Home and Away actress Penny McNamee discusses endometriosis battle for much wanted second child

Home and Away Actress Penny McNamee has spoken about the struggle she endured endometriosis to conceive her second child

The 35-year-old star is now four months pregnant following surgery to remove the endometriosis tissue – but it was touch and go whether she would have to start IVF.

The actress said in a recent interview with Australian media that she and husband, Mat Tooker, had wanted a second child to complete their family, but knew it would be a difficult process.

“It feels like a miracle” 

“I had the surgery, and typically doctors say that you really need to fall pregnant within the first six months after,” she told New Idea.

She said she had discussed the the process of IVF with Matt but thankfully fell pregnant in the fifth month after her operation.

Endometriosis is a common condition that can be extremely painful. It causes tissue to build up on the outside of the reproductive organs and can affect fertility

Surgery, known as a laparoscopy, is sometimes required to remove tissue and cysts that build up around the organs to assist with alleviating pain and helping conception.

“The next step for us was IVF. So to fall pregnant in the fifth month – we just felt such relief and gratitude. I was a little bit sceptical at first and didn’t want to get my hopes up,” the mother-of-one said.

Penny said the reason she was speaking out about her condition was to help raise awareness of endometriosis and to let other sufferers know they are not alone in their struggle.

The Australian actress is one of 176 million sufferers globally, affecting one in ten women. About 30 to 50 per cent of those women have been affected by infertility due to the condition.

Do you suffer with endo? Were you successful in having a child despite the debilitating condition? We’d love to hear your story, email mystory@ivfbabble.com