, if I go for surgery now we'll probably loose a cycle or two and it might not show anything. I also don't really know what the treatment options would look like if I do have endometriosis.

If anyone has knowledge/ experience please share. Would you insist on doing the laparoscopy now, or rather wait?

Thank you.

If you’ve had tubes checked recently I would press on

i had my last laparoscopy three years ago and obviously can’t have any further treatment until after ivf

long as you know the status of the tubes I can’t see much advantage

are your ovaries visible or stuck ? Again another thing that can be checked with imaging

good luck lovely xx

Hi @JJB92, I'd push for it earlier personally, it's not going to do any harm and if anything it'll probably help potentially to ensure your uterus is receptive for a successful implantation.

I've had a laparoscopy twice now, once with the NHS and once at a private clinic in Greece. The first one they removed a small polyp and I did actually manage to get pregnant for the first time ever after ivf a year later, sadly it turned into a chemical pregnancy. I had a second transfer which didn't even take, I then went to Greece for some tests and they actually found endometriosis which they removed during the laparoscopy, during that procedure they also made small cuts from one tube to the other which is supposed to support implantation. I'm now in my tww going mad after my final FET with my NHS funded fertility treatment hoping that it's done the job and I never have to go through this again 😅😳 if I hadn't had the second one though then there would've been a very slim chance this current embryo would ever take due to the inflammation. A laparoscopy will give them a chance to have a look at what's going on with your uterus and treat anything that should be there.

recovery wise it wasn't too bad, the first time they also did the tubes test and ovarian drilling so that was a little worse but the second time I had a day of rest and then flew back home and was fine, just have to be careful lifting and overdoing it so will get you out of cleaning duties for a week or so 🙃😉

Hope that helps!

Thanks for the advice! Yes I had a HSG test last month and the tubes and inside of the uterus all looked good. I've also had about 3 internal sonars by different doctors recently and no one mentioned any problems with the ovaries, so I think they are fine too.

@cbear1989 you have had such a long journey ttc. I'm so sorry that it has been such a struggle. I'm holding thumbs for you that this time your FET will be a success and that the tww won't feel like an eternity.

I'll speak to my doctor again about moving it earlier and also ask about the cuts thing. I've never even heard of that.

@JJB92 that's so kind thank you 💕

Good luck, least if it's done you know that they've had a proper look inside and then you'll feel more confident that you're ready for a successful implantation! That thought has defo helped me stay positive this time around as there's nothing more I can do now. Especially if they suspect endometriosis with you, sending you so much luck for a successful cycle very soon!;🤞😍

Thank you!

Hi I’m having a similar dilemma as my specialist won’t submit for IVF funding unless I have a laparoscopy first to rule out any tubal problems or endo but it feels quite extreme given no symptoms of either are present. I would like the op for peace of mind but am reading it could decrease fertility by decreasing AMH which has scared me.

@Rebekah77 can I ask what you mean by “i had my last laparoscopy three years ago and obviously can’t have any further treatment until after ivf” please?

Thank you

Hi lovely @Anon263119

well I can’t stay on mini pill which helps me the most

options like zoladex can’t be used

further and more radical surgery my specialist advised against until after ivf

si now just stuck waiting around ! Can’t wait to go back on the pill as never have a period again 😂

the one benefit was knowing my tube status but again that can be done whenever