Question
I have been diagnosed with endometriosis but am not quite ready to undergo IVF. Is there anything I should be doing in preparation for an IVF cycle?

Answer:
Endometriosis is probably caused and exacerbated by menstrual blood getting into the pelvis via the fallopian tubes at period time. So the best treatment for endometriosis is to reduce menstrual blood loss. There are a number of hormonal medications to do this although all have possible side effects. The simplest is the oral contraceptive pill. It may reduce the heaviness of the periods and, if taken “back to back” without the sugar pills, may reduce the number of periods. Pregnancy of course, is the very best treatment and a single pregnancy may cure the condition.

Question

I have heard of some people getting "assisted hatching" of their embryos. What does this involve and would it give my husband and I a better chance of success?

Answer:
Before embryos implant on the walls of the uterine cavity, the shell which surrounds the ball of cells must weaken and rupture. It is thought that some women, especially those over 40 years, may develop a thick shell which prevents implantation. Assisted hatching is the procedure whereby a laser is used to thin part of the shell to facilitate implantation. It may be appropriate in some cases, but not all.