Endo and Anxiety over fertility

[310717]

I went to my GP today to get a referral back to gynaecology, and while successful in doing so, I still feel a little lost.

This doctor tried to steer me away from asking about a laparoscopy due to increased risk of adhesions and (once again) “we’d only put you on birth control anyway”. However, I’m in pain 6/7 days a week (if not more), the pill is not working for me, and now I feel even more panicked.

To add, I’ve been having severe anxiety and low mood since my diagnosis (a separate issue that has worsened since then). Mainly from being told there’s nothing to be done without risking my fertility. I’m only 20, my partner and I were nowhere near considering having children, but since the previous gynaecologist recommended I have all my children before I’m 30 (we want three!) I cant stop thinking about it.

I’m thankfully now waiting to speak to a therapist, but help! Did anyone else experience anxiety over fertility before considering children? I can’t look at a baby without feeling like I’m running out of time.

[Afrohair]

Hello there I have similar feelings but I have children with my ex partner currently want one with my current partner I’m 34 and feel times running out I’ve had a misscarrige 5 week ago and I’m very anxious and always googling for answers I’m booked in with a general gynaecologist but don’t know what to expect in regards to endo I’m also in pain a lot I’m not on contraception I try and manage with diet but sometimes I’m really bad sex has started becoming painful so don’t know how I will conceive again my partner is also in limbo and keeps saying one minute he wants to try the next he doesn’t I really don’t know what to do as you can only minimise symptoms with contraception apparently

[310717 in reply to Afrohair]

I’m so sorry you’re going through that! That’s another thing I’m worried about: coming off birth control to one day conceive .. I’m off sick from work regularly from pain as it is, let alone on a control-free cycle! Honestly I’m worrying about everything. I hope you and your partner figure things out and everything goes well for you x

[Afrohair in reply to 310717]

I’m always off sick haven’t gone back for 6 week! I’ve always managed it with diet but I’m worried about new growths stress isn’t helping the condition either

[Pinkelephant27]

I feel exactly the same! I am so anxious about even being able to have kids because I know it’s something I will eventually really want, I always knew I was suppose to be a mum but the fears constantly in the back of my mind that everything that I’m doing with contraceptives, pills, injections, surgeries etc are making my fertility worse! Not something I really wanted to be worrying about at 21, I’m back at the hospital today to talk to my consultant as my symptoms are getting worse and I’m currently not taking any medication or contraceptives but I’m so scared about what he’s going to suggest 😔

[310717 in reply to Pinkelephant27]

I hope it all goes well for you! I feel so torn in what to do because on the one hand I want to minimise the pain to get on with my life, but on the other I could not bear the thought of reducing my fertility! There really feels like no good option.

[Albeon]

Hi there! Sorry to hear you've been feeling low about the possible effects of endometriosis. I must say I've been feeling the same. I haven't had a lap to officially diagnose it but it's very likely endo because of the pain I get most of the time like you, as well as some very irregular bleeding before I went on the pill. What I also found upsetting was how I always thought my periods were normal (if painful) but they got worse and worse until early this year when they went out of control. As I'm 27 without any children (never tried for them yet) I'm also very worried about my ability to. You're not alone but there are always steps that can be taken if you do have any difficulty (you might not) and most importantly it's good that you're aware of any problems you might have like endo because a lot of women with fertility issues don't even know why. Knowledge is empowering, I hope you feel better about things soon!

[310717 in reply to Albeon]

thank you so much for this, it really helps knowing other people are in the same boat as I am x