Endometriosis

[papillon]

Hi,

I'm 19 and have recently become concerned that I've got/ will get endometriosis. My mum, her sister, her mum and her mum's sister have all got it so it makes sense that I have it too...

Thing is I'm a bit confused about it. Does it get worse as you get older? I've heard if you have it you get very painful periods... in 6 years of having periods I've only had 3-4 which were very painful for like an hour... the rest have been fine. My main worry is that I won't be able to have children.. cos on endometriosis I read 30-40% of women who suffer from it are infertile. My mum had to have IVF to have me and my aunt is having trouble conceiving after 18 months of trying.

I was just wondering whether there's anything to try and improve my chances?! I'm on the pill, which has made my periods lighter. I really really want kids, so I'm desperate to do anything I can so that when I do want children (not for a while yet) it won't be toooo difficult.

Thanks for any advice

[patricias213]

Endometriosis can cause infertility in many women, but with proactive treatment, the possibility of pregnancy is increased. Discuss treatment options with your doctor to decide what would be the best course to take to increase your chances of pregnancy.

[K8T]

As crazy as that sounds. At least you know what's hurting. I suffered from endometriosis for almost 25 years before I was diagnosed! I went from Dr to Dr, was told it was all in my head and to seek therapy, I spent thousands until I had a laparoscopy. I still suffer and may be getting ready for my 3rd procedure. The pill lessens the pain, but I do agree, your gyn can give you the best advice. Good luck!

[delta]

I have endo. and was able to have 2 wonderful sons! So, there is hope. I agree - plz talk w/ your doc,k. Take care.

[Em25]

the pill will help but try not to worry too much. your periods arent too painful and they are light. my mum also has endometriosis and i think i now have it but i am not going to let it take over my life, try not to think about it for now you are young, enjoy your life

[sourpuss]

If you have had normal periods then I would guess that you are fine. I have endo and have had 17 years of terrible periods, pills, surgeries....etc....I think that if you had it there would have been some severe symptoms by now.

[Em25]

sourpuss, do you get pelvic pain at other times of the month other than really bad periods or does the pain usually start when your period is due?

[sourpuss]

It's usually a few days leading up to the start day and then I'm out for the count the first and sometimes second day.

I've found that taking a lot of calcium and tons of vigorous exercise is the only thing that has helped.

[Em25]

see i am on the pill but for the past 4 months i have been having pelvic pain more or less everyday, with pain also at the sides where my ovaries live. they thought it could be PID so they ran all the tests but everything came back negative so i am at a loss as to what could be wrong and to be honest i think they are too. my mum has endo so i know i will probably get it too but i am wondering if its this, can you get pelvic pain everyday with endo? i find it strange its happening with being on the pill, i have been on the same pill for 6 yrs and sometimes in the past have questioned if its working properly.

[Married15]

The thing with Endo that Doctors don't tell you is that it lives on Estrogen...So the pill is keeping you from ovulating which is probably why your periods are not so bad...

I had a full hysto 2 yrs ago from stage 4 Endo(prior to that 4 laps in 3 yrs)...My entire insides where "glued" together with it...

Before my surgery though, I found staying away from estrogen(the pill) and taking evening primrose oil, the omegas and a multi vitamin really helped...At the height of my Endo pain(6 months prior to surgery) I lived in pain daily...The pelvic pain was enough to drive me nuts...

BUT on a lighter note...I had 4 kids before they found all my Endo...I researched an found that the less you ovulate the better Endo is..Endo is painful and really does stink...I wish you well and f you are worried it runs in the family I would say start taking steps to prevent and all out Endo attack, change your diet, take the primrose etc etc...
I have found a few sites where women swear by changing what they eat has helped...Might be worth looking into..