Can you diagnose endometriosis without surgery?

[Catlady12345]

Hi Ladies,

Just as a quick recap, we’ve been trying for 4 years and started IVF last year. Our first Transfer was bfp but ended at 7 weeks and since then we’ve had two failed frozen transfers.

I’ve had tests etc including ERA and the only thing flagged is I need extra progesterone.

However, I’ve always had painful periods (they’re quite light and not heavy) and only last 2-3 days. Weirdly, when I exercise (hiit) I get the most debilitating cramps that are in my lower back and front (they feel like the worst period pains) and I usually have to sit on the toilet for 20 mins until they pass. They’re so bad I feel physically sick, sweat and just feel awful.

I just wondered if this could be endo and if there’s any way to diagnose it without surgery? We’re starting our next FET next month (last embryo) and I just wondered if I should push this further.

I had a laparoscopy 10 years ago which showed nothing.

Thanks xx

[Millbanks]

Hi Catlady (love the name) - I also have very similar periods to you. And what's weirder is that I also get reaaaaally awful painful cramps when I run. In fact since doing IVF I've been going running to bring on my periods so we can start meds, and several times I've had to walk home as they're so painful. They make me feel sick and sweat. I definitely don't have Endo though. I think some people just get bad periods. It might be worth talking to your clinic as they would be able to recommend next steps. xx

[Catlady12345 in reply to Millbanks]

Thanks for your reply! Haha my name makes me sound like a crazy cat lady 😂 I do have two though and love them to bits!

You’re the only person who has ever said they get this too when running 😊 I can’t tell if they’re front pains eg uterus spasms or bowel spasms as the pains are just so intense. They don’t make me bleed, but I find I get them more around ovulation time when I exercise. I’ve booked another gp meeting (but when I’ve told them in the past they just look at me weird and can’t really help!) but it’s good to know you don’t have endo 😊 thanks xxx

[Millbanks in reply to Catlady12345]

Excellent - I have 2 also who I completely adore ❤️Mine tend to happen before I bleed too (but only because once my period has started I tend not to run). I would perhaps talk to your clinic rather than your GP as they are more specialised for this kind of thing - would that be possible? xx

[Catlady12345 in reply to Millbanks]

I have tried but they tend to refer me back to me GP 😳 sometimes it’s like you go round and round with no answers!

[Millbanks in reply to Catlady12345]

Oh lordy that's frustrating - well fingers crossed the GP will be able to do something x

[Jess1981]

My experience is the only way to know if you have endo is a laparoscopic surgery . Unfortunately mine never showed via scans or anything. It me took me 5 years and 10 months of TTC they said "unexplained infertility "and 3 years of "unexplained cycle abnormalities " . I saw 4 different general gynaecologists and it wasn't until I was with my second nhs fertility clinic when I had a bad reaction on my 4th failed round of clomid did I get offered a laparoscopic surgery- well I was given the choice- keep trying haha, lap and dye to Check tubes and for possible endo the fertility doctor thought my symptoms were bowel in origin or private IVF which we couldn't afford to do. I opted for the surgery in June 2017 I finally got an explanation for the infertility and symptoms- I have endometriosis. I had a chemical pregnancy then two more surgeries, had my first daughter Francesca, lost our second daughter Amelia at 20 weeks pregnant last November, had another chemical January and I'm now 6 weeks 2 days pregnant due November. Before the treatment and diagnosis of endometriosis I couldn't conceive at all.. it is a crap condition to have as the symptoms can mimic many other health conditions, it is also very unrecognised by most medics and requires a bloody surgical procedure to diagnose no wonder it takes an average of 7 years for most women to get a diagnosis 🙄 very frustrating system. Xx

[Catlady12345 in reply to Jess1981]

Oh gosh you’ve been through it! Thank you for sharing. I’ve had the dye tests - all fine. My periods are regular and whilst they’re painful, it’s only usually on the first day or two.

I’m just confused haha. I just don’t know whether I have it but I really don’t want to go down the surgery route. But saying that, if it’s going to enable me to have a baby then I’ll have to xx

[lablover5658]

Hiya Catlady,

I have very similar symptoms to you. I can suffer really bad pain in both my back and joints around the time my period is due. Sometimes even earlier and after my period has finished too. I have a physical job where I am on my feet and I have been in tears with pain at some points.

My periods use to last 4-5days but about 3 years ago when we stated to try to conceive they changed to 2-3days. Not too heavy flow in fact sometimes very light.

I also have mild Crohns which I control with diet. I am extremely lucky to have not suffered flare ups for 8 years. So my clinics think that it is unlikely that is affecting our chances of pregnancy.

I have had a Hycosy which did not flag anything and they say all my hormones are ok. However I just don’t think they will investigate things unless it gets to a point where I have had several attempts that have failed.

It is really hard not to think that is something going on. Endo being one of them. Especially as it is quite common.

All we can do is Hope that things will work out for us and that we don’t have to pursue further investigations.

Best wishes and good luck ❤️💕❤️