IVF with one ovary & endometriomas

[Mrs_C]

I'm 29 years old and was diagnosed with stage 4 endo one year ago.  I had one ovary and tube removed.  My dr. was able to save the other ovary but it was in bad shape too.  My laparotmy was in July '07 and a month ago my dr. ordered a sonogram and tells me the cysts (endometriomas) on my remaining ovary are coming back (a 4 cm, 2 cm, and several smaller ones).  I'm now seeing an RE who wants to put me on Lupron for 3-6 months before performing another surgery to remove the cysts.  He then suggests IVF.  

My question is do you know whether I would be a good candidate for Natural Cycle or Mini-IVF?  I do not like the idea of taking all the drugs associated with IVF.  I really don't want to take the Lupron either.  

What do you think about the Lupron?  Do you think I should get the cysts removed again before IVF?  I'm worried about further scarring my ovary.

Thanks!

[kor35]

A related discussion, Endometriomas was started.

[Palawanprincess]

Good day to you!!Well, I'm on my last dose of Lupron this month.It's just the hot flushes that I can't really stand when it comes to the side effects of Lupron.Otherwise,everything is tolerable.Just have an Infertility/Reproductive specialist do your surgery.In that way, he could do the outmost care not to make any further damage to your ovary.Tell him your most concern is to have babies after the surgery.
I am not into IVF plans,my doc told me that by next month I'm going to be given this fertility injection and we'll try the natural way of conceiving.He said that endos may reccur(hope not) after 18 months post op so we've got to be striking really hard during this "safe period".
   Don't be so upset and worried,I know how you feel.Let's just be thankful that there are ways to solve this stuff out.Just look positively on things and keep on praying.I know that God will give us the desire of our hearts.HE'll send the best gifts to us according to His plans and time.All we need to do is to keep on clinging unto Him and do our best at the same time. Goodluck to both of us!!  

[Hope4Baby24]

I'm 25 years old and was diagnosed with endometriosis in October, 2006.  I've always had heavy periods, with horrible pain once every 4 cycles.  I had surgery to remove a "chocolate cyst" in October of 2006, right after I was diagnosed.  The doctor who did the surgery said that everything looked "beautiful" inside and that the endo isn't that bad.  Six months later, I went to see a RE since I failed to get pregnant.  After doing all the necessary tests, we found that my right tube was completely blocked as a result of the surgery, my FSH levels are borderline..and hence the low egg quality/quantity.  He said that all of this is a result of the endo.  I took depolupron for about 3 months.  The worst part were the hot flashes.  Since then, I've tried IVF twice and both times have failed.  My eggs are just weak and unable to survive in the uterus.
I definitely think you should have the cysts removed before you attempt IVF.  You should also try the depolupron injections...IVF works best when your ovaries are suppressed.  Also, not having a period for 6 months will prevent the endo from getting worse, and will dry up any leftover adhesions/blood left over in the uterus.
I've signed up for a third IVF cycle that starts mid-May.  I'll be taking depolupron for 2 months, I have my first injection on March 17th.
I wish you the best of luck-
Please keep us posted on your status-

[Mrs_C]

I meant to say I still DO want to try natural IVF afterward...

[Mrs_C]

Thanks Palawanprincess.  I'm glad to hear you are getting pain free and that the Lupron isn't as bad for you as it is for some.  I've read horror stories on the net about Lupron.  One reason that I am reluctant to take it is because I don't have the pain that is associated with endo. I had some before my surgery in July of last year.  But since then I have none, my cycles are so much better.  I assume that is how the disease was able to get to a Stage IV without my knowledge.  I think I am going to do the Lupron but I still don't want to do natural IVF afterward.  One of my fears is that if I have my ovary operated on again it will further compromise my changes.  I do understand that the cyst can make it difficult for the IVF to take.  I'm really not looking forward to another laparotomy and missed work.  Are you going to try IVF too?  

[Mrs_C]

Hi Namag, thanks for getting back to me!  I'm sorry to hear about your troubles too.  It's been quite a rollercoaster for me.  I had ablsolutely no idea there was something wrong with me.  I had probably a handful of painful periods but I thought it was normal.  Like they were just "get worse with age".  When I would confide in friends they seemed like they could relate to the symptoms I was having, so I didn't question it with my dr.  I sure wish I had!  But I have too much to do with myself to worry about the coulda-shoulda-woulda's!  Anyway, 6 mos. after my surgery (last month) I went in for a routine pap test and my dr. was feeling around on the side where my ovary is and sure enough she about made me jump off the table!  She said she thought the cyst was back and she ordered a sonogram.  I have a 4cm, 2cm, and 3-4 smaller cyst on my ovary, she said it's "riddled" with endo AGAIN!  I was so upset, needless to say.  She said I should do Lupron, I was suprised after doing some research that she didn't mention it to me after my first surgery.  I might not be in this shape again so soon if she had, so that makes me a little disappointed.  I feel like it's such a set back, one that I can't really afford.  The only other test she ordered was a CA-125 test.  It came back good at 11 (between 0-21 is good, I guess).  In June '07 I had a CA-125 and my result was 56.  Are you going on to IVF?  I am interested in Natural Cycle IVF and just found a place on the web that has a clinic in St. Louis MO which is about 4 1/2 hrs. from where I live.  It's called Sher Institute (SIRM).  Have you heard of it?

[Palawanprincess]

I just had bilateral ovarian cystectomy last month.I took Lupron Depot before the surgery and 3 more doses post op.I feel better after starting the Lupron,it made my pain less and the side effects of the medicine are not that bad.It made my endos smaller and prevented new endos to come out.Go with what the doc told you,try the Lupron and surgery afterwards.It would be easy to get pregnant w/out those endos.Goodluck!!

[namag]

i'm too 29 years old ,my dr removes my right ovart and part of my left in oct 2007,i think you should get the cyst removed again before ivf
i want to know what your doctor was  ordered except the sonogram  ?
blood test?what ?
thanks