Questions post diagnosis

[meg73]

Hello!! I was diagnosed with endometriosis last Friday and had endo excised from pouch of douglas and behind my left ovary. She had aimed to do fertility tests but when I came round she said she actually decided not to as the dye was flowing backwards and my uterus was abnormally shaped so difficult to inject the dye and she worried about causing damage. She did say though that she didnt see anything visually wrong with my tubes. I was advised to go on birth control if I'm not immediately plan fo have children and that if I do want kids, she advised I should try as soon as I am ready.

I guess what I am left wondering is will birth control slow chances of recurrence or just eatse symptoms? There seems to be mixed guidance on this.

Also do people know if we are advised to try for babies asap because of the potential chances of difficulty with endo or because there is likelihood of it coming back after surgery? Again, mixed findings on this as I thought with excision, the chances of it coming back are a lot less.

I am just generally interested in peoples experience with choices post diagnosis?

Thanks xx

[bumble_96]

I know sometimes they say if your ready for kids then try and it can help with symptoms after the baby is born sometimes some women have so symptoms for couple years. My mum didn’t have any symptoms for 2yrs after having me.

[claudia_91 Moderator Endometriosis UK]

Hi meg73

Welcome to Club Endo! I hope that you are feeling okay since your diagnosis. There is a lot of information to take in regarding endometriosis, but please know that the endo community is here to support you 😊 I was your age when I was diagnosed and remember how it felt to be faced with so many life decisions because of this health condition.

If you would like to understand more about the treatment options for endometriosis, you can read this information pack created by Endometriosis UK: endometriosis-uk.org/sites/...

I hope you find it useful.

Personally, I have seen no research to confirm that the contraceptive pill slows the growth of the disease. It treats the symptoms, not the cause.

In terms of your choices with starting a family, this would be best discussed with your consultant who can explain the impact that endometriosis may or may not have on fertility. Please do not feel under any pressure to get pregnant sooner than you wish, as pregnancy is not a cure for endometriosis.

If you'd be interested in connecting with people in your local area who also have endometriosis, there are support groups available which are run by Endometriosis UK volunteers. You can find one in your area here: endometriosis-uk.org/find-a...

They are very friendly and support meet-ups 😊

I hope this helps and you find the support that works for you.

Take care,

Claudia