endometreosis - Women's Health Message Board

mritta · 05-19-2005, 08:12 AM

Hi all.

I am very uneducated on this condition, but after looking at the symptoms listed on some health websites, I am a bit concerned.

When I was in high school (i'm almost 23 now), I had extremely painful periods. I never got cramps or anything like that. Instead, about a day or 2 before my period would start, I had EXTREMELY BAD back pain. It was so bad that I often had to leave/not go to school or work. It hurt to sit, stand, lay down, everything. Nothing could relieve the pain (aleve/heating pad, etc.).

At one point I was in so much pain, my dad actually took me to the hospital. I remember they were going to do some sort of pelvic exam on me, but when they started, they said I had started my period. They basically said the pain was due to my period, and sent me home. I also left work one time because the pain was so bad, and went to my general doctor. He didn't really say anything. He gave me some pain meds, and put me on birth control.

Surprisingly, once I started the birth control (3 years ago), the pain was not as bad. In fact, it pretty much disappeared compared to how bad it was. The last few months however, the back pain has returned around my period. It is not as bad as i remember it being, but i am VERY unfomfortable again.

I guess I'm wondering if anyone else has this condition, and how it is diagnosed/what are the symptoms. I've read that it can cause infertility, which really stresses me out. Is there a way to treat this condition? If it is treated, will it help preserve fertility?

Thanks for any help anyone can provide.

waterfairy · 05-19-2005, 09:18 AM

mritta,

You sound exactly like me, except for the back pain (which I'm starting to get now as I get older.) I'm 24, and have had horrible cramping and a heavy flow since I can remember. I started my period on my 11th birthday (what a wonderful gift) and I can remember missing school in middle school because of the cramps being so dabilitating. I started my first birth control pill at age 16 because of the periods, and it would help for a while and then I'd be back to the horrible periods a few months later. I'm now 24, and I've been on 5 different birth control pills that haven't helped any more than the first.

It sounds like you could have endometriosis. I'm also in the process of finding a gynecologist who will actually listen to my concerns and try to find the problem, and not just keep prescribing bc pills. My suggestion is to make an appointment with an actual gynecologist and tell them your symptoms. If you don't like the first gyn, see a second. That's what I'm doing right now. My first gyn. experience was a nightmare, but there are ones out there that are willing to help and listen, it just takes time finding that diamond in the rough.

Endometriosis does cause infertility. Hopefully if it's diagnosed early enough and the leasions are removed it will decrease the chances of infertility. Endometriosis however, has no cure. Once leasions are removed, they can return. I came to this message board with the exact same question as you, could I have endometriosis, and I have had some wonderful support here, as I'm sure you will.

Take care, and if I can help more, just let me know!

Steph

worrywort · 05-19-2005, 01:44 PM

Same with me, I have been diagnosed with uterin fibroids and have a laporoscopy scheduled. I am sure I also have endometriosis. My mom had it and actually had a hysterectimy when I was one years old she was 25, I am 26, I have been on the pill since 18 and I can't stand to be off it because I am in horrible pain. I still am in pain when it comes to sex though and that is why I am getting the laporoscopy done to get to the bottom of this, i do want kids but I want to feel good too! if the doc sais it is time to rip it all out I am all for it. How can I make baby's when it hurts to have sex with my husband. oh women problems they are great

Carly
sorry if my spelling is bad

mritta · 05-19-2005, 02:36 PM

honestly, it seems like women have all the problems...men get nothing!

Thank you for your responses ladies. I am still concerned, but it sounds like really there is not much that can be done right away. I am thankful that I do not have pain during sex. So sorry you have to go through that!

I wish you all the best with this.

worrywort · 05-21-2005, 07:33 PM

Wish you well also!

Carly