what to do?

Question

I went to my obgyn and i have endometriosis. I an young to have this disease I am told that i can end up not being able to have children and or cancer. I am scared and i don't know what to do.My doctor is treating me with birth control pills. But i feel no one really knows how i feel.

Answer 1

Many women have endometriosis. Often it is thought that the problem started at an early age, but was either misdiagnosed, or the women waited until it became unbearable before seeking help. There are ob/gyns who specialize in the treatment of endometriosis. Look for one or ask another doctor to refer you. Left untreated, endometriosis can lead to problems with conception and other reproductive system problems, but with treatment, your chances of getting pregnant are great.

Answer 2

Hope this helps. My niece was diagnosed with endometriosis before she got married in 1991 (she was 23). She was devastated because she wanted kids and she was told the same thing you have been told.

She has 4 kids who are 12, 10, 7 and 14 months and she thinks she is pregnant again!

Answer 3

First, you are not alone. Hang in there.

Endo cannot be diagnosed by your gyn's opinion alone. Did you have surgery to obtain your diagnosis? Such as laparoscopy? Otherwise, the diagnosis is assumed and not confirmed.

Next, it is true that Endo is a leading cause of infertility. However, the key is to obtain early intervention by way of timely diagnosis and effective treatment. See http://www.centerforendo.com on excision surgery; the leading treatment for the disease.

Also, it is true that women with Endo are at a higher risk of certain cancers. However, it's not a given. I recommend checking out the following sites for accurate info and support:

http://www.endocenter.org
http://www.centerforendo.com
http://www.endometriosistreatment.org
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/erc

Good luck and remember you are not alone. Endo doesn't have to take over your life; it is possible to live well with it.