I have been visiting this page for a while and noticed that a lot of women seem to have symptoms of endometriosis and are either being misdiagnosed or are unaware of their possible disease. I have done some quick research to help others "self diagnose" some of their possible symptoms. Endometriosis is found in cells that normally grow inside the uterus but are found outside of the uterus. Endometrial implants can be found on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, outer surfaces of the uterus, or intestines. Less commonly they are found on the vagina, cervix and/or bladder. The cause of endo is unknown. Some believe that it is cause by a term called retrograde menstration. This means that menstral fluid gets backed up and goes through the fallopian tubes and deposits in the abdominal cavity. Symptoms include: pain, infertility, cramping during intercourse, bowel movements, and/or urination. Pelvic exams can be painful, periods may be irregular or heavy, some may experience diarrhea, constipation or lower back pain. Pain can be intermitent or constant and can vary in levels monthly. The only way to diagnose endometriosis is by having an ultrasound or by getting a more accurate result; a laparoscopy. This procedure is same day surgery where they blow up the abdominal cavity, insert a camera through the navel and remove any signs of endometrial tissue or scarring. Results may vary and more often than not, women are put on hormone therapy. Reomoval of the uterus and ovaries is common in severe cases. Some women can have excessive amounts of scarring causing little or no pain and other women can have very small amounts causing large amounts of pain. This all depends on a woman's pain tollerance and the placement ofendometiral implants. To any of those out there who have taken the time to read this, please know I am not a doctor. I have done lots of research and want to help others identify the source of their pain or infertility. The best advice I can give any of you is to research and educate yourselves and ask lots of questions. Don't settle for one answer and always get a second opinion. I hope this has helped some of you. Love and Respect.
Kate

Your post has a lot of useful information in it. I have been to 4 docs countless times over pains in my lower abdomen and irregular periods. They all said nothing is wrong with me and they WILL NOT do a laparoscopy. They all said this is the last thing they will ever try for me! I am done with all doctors! The last doc I visited on Friday (dec 7th) was well recomended and still said nothing to me.

He gave me a vaginal exam, asked a few questions, gave me a perscription of birth control, told me he wouldnt give me a laparoscopy ( it was the very last thing he would do ) and told me to come back in 2 weeks.

Seriously? I have a period every 2 weeks that are very light (3 months) and pain in my lower abdomen (6 months) But I guess nothing is wrong with me!

Well, I just dont know anymore.....

Have you been on the pill before? Sometimes just changing your hormones around a little can do the trick. I don't understand why doctors are so cautious to do laparoscopies on you. December 7th is when I went to get my 6th one done. The only down side about having a laparoscopy is that the removal of endometrial tissue can also cause scar tissue which can be painful as well. Ask the doctor why they are avoiding a lap. The other thing is because you are so young. Try not to get discouraged and do your homework before your next doctors apointment. I am routing for you!!

i'm a bit confused. i get insane lower abdominal pain...but my period isn't normally irregular. it's just this incredibly crippling pain fairly low down.

Good info. - thx for posting. I can't stress enough to get 2nd opinions and ask tons of questions and don't settle for ?'s that aren't really answered. I went through a few docs b4 being diagnosed w/ endo.

I went to my doctor because i would get severe cramping during my period, it was heavy and lots of clots. My back would hurt, my legs would hurt, i'd get sweaty and nauseous and almost pass out. And bowel movements during my period were painfull as well. And i researched endometriosis, and was concerned. She prescribed birth control, which helped for a little bit, toned down the cramps and the bleeding. But its back to normal, heavy bleeding and cramps, and also, in between periods and no specific rate, my ovaries hurt, both of them, i feel a dull pain when i lift my leg, or stretch when i'm laying down. Or i just get a really sharp pain for a couple minutes that comes and goes.
And certian positions cause a dull pain during intercourse.
They want to change the pill i'm on, but i dont want to, i'm on yasmin and it i like it.
I'm 20 by the way.