Endometriosis!!?!
Question: Does any1 have endometriosis? Iam going to see a gynecolgysist o monday i have most of the symptons im worried about the infertillity part as im only 21 and havent thought about having a a family yet what tests do they do and how long will it take for results?
Answers: Does any1 have endometriosis? Iam going to see a gynecolgysist o monday i have most of the symptons im worried about the infertillity part as im only 21 and havent thought about having a a family yet what tests do they do and how long will it take for results?
I am 19 and have been told by 2 doctors that I most likely have it. What will happen is you will be asked all sorts of questions about your cycle. They will ask things like:
-do you have painful periods?
-(if you say yes), for how many days throughout your period do you have cramps?
-do you have cramps just at the time of your period but at other times throughout the month? (eg. ovulation)
-nausea and/or vomitting while on your period?
-diaherria while on your period?
-painful sex?
-irregular periods?
-dizziness while on period/close to period?
-fatigue while on period?
Important things to tell your gyno also would include if you are normally really really cold during your period (or even have hot/cold flashes because I do and I made sure I remembered to mention that to my gyno because it is a symptom). You might also want to include telling your gyno if you exercise while on your period and that exercise does NOT make it better (as we've all been told that we should just go out and exercise to make it better). Also mention if you normally use ibprofen to relieve cramps and if this works/doesn't work because that is also important. If you have any other pains that you think may be odd, don't hesitate to mention it to your gyno because it may all be related!
If you have been sexually active, you will get a PAP smear (or get one anyways since you most likely will be prescribed the birth control pill to reduce cramping pains, etc.). Even if this comes back from the lab fine, that does not mean that you are out of the clear though. It just means that you do not have any cancerous cells.
You will also get a pelvic exam. It's no big deal, but that's how I found out that I actually have a tipped uterus too.
Most likely for the time being, you will be prescribed the birth control pill. This is because the pill does not allow for the endometrium (uterine lining) to build up as it otherwise normally would and therefore usually cause less painful periods. What I have noticed though, is it usually starts off fine but in a few months, the pain is back. IF the birth control pill does help you, after a couple months of use, your gyno may instruct you to take them for 3 months straight before having your weeks' break to have your 'period'.
Sometimes a gyno will want to do an ultrasound, HOWEVER, ultrasounds do not necessarily pick up on endometriosis. This is because the endo can grow just about anywhere and the ultrasound cannot necessarily "see" the growth.
The ONLY way to be 100% sure that you have endo is to do a laparscopy. This is when an incision just below your belly button is made and they "take a look down" to see if there is any growth.
Endometriosis can be very painful and yes, can cause problem with fertility. Your doctor will do a pap and if it comes back abnormal...depending on your symptoms may do laproscobic surgery. SMall incition in your belly button and usualy one on either side. They place a camera inside so they can see your uterous. Depending on how severe a case a hysterectomy may be required. If mild, there are meds that can be prescribed. Make sure you ask plenty of questions when seeing your doctor...
I was diagnosed with Endo 10-12yrs ago. They cannot do any "tests" to diagnose Endo. They may be able to see larger, deeper Endo on an internal ultrasound, but the only way to diagnose it for certain is by laparoscopy, which involves a general anaesthetic and a small incision by the belly button where they pass a camera to look around.
The gynaecologist you see will probably feel your tummy, do an internal and take some swabs (to rule out infections), take some blood (to rule out pcos) and ask you alot of questions about your periods and the pain you experience. From this appointment they will then decide if they think it is Endo and if they need to do the laparoscopy.
Endo can cause infertility, but many women go on to have families after treatment, and although you shouldn't use pregnancy as a "treatment", alot of womens symptoms don't return after they have given birth.