I think I have endometriosis?

[ccprincess]

Hi everyone. This is very new to me and quite awkward to talk about...

Since I was around 14 years old, I was experiencing awful period pains. As a result, I was prescribed the combined contraceptive pill and have been on it since. I am now 21. Since starting, my period pains can get bad, but no where near as unbearable as they used to be. I didn’t think of this being endometriosis, but one doctor did mention that it could be this. Yet didn’t offer any option to diagnose me.

As I’ve grown older, I have become more aware of what endometriosis is, but as it didn’t affect me anymore it didn’t bother me.

I had visited a doctor about pain during sex and I was told that it was psychological and that I wasn’t relaxed. I didn’t feel as though this was true however I just accepted it as an explanation.

Now, for the last year, I have been sexually active. I have noticed a couple of things. 1. Pain during sex (feels as though something is swollen down there? And can get extremely painful to the point of me wanting to cry during sex). This pain lingers after and it feels as though my ovary is aching. This happens more in certain positions, and some are more comfortable. 2. I sometimes get pain in my ovary during an orgasm. This doesn’t happen a lot, but maybe 1 in 20 times. 3. I get diarrhoea whilst I’m on my period.

This is really embarrassing for me to talk about but I have to be honest and seek advice. I am considering going to the doctor about this but I am embarrassed. Do you think this sounds like endometriosis? And how did you go about telling your doctor about such an awkward thing?!

Thank you all.

[ccprincess]

I am really worried about it ruining my relationship. My boyfriend is very understanding when I say it is painful and we stop. But I have not told him that I suspect it is endometriosis.

[Moon_maiden]

You don’t need to feel embarrassed here 🙂, the forum is very good for support and advice.

On the endo uk site there is some great info on consultations with GP and gynae, talking to family and friends, symptom diary, etc. It can be hard to broach things at times with family and it has to be right for you.

GP’s totally different, you won’t be discussing anything new with them, it’s what they trained for and want to do.

Any pain won’t be in your head and it’s so important to get things checked 🙂

Let us know how you get on.

[GoldenGirl2002]

You don’t need to be embarrassed at all! I’m 18 and I found it really difficult to talk about but doctors are used to these conversations and talking about periods and sex won’t faze them! You need to do your best to be as forceful as you can about wanting diagnosis/treatment options, I find taking someone I trust with me can help as they help to remember things you might struggle or forget to say. Do some research into gynecologists who are Endo specialists in your area and ask for a referral. If you want any help feel free to message me privately but don’t be scared to speak to them and get some help xx

[CaptainJemima]

I found it embarrassing at first to talk to doctors about pain during sex or bowel movement issues, but you have to remember that they hear it all the time, they won't be shocked.

I, too, have pain during sex, tight pelvic floor muscles, and diarrhea/constipation, so you're not alone.

I have a follow-up appointment with my consultant coming up and I'm going to make sure I talk about these things which surgery hasn't fixed.

You deserve to have your voice heard and to get the help you need, remember that.