Expert: Scott Roseff, MD, FACOG - 2/5/2007

Question
I was diagnoised with endometriosis in Aug '05.  What are my chances of getting pregnant?  How often do cysts come back?  I've had two cystectomies, a year and half apart.  Am I going to have to have surgery for the rest of my life?  Why is this happening to me?  My doctor dosen't seem to have any answers for me.

Answer
Hi,
If your doctor can't answer your questions to your satisfaction, you should consider seeing a doctor who knows about endometriosis.

Since I don't know your complete history, it's hard/impossible for me to properly answer your questions (I would need to review your history and operative reports).  As a broad generalization, though, I can try and answer your questions.

Your chances of getting pregnant have to do with how well your endo was treated and if it caused scar tissue around your ovaries and/or tubes.  It also has to do with how long from treatment you wait to try and conceive and whether it comes back or not.

Cyst reformation varies highly and isn't predictable, so no one can tell you how often cysts come back (it varies too much).

As for having surgery for the rest of your life, there are medical treatments for endometriosis that may or may not be options for you, and an expert in endo can help you in that regard (once he/she knows your entire history/picture).  Some women do in fact have surgery after surgery while others don't have to keep having it done.

As for why it's happening to you, we don't know the actual cause (we have theories) of endo, but again as a broad generalization I can say it's multifactorial (as far as we know).  There seems to be a genetic link to it, and it also probably has to do with the immune system.  You really should sit down with an expert and discuss all of the issues surrounding the diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis.  You're certainly welcome to come here, if you want.

Hope this helps,
Dr. Roseff - PERSONALIZED/Individualized Successful care by a Board Certified Reproductive Medicine specialist in a warm and caring setting....  Visit us in Wellington, Florida!
www.reproendo.com/different.htm
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