Infertility is such a mentally and emotionally draining problem. I completely understand and respect your decision to wait. I think it’s smart of you to recognize the importance in prioritizing your mental health. It’s something not enough people do.
I’d like to share my story with you but please know that I’m not sharing it to persuade you into trying again before you’re emotionally ready. My only intent is to provide you with a little extra hope for when you’re ready.
I TTC for 3 years before seeing a fertility specialist. The first day we met he diagnosed me with endo and scheduled lap surgery. At this point my pain was off the charts. He was VERY clear that lap surgery is not a fertility treatment however, he said a lot of women with endo experience an increase in fertility during the first 12 months post surgery. Like you, I was very hesitant to jump into IVF. I watched my close friend go through it and it’s not easy. I didn’t feel ready to cross that bridge. My lap was horrendous in terms of recovery pain. My right ovary was a mess. Adhesions had completely immobilized it and it had 2 endometriomas. Somehow they saved it (although sometimes I wonder if that was a mistake). My left ovary had a couple small spots of endo but nothing horrible. My husband and I waited one cycle before TTC again and I was pregnant with my miracle baby 3 months later.
My son is now 2.5 and I’m experiencing infertility again (and unsurprisingly, endo pain again). I recognize how incredibly lucky I am to have my baby so my current infertility isn’t nearly as devastating as the first time around. Instead I’m just angry. Angry that so many women are suffering everyday with extreme pain, hormonal imbalances, infertility and a million other issues caused by endometriosis and there is almost no medical priority on getting us real solutions or relief.
If you made it this far, I’m impressed and I apologize for the wall of text. All this to say, you are not alone and don’t lose hope. I wish you the very best of luck in your journey (and it is YOUR journey so stay strong and don’t let others dictate your path).