Getting pregnant after laparoscopy/endometriosis?

ccbanana

Hi -

We've been TTC for a few months now and at my last gyno appointment my doctor told me she thinks I have endometriosis.  She wants to do the laparoscopic surgery to laser it all inside.  I'm totally nervous and freaked out.  Has anyone else done this?

Anyone know about the pregnancy rates of people with this condition?  What about after surgery?

Thanks

Rsgrl

Just like everything else, it varies by person.  However, having lap surgery will help because it clears out the endo.  I had lap and a hysteroscopy at the same time 6 years ago.  I chose not to have it again when we started TTC (although my doc offered it right away) because I wanted to see how things progressed.  We got lucky and didn't need the surgery again.

As for the procedure, it's pretty simple.  I have a small scar inside my belly button and one above my pubes (from the hyst).  They just stick a wand with a camera on it in there and laser the endo out.  Recovery doesn't take long at all and you just have some cramping and bleeding post-surgery (mine was nothing compared to my periods).

HTH

traceandrob

I just wanted to say that i know a few girls who had trouble getting pg and had this done for endometriosis and both were successful getting pg thereafter. GL to you!

ccbanana

Thanks ladies.  My doctor was totally freaking me out - talking about possibility of clogged tubes, scar tissue, fluid in the tubes, endometriosis running rampant through my organs.  It's been a long day  

Do you know how long you have to wait to start TTC after this procedure? 

Thanks again for the info!  Glad I signed up here.

Rsgrl

All of the things your doc mentioned are very real possibilities.  My mother had terrible endo and her uterus was bound back into her pelvis (because the endo acts like glue binding your organs together - sometimes the ovaries to the side of the uterus kinking the tubes), making it almost impossible to get pg (although she clearly did eventually).  She finally had a hysterectomoy because the endo was so painful.  I fully expect to have to get one at some point too.

That being said, your doc won't know if any of those "possibilities" are real for you until the surgery.  Chances are, they are not issues for you.  Some women have Stage I endo and have horrible pain and symptoms and others have Stage IV and have virtually no symptoms.

Ask your doc about how long to wait for TTC - but I imagine it should only be a cycle or two.  GL!

star21gazer

I just wanted to tell you good luck.  I had this surgery almost 4 years ago before I was married.  Rsgrl has given you great information. 

gingerfamily

I have endo.  Had a lap in September.  This is the first cycle afterwards that we're actively trying.  Took October - December off for other reasons.  Here's hoping it does something!

ccbanana

Thanks so much ladies.  GL to everyone!

eileenm21

also - they can check your tubes without doing a lap - you would have to do an hsg (just had one) that gave me the all clear on the tubes.  It doesn't detect endo though. 

ccbanana

Is that where they inject the blue dye?  She said she is going to do that while I am under the anesthesia.  One stop shop. 

eileenm21

yes its the dye test  - sounds like a good plan.  I was so nervewarcked before the test, I would have rather been knocked out.  though it wasn't bad at all. 

ccbanana

Thanks ladies!