Diagnosis

[HanB123]

Hi everyone, my names Hannah and I'm 20 years old.

Over the past 3 years I have been undergoing investigations due to pain and irregular bleeding. It's been a long winded process and I seem to have been passed pillar to post due to my age. Recently the doctor has told me that she thinks it may be Endometriosis. Since, I've been referred to a gynaecologist and am currently waiting for further investigations to be carried out.

Im massively concerned that because it's been left so long without any form of management that this might have a impact upon my fertility later on in life. It's so mentally and physically draining being in pain and having a black cloud hanging over your head about any future plans of having a family.

Although my family and boyfriend are very supportive, I feel that it may become a burden me talking about it so tend not to discuss it anymore.

I was wondering if anyone else had a drawn out diagnosis and if they knew if left untreated/unmanged for 3 years if it could effect fertility? I know everyone's different so it's difficult to say, but just wondered if anyone had been in a similar situation?

[nicole_44]

Hey Hun,

I completely understand your fears. I have been experiencing my symptoms since I was 14 and I am now 21. I'm finally a few weeks away from a diagnosis but do worry that the past 7 years could have affected my fertility if I have got Endo.

I honestly don't know much about how Endo affects fertility or if time before removal makes a great impact on fertility unfortunately. I think you would be best speaking to your consultant. They will have much more information for you. A lot of the ladies on here will have great information that could help you.

Just wanted to let you know that you arent alone in your fears. Focus on your getting your diagnosis and recovering. One step at a time is how I try to look at it.

If you want a chat, feel free to PM me. Take care xx

[HanB123 in reply to nicole_44]

Thank you so much for your reply!

Its nice to know that your not alone in situations like these so your response means a lot.

I suppose it's one of those things that you'll never know until the moment comes! The unknown is horrible! Although my boyfriend is very understand of the 'what if?' of not having children, I feel awful that I'll let him down. It's so silly really as he's completely fine with it all!

Hopefully it will all be resolved soon and the pain will be managed!

Its a shame the diagnosis and treatment isn't easier as it affects all aspects of your life!

Thank you again for your reply!! It's really appreciate xx

[Hidden in reply to HanB123]

It's important to keep talking, try not to bottle things up inside, you'll only feel worse. Support from family, friends and other ladies with endo is so important I think xx

[HanB123 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for your reply. I completely agree, I always feel better once I've talked about it. I don't think they truly understand how it feels though, so I don't want to bother them anymore haha!

So it's great to talk to other lovely ladies on here with the same or similar issues xx

[Hidden]

I was finally diagnosed at 38 after having symptoms from the age of 13. I had 2 children in my 20's with no fertility problems (though I am infertile now). TBH although we know endo can affect fertility, lots of women with it are able to get pregnant (my SIL has mild disease and had a baby at 35 after having the endo lasered out) and I think all women have these thoughts at some point as you don't know how easy it's going to be until you start trying.

[HanB123 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for replying.

Its nice to know that there's still hope!! It's horrible because as you say you don't know how easy/difficult it will be to conceive. I suppose it's one of those questions I won't know the answer to until I try. Can only hope everything will be OK.

Thank you for your reassurance xx

[Wishes_]

I know exactly how you feel. I'm 25 and have been in pain for the past 3 years and like you feel like I've been passed from pillar to post and seem to have been given every other diagnosis. I've had the same chat with my boyfriend who always says that we will cross that bridge when we get to it but I still worry. I'm not sure if a longer diagnosis can effect fertility just wanted to know that you're not alone as I know it can sometimes feel like that! X

[HanB123 in reply to Wishes_]

Thanks for your reply.

Haha that's exactly what my boyfriend says! I think we are probably worrying about it more than them!

The unknown is stressful!

Thank you for your support, it's nice to know others understanding how I'm feeling (although I wish no-one else would had too)