Stage 2 Endometriosis Patient: Life & Fertility After Lupron?

Question:

Hi. My name is B. I am 26 and I live in Mississippi. I was diagnosed with Stage 2 Endo in June of 2009. Within 4 months of the lap (performed in June) I was already experiencing high levels of pain during urination, bowel movements and intercourse. My doctor had previously recommended Lupron, but I had declined so I went on continuous birth control. I still had high amounts of pain on a regular basis. I decided to do the treatment after the pain returned so quickly.

While on the shots, I didn't experience nearly as many hot flashes as I had expected and I only gained about 12 -15 lbs. I had my last shot about 27 days ago (3.75mg) and I want to know what I can expect.

When should I start having a cycle again? Also, I have had some mild-moderate pain during the last 3 months of my treatment and occasionally what felt like menstrual cramps. My doctor said he thought it was probably scar tissue.

Any thoughts on the pain I experienced during the second half of my treatment? Any thoughts on my statistical time frame for the possibility of having a family vs. infertility. My boyfriend is very cynical and doesn't believe my best chance at a family is within the next two years. How adamant should I be about going for it considering my circumstances? Thank you!

Answer:

Hello B. from Mississippi, let me answer your questions in sequence:

1. In general, the normal cycle will resume within 3 months of the last month of Lupron injections. That means, give yourself three months after the one month from the injection.

2. I can't explain the pain that you had in the last 3 months of treatment. Scar tissue is a possibility but the symptom is so nonspecific that I can't give a more definite answer.

3. In general, I advise patients to begin trying for pregnancy immediately after completing a Lupron treatment because there is a 6 month window before the endometriosis will return and inhibit fertility. If you are not in the position to try for pregnancy right away, then you should follow the Lupron with some type of prophylactic treatment to prevent the immediate return of the endometriosis. I recommend Depo provera but if you don't want to take this, then a low estrogen dose, high progesterone birth control pill is second best. Do not use a high dose estrogen pill (30mcg or greater) because the estrogen feeds the endometriosis. Again, Depo provera is my preference.

4. Lastly, I hope you don't mind this piece of advice: You should never insist on having a child with a partner. It needs to be a mutually acceptable proposition. Having a child is a life-changing event. You want your situation to be stable before then.

Good Luck,

Edward J. Ramirez, M.D., FACOG

Executive Medical Director

The Fertility and Gynecology Center

Monterey Bay IVF Program

http://www.montereybayivf.com/

Monterey, California, U.S.A.

Twitter with me at @montereybayivf and follow me on Facebook at http://bit.ly/9Iw9oV