Unsure of possible Endometriosis?

[miakat123]

Hi all!

I’m 20 years old and really unsure whether I might possibly have Endometriosis or if I do just get awful side effects of menstruation so just looking for some advice before I make the decision of whether to speak to my GP or not.

Bit of background info - I first started my periods when I was 13. From the get go they were extremely painful but never much heavy bleeding. I was put on the contraceptive pill (cerelle) when I was 15, with that pill I didn’t have a break where I’d bleed so I didn’t have any periods for about 18 months give or take. I would still get lower back pain and sickness around the time when I would have a period when I was in a natural cycle. I then went off the pill and onto the contraceptive implant, I had this fitted in June 2017 and had it removed in November 2019. Now with the implant I only had 4 periods throughout the duration of having it fitted but every time I would have pain so severe I would end up in hospital for it only to be told I was just unlucky with bad period pains; the pain was so severe that I couldn’t leave my bed for days, lost my appetite, was vomiting..the list goes on. The symptoms would start between 7-10 days before I started to bleed and would last up to 5 days after I’d finished bleeding. I’ve now been off the implant for just under two months.

I also have recently found out that I have a duplex kidney on my left side so I get UTI’s quite regularly. In 2019, I had 9 UTI’s that I went to the GP for and a handful of other occasions which I didn’t go to the GP for as the symptoms passed quite quickly. It’s now been a month since my last UTI - a course of 7 day antibiotics were prescribed which did help but over the last 5-6 days I have been having excruciating lower back pain, and I’ve now started bleeding. I’ve also had a lot of sickness as well. All of this has left me wondering could I possibly have endometriosis or am I completely overthinking it all - should I take the advice of the doctors who said I am just unlucky that I get painful periods?

I really appreciate any comments or advice.

[Thecupcakesoldier]

Hi,

Firstly I wanted to say I'm so sorry to hear what you've been going through.

Pain during your period that puts you in hospital and makes you vomit isn't normal period pain. It doesn't necessarily mean it's endo but you should definitely be talking to your gp.

Endometriosis is difficult to diagnose but don't be put off and keep pushing your doctor until you get the answers you need. It took me 4 and a half years and that's quick so perseverance is key.

I hope you get some answers and relief soon x