I've been using the ring to help with my ovarain cyst for a while and it's been great except that I have no sex drive of late. I'm getting married in a couple of weeks and it would be great if I had a sex drive.
I'm debating tossing any form of birth control out and wanted some opinions.

I've had 11 surgeries and several were in relation to my R/V fistula and then the usual J-pouch surgeries were in there too. I've also been x-rayed so many times that my ovaries and any eggs are probably scrambled. My fiance and I have decided we want to adopt; both my Gastro doc and my OBGYN support and encourage this given my history so I don't really want to get pregnant. But I'm wondering what would the odds be that I could even get pregnant? After all the surgeries, x-rays, prednisone and whatnot, surely I'm infertile. I should also mention that I'm 27 since I'm sure age plays into fertility.

Should I risk it? If I got pregnant we would do everything to have the baby but I know it would be a long and difficult road to carry it and to have it.

Sorry about the long post but I've got a lot on my mind right before the big day. Any thoughts or articles to help me with my decision?
Thanks,
Lori

I would go to a fertility specialist. I know there are a lot of lucky women that have had no problems, but there are some of us that are not so lucky.

As for me, I went to a specialist. I'm 27 and have a lot of adhesions, and they have blocked my fallopian tubes. IVF may be an option for me, and I was told that I would for sure need to have a scheduled c-section and would have to be on bed rest early on.

I have been on birth control for cysts, but they didn't help so I don't bother anymore. I am getting married soon also, so I am waiting to try the invitro. I have worried about my age too.

I think the surgeries would effect your fertility more than the meds or x-rays.

I would definitely see a specialist though, they can give you an idea of what is going on with your body. I am glad to hear that you are willing to adopt, we are going to adopt regardless of if we have a baby of our own or not.

If you absolutely, positively do not want to get pregnant, you should opt for a tubal ligation. That would give you your guarantee. But, if you think that if you were to get pregnant, it would not be the worst thing in the world, it might be worth sending caution to the wind and see how it plays out without contraception. Sometimes we assume a pregnancy will be difficult, when in reality it is just the conceiving that is really difficult. If you were to conceive, then perhaps that is what was meant to be....

Just a thought.

Jan

I have thought about a tubal ligation but you're right, Jan, I just assume pregnancy will be difficult and my gastro doc is afraid it will damage all the work I've had done.
I would hope that as long as I had a C-section I would be safe in that respect.
So many things to think about and decisions to make...
Thanks for the input it's much appreciated.

I guess the way I think about it is - I've never been pregnant so I have no idea how it will be. Will I have trouble conceiving? Perhaps, but I don't know! I've never done it!
I understand your dilemma though. And you are NOT old!

I know I'm not old and wasn't saying that but after 25 your fertility does decrease.
I guess I'm not so much concerned as to IF I can get pregnant as whether or not I SHOULD get pregnant.

I think my family envisions movie like drama where my life would be endangered by carrying a baby. I don't think we J-pouchers are in danger like that but I would be concerned that a lot fo the work I've had done could be damaged.

Any thoughts on that? Did having a baby mess up anything for those that have had repair for R/V fistulas? I've had a gluteal thigh flap repair (similar to graciloplasty) and would just carrying the baby damage that? I mean how much pressure is there down there just during the pregnancy itself?

I know that the primary issue for pouchers is not physical damage to the pouch or surrounding tissues, but to causing weakness of the sphincters. Most of the damage is done during vaginal birth, and this is why c-section is recommended. Your R/V repair may or may not be a major issue. I would discuss this with your surgeon or OB/GYN. I don't think a gastroenterologist would really know what your risks are regarding your fistula repair and from what I have read, the primary risk is vaginal birth, not the pregnancy itself. While there is increased pelvic pressure as the pregnancy progresses, there is also increased blood supply to the area.

Yes, you are correct that fertility begins to decrease as you age (actually is is even earlier than 25), but 27 is still young. I did not become pregnant for the first time until I was nearly 30.

I suppose it all boils down to what you consider acceptable risk. It is possible that the fistula can recur no matter what you do or don't do. It would be a very personal decision that only you can answer. But, I think you are wise to make sure your decision is based on facts, not fears. We can't predict the future, but we can at least get some guidance.

Good luck.

Jan