Tamworth mum's advice to any woman trying to conceive
A TAMWORTH woman who feared she would never have children because of a medical condition has come forward to tell her 'story with a happy ending', in a bid to give hope to other women.
Amanda and Mark Taylor are proud parents to five-month-old Lucas following IVF treatment.
Amanda (38) spent years suffering the painful and debilitating condition of endometriosis, before the birth of Lucas in October, following IVF treatment at Midland Fertility in Aldridge.
She told the Herald: "I'd like to say to other women suffering with endometriosis, don't suffer in silence, speak to your GP to ensure you are getting the best advice possible for living with this illness, especially if you want to have a family at some point – it may be essential to act sooner rather than later.
"For those with endometriosis and currently trying to conceive, I would say don't give up hope and if it's not happening naturally then speak to your GP about your options before it's too late.
" Endometriosis affects over 1.5 million women in the UK.
The condition means that cells like the ones that line the uterus grow elsewhere in the body.
These cells respond to a monthly cycle and cause pain, inflammation and scar tissue and make conception very difficult.
Amanda was referred for fertility treatment in March 2012 after trying to conceive for six years and following a history of recurring endometrial cysts, for which she had undergone numerous surgical procedures including a partial removal of her left ovary and the complete removal of one of her fallopian tubes.
After a failed first cycle of treatment Amanda underwent further surgery to remove yet more endometriotic cysts.
Following her recovery Amanda and Mark began a second treatment cycle in November 2012 which resulted in the positive pregnancy test that had eluded them so far.
Amanda said: "It had been such a long journey. I never thought I would ever be lucky enough to have a family.
Since Lucas has arrived I feel blessed every day." "Endometriosis manifests itself in a variety of ways so diagnosis can be difficult and often delayed," said Dr Abey Eapen, clinical lead at Midland Fertility.
"Recent research shows that there is now an average of seven and a half years between a woman first seeing a GP about her symptoms and receiving a firm diagnosis.
"Early recognition of the symptoms is vital so women can get a referral for fertility treatment if necessary.
"And there's good evidence that pregnancy following IVF can 'cure' endometriosis so that the woman can conceive naturally again in the future.
"We're delighted for Amanda and Mark about the birth of Lucas and are sure that her story will bring hope to other women who are living with endometriosis."
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Shop Now →Does endometriosis make it impossible to get pregnant naturally?
Endometriosis makes conception more difficult but doesn't necessarily make natural pregnancy impossible. The condition can cause scarring, inflammation, and structural damage to the reproductive organs that interfere with fertility. However, many women with endometriosis do conceive naturally, especially if diagnosed and treated early. If natural conception hasn't occurred after 6-12 months of trying, consulting with a fertility specialist is recommended.
What is the success rate of IVF for women with endometriosis?
Studies show that IVF can be an effective treatment option for endometriosis-related infertility, with success rates comparable to or sometimes higher than natural conception attempts for this population. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) recognizes IVF as a viable treatment when endometriosis significantly impacts fertility. Success rates vary based on age, egg quality, and severity of endometriosis, so discussing individual prognosis with a fertility specialist is important.
How long does it typically take to get diagnosed with endometriosis?
In the United States, the average time from first symptoms to diagnosis is 7-10 years, making endometriosis one of the most commonly delayed diagnoses. The delay occurs because symptoms can mimic other conditions and definitive diagnosis requires laparoscopic surgery. If you suspect you have endometriosis, especially if you're experiencing severe period pain or infertility, requesting a referral to a gynecologist or reproductive endocrinologist can help expedite diagnosis.
Is IVF coverage available through insurance for endometriosis-related infertility?
Insurance coverage for IVF varies significantly by state and plan, with 20 states currently mandating some level of fertility treatment coverage. Some insurance plans cover IVF specifically for medically diagnosed conditions like endometriosis, while others do not. It's essential to contact your insurance provider directly to understand your coverage, as policies differ widely regarding infertility treatment and pre-authorization requirements.
Should I have surgery before attempting IVF for endometriosis?
The decision to have surgery before IVF depends on individual factors including disease severity, previous surgical history, and fertility specialist recommendations. While surgi
Can pregnancy help resolve endometriosis symptoms?
Many women experience temporary relief or improvement in endometriosis symptoms during pregnancy due to hormonal changes that suppress the condition. However, endometriosis is not permanently 'cured' by pregnancy, and symptoms often return postpartum, particularly after breastfeeding ends. Some women report long-term symptom improvement after pregnancy, while others see symptoms recur within months to years.
When should I see a fertility specialist if I have endometriosis and want to conceive?
If you have diagnosed endometriosis, consulting a fertility specialist is recommended if you haven't conceived after 6 months of trying (or 3 months if you're over 35). Women with moderate to severe endometriosis may benefit from earlier evaluation, even before attempting natural conception for extended periods. Early consultation with a reproductive endocrinologist can help develop an appropriate treatment plan and preserve fertility potential.
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