Can removing endo change lab values?

[RedTex]

My RE wants me to do a lap to check for endometriosis. I have no symptoms of endo whatsoever, other than the simple fact that I have infertility. We know for a fact that I have low estrogen levels, which causes a poor lining (5) and poor follicle formation (as shown with short LPs). Treatment with clomid/injects (7 cycles of various protocols) has produced good follies, but no BFPs.

So, my question is this: If endo is found and removed, how could I expect it to help my fertility? We already know I produce low levels of estrogen (other CD3 labs are normal). So even if my tubes are covered in endo and removed, would it change my body's ability to produce the correct amount of hormones? Would it only be beneficial for additional medicated cycles or would I see cycle changes au naturale?

Any thoughts would be tremendously appreciated. I don't want to undergo surgery anymore than anybody else does! Thank you.

[Scott Roseff MD]

Endometriosis (untreated) can lower the odds of pregnancy. We don't know the exact mechanisms, but it is believed that endo causes an abnormal environment in the pelvis for conception via immune cell invasion and inflammatory factors.

Many RE's are getting away from laparoscopy, especially in women without symptoms. As a broad generalization, injectable fertility drugs/IUI tends to boost fertility in untreated endo, and certainly IVF is successful in untreated endo patients. Sounds like you may benefit from gathering up your records and getting a second opinion from a different board certified RE.... You're certainly welcome to do so here.

Dr. Roseff in FL