QuestionHi doc, I'm 30yrs old recently had laparascopic surgery and diagnosed with stage iv endometriosis,most of it was removed. My fiance also has fertility issues he was diagnosed with anti sperm antibodies. We are desperate to conceive and will meet our doctor next week to discuss our options. I would love your opinion on this matter?
Thankyou
Regards from South Africa
AnswerHello Melissa from the U.K.
Stage IV endometriosis is the worst stage that you can have. This has definitely been shown to impair fertility via natural means. The problem is that the endometriosis has now impaired the pelvis and this is the path that the egg must take in order to reach the tube. Both scar tissue formed from the endometriosis and surgery, and the inflammation caused by the endometriosis will interfere with the egg. For that reason, it is recommended to proceed to IVF. If your problem is combined with your partner's problem, then you have two major strikes against you. That would definitely make me strongly recommend IVF as the treatment of choice. That is not to say that you could not get pregnant without IVF. I have had a patient with stage IVF endometriosis that became pregnant spontaneously. However, the statistical chances of pregnancy is 1% or less.
Good Luck,
Edward J. Ramirez, M.D., FACOG
Executive Medical Director
The Fertility and Gynecology Center
Monterey Bay IVF Program
www.montereybayivf.com
Monterey, California, U.S.A.
for additional information check out my blog at http://womenshealthandfertility.blogspot.com check me out on facebook and twitter with me at @montereyb
