How do you know?

Ok so I've heard many girls who have Endometriosis have symptoms of painful menstural cramps pms etc. I've got horrible cramps and now I am having issues ttc. However my doctor never diagnosed me with Endo. and I suspect I may have or fit the category for it. Also I had HSG and all came back normal, all bloodwork normal etc. How do they test for Endo.? How does one know if they have it or not? Feedback appreciated:) thanks

[Kay0201]

Well when I found out I had endo they had done a laproscopic surgery and went in through my belly button to see if there was any endo which their was and he burned what he could then put me on birth control pills and some shot (can't remember the name of the shot) which helps in keeping it dried up. Are you having bad lower back pain as well? Does endo run in your family? Some times the pain will come and go but yes you will have very bad pains and you could not have any pains at all. Hope I was of some help.

[jennyfer976]

I only get back pain, like lower back cramps when I get my period. Other than that my back never hurts. I get cramps in my legs too during my period:(. I was adopted so I have no idea if it runs in my family but thanks for your help!

[Kay0201]

You may want to talk to your doc to see if there is a possibility that you may have endo, but I think the only way to find out is lap surgery. They are always coming up with all new types of technology so I do not know if there is a new way to determine if someone has endo or not. I had my lap done 8 years ago. To me it was not that bad, (like I had said before the doc went in through my belly button so it was a small cut) just was some what sore but after a few days I was able to go to school (I was 17 at the time).

[mrswurm]

The only way to find out if you have endo is through laproscopy.  Ultrasounds and lists of symptoms aren't enough.  I started having problems with my endo when I was 14 but after 12 doctors and 6 years I finally walked into the newest doctors office and told him flat out that he was going to do a lap and find out what was going on.  I would have no period for months then have a period that lasted for over a month straight.  Just as a start.  Many times I had to leave school and work because the anemia would get so bad I'd just faint.  Many of my doctors told me I was just making it all up and it infuriated me-how could they know!  They're not dealing with it!  Long story short is I've had every test known to man done to find out what was wrong with my "girl parts" and it turns out that the only true diagnostic tool for endo is a laproscopy.  It's generally a same day proceedure and fairly easy to deal with.  They make two wholes in your abdomen-one for a camera and the other for a light-leaves almost no scar (I have pale skin and red hair and you can't even see the scar anymore).  It's over pretty quick and you just have to take it easy for a couple days.  Good luck!

[ticked]

I knew i had endo because i fit the criteria. I went to 7 different doctors until I found one that specialised in endo and that would preform a lap to verify.  That is the only way to know for sure.   Good luck

[jennyfer976]

mswurm: Wow I am so sorry you had to wait so long and go thru all that to find out. It must have been awful to have doctors not believe you when your telling them your symptoms. good for you for being strong and keep pushing them for an answer and more tests. I am glad to hear the lap isn't too bad. I am not even sure what all the symptoms are of endo. All I know is i get wicked bad cramps, but my cycle is totally normal 28 days and I am trying to concieve (conceive) right now and we are having problems it sucks. Thank you so much for your response and for sharing your story with me! I felt better after reading that there is no scar and lap isn't an awful procedure!

Ticked: What is the criteria?

[juliesmom]

We've all been where you are, you feel like every doctor you see is trying to tell you you're crazy and it's all in your head.  I suffered for 10 years and was told that I just had cramps, finally went to a ob/gyn who suspected endo right off the bat and told me straight up that the only way to have a definite diagnosis is to have that laparoscopy.  I have a family history of ovarian cancer so I was scared it might be that too, I agreed to the lap just to be able to have the peace of mind of knowing what it was that was causing me so much pain all the time.  Symptoms vary from person to person, but mainly can be extremely painful periods--some are longer than the norm, bloating, pain with intercourse...multiple things can indicate endo.  I suggest you agree to the lap and find out once and for all.  Like the others have said there's little or no scarring from a lap, I've had 4 all together and you really can't see any of my scars very well...I see them because I know where each and every one is, my husband on the other hand wouldn't be able to tell you where they are.  Also if you're TTC, your best chance for that would be the first 6 months after a lap when all of then endo has been removed.