Pursuing diagnosis

[Hocus]

I’ve had symptoms coinciding with my pill break for the last year (pain, perineal pressure, a pulling feeling like my insides are being pulled down during bowel movements) and the GP has said it might be endo. I had a transvaginal ultrasound which came back normal.

Aside from that, I’ve been on the pill for over a decade and don’t get very bad period pain anymore but before I went on it I got some amount of pain every month (which was manageable) but once a year or so it would be so bad that over the counter painkillers didn’t touch it.

My question really is: should I pursue a proper diagnosis via laparoscopy? I do intend on trying to conceive in the next few years if that makes a difference (seemed like the GP was happy just to keep me on the pill and wasn’t going to suggest a laparoscopy until I mentioned that).

I’d just like some opinions from people who have it and know what the deal is.

[Jane884]

Hi there, this is only my opinion, but personally I would have the lap and get a diagnosis. Your symptoms sound like endo and your GP agrees. Many women are happy to remain on contraceptives if they're working well for them, and don't feel the need for a diagnosis. However, you have said your symptoms are worsening even on contraceptives and you want to try to conceive in the near future. When you come off your pill there will be nothing holding back your endo, and you don't want it to affect your fertility later down the line if left unchecked x

[Hocus in reply to Jane884]

Thanks so much for your opinion, I really appreciate it. I did think perhaps I could come off the pill and see what happens to my symptoms because it might give more of an indication as to whether it is endo, but perhaps I’m just delaying the inevitable!

[Jane884 in reply to Hocus]

I can see where you're coming from with that, and it's definitely an option. And if you get any resistance to having a lap booked you could definitely go down that route. All I would say is that, at best, you will still have the same symptoms you do now, which alone seem to warrant further investigation.