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.

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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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Frequently Asked Questions

Can you get pregnant naturally with endometriosis?

While endometriosis can make conception more difficult, some women with mild to moderate endometriosis do conceive naturally. However, as Amanda's story shows, the condition can cause scarring and damage to the fallopian tubes and ovaries, which may require fertility treatment. If you've been trying to conceive for 12 months (or 6 months if you're over 35), speak to your GP about a referral for investigation.

How do I get referred for IVF on the NHS with endometriosis?

Your GP can refer you to a fertility specialist after you've been trying to conceive for a certain period, though this may be expedited if you have a known condition like endometriosis. According to NICE guidelines, women with endometriosis who haven't conceived after 2 years of trying should be offered IVF. However, NHS funding criteria vary by Integrated Care Board (ICB), so it's worth checking your local eligibility requirements.

How long are NHS IVF waiting times in the UK?

NHS IVF waiting times vary significantly across the UK, typically ranging from several months to over two years depending on your area. Amanda's experience at a private clinic in the Midlands allowed her to begin treatment more quickly, which can be particularly important for women with progressive conditions like endometriosis. Contact your local ICB or fertility clinic directly for the most accurate current waiting times in your area.

What happens if my first IVF cycle fails?

A failed IVF cycle can be devastating, but it's not uncommon—success rates vary depending on age and individual circumstances. Like Amanda, who underwent further surgery before her successful second cycle, your clinic will review what happened and may recommend additional investigations or treatment adjustments. NICE guidelines recommend that eligible women should be offered up to 3 full cycles of IVF on the NHS, though local funding policies may differ.

Should I have endometriosis surgery before IVF treatment?

The decision to have surgery before IVF depends on your individual circumstances, including the severity and location of your endometriosis. In Amanda's case, she required multiple surgical procedures to remove endometriotic cysts before and between IVF cycles. Your fertility specialist will advise whether surgery might improve your chances of conception or whether proceeding directly to IVF is the better option for you.

How common are fertility problems in the UK?

According to NHS statistics, around 1 in 7 UK couples experience difficulty conceiving. Endometriosis alone affects over 1.5 million women in the UK and is a significant cause of fertility issues. If you're struggling to conceive, know that you're not alone—speaking to your GP is the first step towards getting the support and treatment you may need.

When should I speak to my GP about fertility concerns if I have endometriosis?

If you have endometriosis and are planning to start a family, it's wise to speak to your GP sooner rather than later, as Amanda advises. The condition can worsen over time, potentially causing more damage to your reproductive organs. NICE guidelines suggest that women with known fertility-affecting conditions shouldn't have to wait the standard 12 months before being referred for investigation and treatment.