How much will it affect my system?

Let's say miraculously my DH agrees to start TTC when we get the ok from the doctor... In the meantime, while I'm healing from the surgery which could be 2-3 months, she said I need to take something in order to try to keep the endo from growing until we can TTC. I'm not sure what I'd be taking, but how much will that affect my system? I've never taken any kind of birth control before, and I'm nervous about taking it for various reasons, and one of them being that it will screw up my system and make me not ovulate or ovulate late, not get a period, etc? For those of you that have taken something, how much damage could it really do in just a 2 month time span? Will it affect it a lot? Thanks!

Re: How much will it affect my system?

First find out what med your doctor is referring to. I would think she may be suggesting birth control pills or lupron.

Those suppress your hormones and therefore, can prevent endo from growing.

I suggest doing a lot of research and to speak to women who were or are in your position. It's your body and you can decide what meds to take or not to take. Make sure you are 100% comfortable with the reproductive endocrinologist you are seeing.

After taking lupron or bcps, you may have a very normal cycle or you may need ovulation medication. Lupron/bcps are usually part of the IVF protocol.

Re: How much will it affect my system?

Thanks for responding...

I refuse to take Lupron. If anything it would be BC pill. I even don't want to take the BC pills. But if it keeps the Endo from growing until I can physically start TTC, and keeps my uterus in good shape until then, I guess I'll have to. I don't want to risk it growing back in that time frame.

I wish I didn't have to take anything and just wait out the 2 months. I just didn't know if it would grow too fast.

Re: How much will it affect my system?

I know people who have had laps done to remove endo and did not have to be on meds after because they were ttc. I also know they were allowed to ttc immediately following the lap. So perhaps your situation is different because it involved your ovaries.

Can you get other medical opinions ? Do you have to only go to this particular doctor ?

Re: How much will it affect my system?

If it's just 2-3 months, why not just use condoms? That way you are not putting any chemicals into your system. And if you are temping, you will know when you are fertile.

After my mis, we just avoided my fertile days, or pulled out...

Re: How much will it affect my system?

I was wondering the same thing. Why not just hold off on the meds???

I do have to see this doctor... it's the only one my insurance covers. She's very popular as far as who the infertility patients choose. She's suppose to be very good.

I don't know... she just seemed really concerned about me taking something to preserve my uterus until we can TTC??? She doesn't want it growing back. I thought it took longer?

My OB/GYN was the same way. But she wanted me to be on something until we decided when we wanted to TTC. We didn't know then.

I have an appointment with my OB/GYN on 12/12 so I can discuss with her my options and what her opinion is. And then on 12/20 I have my post-op appt. with my RE. I guess we'll discuss what she wants me to do then also. I would prefer not to take anything if I knew that the Endo wouldn't grow back in that time frame and if my DH decided to TTC in a couple of months, but if there's a good chance that it will and my DH doesn't want to TTC I will definitely have to take something so the surgery wasn't for nothing.

I'm so upset and confused. I wish I could talk to someone else... even for advice. Thanks girls!

Oh... she said we couldn't TTC right away if we wanted to because it did involve my right ovary. It needs to heal. I'm not sure if that's why she wants me on meds. I don't know anyone I can ask about that?

Message edited 12/5/2005 11:14:00 AM.

Re: How much will it affect my system?

The meds are to slow down the endo growth. That's why she wants you on them which I know you understand. It may or may not grow back quickly, I am not sure doctors can determine how fast it will grow. Acupuncture or a holistic doctor may also be of assistance. I would look into that as well.

I would recommend you looking into www.resolve.org or www.fertilitylifelines.com.
They may have recommendations of a therapist that specializes in fertility issues in your area. This way, you can find someone who is knowledgeable with both fertility issues and the emotional issues that coincide. A counselor will be able to help you communicate with your dh, so that you both understand each other's feelings on this.

Always feel free, to forum mail me. I am not currently working and can do my best to find some research for you.