link between IC and infertility??

[kittykitty]

Hi all -

I am a person w/mild-moderate IC who also has fertility issues. (Stage 1 endometriosis).

Is there a link between IC and infertility? Is is harder for people with IC to get pregnant and deliver a healthy child?

Does the pain from IC compromise a pregnancy or the ability to get pregnant (other than actually feeling up to nookie?)

[patricia1]

I am not sure about a link between the two. But it seems that IC and Endo do tend to run together. I for one have not had troubling getting preg or delivering healthy babies. I have had two. Both were normal birth weights also. My IC did not show its ugly head until after the birth of my 2nd son. It was a c-section which I believe caused it.

[Babs RN]

I had a dx of stage 4 endo prior to my IC diagnosis, and lost an ovary and tube to the endo. I conceived about 6 months later. Had a very hard time staying pregnant at first and then getting pregnant. My miracle is in Kindergarten this year. I was also an older mom when I got pregnant too.

Hugs,
Barb :grouphug:

[Kara29]

I represent 1% of the IC population with my problems with medications and IC, so none of this may happen to you at all. You may go through the whole fertiltiy process and come out with beautiful babies and no IC trouble in the end at all. This was just what happened to me.

Does the pain from IC compromise a pregnancy or the ability to get pregnant?
In my case yes. The fertility meds have torn apart my new bladder so bad I am afraid they did permanent damage. The progesteone kills me and we need progesterone to stay pregnant, so in my case IC is preventing me from having babies. I go for a pregnancy test on Friday and then I am done with the whole thing. I wanted this so bad too. I am so mad at myself and IC for ruining my life!

Kara

[dancemomof2]

For me I don't think it was an issue. I had endo removed 3 times, and got pregnant 3 times all on different birth control pills............if anything it turned me into fertile myrtle ;)

[holles]

IC usually won't affect fertility unless you're in pain during ovulation. i have terrible flares with ovulation, so no nookie during that time for me anymore.

i also have mild endometriosis. my tubes and ovaries are perfect, yet we have never been able to conceive. i went off the pill almost 10 years ago and still nothing. IC didn't develop until 2003, so it was definitely not the issue. i have a thyroid disorder that might be contributing to the fertility problems as well, but it was corrected in 99, so we're really not sure what the problem was.

has your partner had a semen analysis? that will tell you a lot. have you had your hormone panel done to make sure everything is in check?

there are many things that affect fertility. endometriosis is a big one. but there are a lot of women with endo who conceive.

don't know if i helped you or not, but good luck, okay? (((hugs)))

[kittykitty]

You all are very smart and supportive. Thank you for your advice.

I've been tested and so far it seems to be primarily a male factor issue (hubby has low sperm count) as well as the endo issue on my end.

We're going to try in-vitro fertilization next month. I'm worried about the meds putting me in a flare, but I know that if it does, it won't be forever.

I am also very aftraid of even trying b/c what if it doesn't work :(
I guess I'm also afraid of trying to get pregnant with the pain from the IC - will the pain or spasms that cause them hurt a fetus? My docs say "no", but I"m not happy unless I have something to worry about, it seems!

My husband has been really supportive and I know that we'll have a happy life no matter what...but I will admit to you guys that I want this very much...