Any Women have experience with endometreosis?
455448
I had endometriosis and had it removed surgically via a laparoscope.  Unfortunately, birth control is hte only way of regulating your period but there are meds you can take to help get a handle on the endometriosis itself.  For more info:\nhttp://aolsvc.health.webmd.aol.com/hw/endometriosis/hw103125.asp?src=AOLConditionWidget
489621
Why have a test when there are only 2 options for getting rid of it. According to my doctor there's a shot I could take but that could throw me into early menopause. Option 2 is a hysterectomy which is unacceptable to me (and you!)\nI'm afraid if you have it, dear, you'll just have to live with it. I hope yours isn't as painful as mine. Don't worry though. There are many different reactions to Endometriosis.\nMy aunt has it too but she has no pain and she was able to bear three children! The best thing you can do is to keep your body at its peak of health with a great diet and consistent exercise. If you do have pain like I do, then try some prescription Ibuprofen, hot baths and those large heat patches from the drugstore. Also, wearing a pad instead of a tampon for the first couple of days really eases my symptoms. Good luck sweetie.
513998
I had a few: \n 1) hormone tests - blood tests.\n2) Dilation and curetage D & C\n3) Hystersalpingogram - check the uterus and tubes.\n\nAlso a surgery for endometriosis to check on it's severity.
364793
My mother, sister, and grandmother all have something called endometriosis. Endometriosis is a condition, usually resulting in pain and dysmenorrhea, that is characterized by the abnormal occurrence of functional endometrial tissue outside the uterus.\n\nIt's not a pleasent thing, and can make periods a lot worse. if your wife is only getting bad paid during her menstrual period then I'd doubt she'd have that... But it actually isn't unusual for women to have bad paid. not all women do have it, but it is common. they can have it sometimes too. they don't nessisarily have it all the time, it's just a joy of being a woman!\n\nIt might be a good idea to talk to a doctor though. just to check if you are that worried about it. even if they don't find something wrong with her, they can proscribe good pain killers and things like that.
872632
endometrial ablation is also an option.  i would be cautious about getting a hysterectomy so quickly.  get a second opinion.  if she is having these problems, provera will only help the symptoms, maybe correct it for a while, but it won't cure it, and she will most likely have them lifelong.  i am going through the same thing and am considering the ablation.  i will still be infertile, but at least i will have a less chance of osteoporosis.
915089
ENDOMETRIOSIS is a common, but complex, gynecological syndrome of unknown pathogenesis that affects 5–15% of reproductive-aged women. It commonly is accompanied by debilitating symptoms of dysmenorrhea, pelvic pain, and reduced fecundity. Although multiple theories of the histogenesis of endometriosis exist, the implantation hypothesis of Sampson (1) is the most widely accepted. Retrograde menstruation (2) and intraperitoneal spillage of viable endometrial cells (3) occur frequently in cycling women, and müllerian tract outflow obstruction is associated with an increased prevalence of endometriosis (4). \n\nThe pathophysiology of endometriosis-associated pain and infertility remains enigmatic, but current evidence suggests that these symptoms result from local inflammation at the implant sites (5). Pelvic implants are associated with gross and microscopic evidence of local inflammatory changes, viz. neovascularization, fibrous scarring, and accumulation of activated inflammatory cells (6). It has been proposed that the recruitment of pelvic immune cells initiates an intraperitoneal cascade of cytokines that mediate the pain and infertility that accompany endometriosis (7). \n\nAutoinflammatory phenomena, including autoantibody production and atopy, have been associated with endometriosis. Mathur and her colleagues (8, 9) were the first to describe, in this disease, autoantibodies that recognize endometrial proteins ranging in size from 34–140 kDa. Similar results have been confirmed by other groups (10, 11). Gleicher and colleagues (12) noted that a significant proportion (40–60%) of women with endometriosis has elevated autoantibody titers when tested against a panel of common, generic autoantigens (e.g. phospholipid, ribonucleoprotein, and double-stranded DNA). Thus, in addition to the development of specific antiendometrial antibodies, generalized polyclonal B-cell activation is associated with some cases of endometriosis (13). \n\nA highly significant correlation has been noted between surgically documented endometriosis and the incidence of atopic allergic symptoms (14). This association was confirmed in a recent survey, conducted by the Endometriosis Association, of 4,000 North American women (15). In that study, 41% and 17% of surveyed endometriosis patients reported a history of pollen allergy and eczema, respectively, compared with 13% and 6% of women in the general population. In a cohort of 40 endometriosis patients with a predominant complaint of fatigue, 65% had allergy symptoms and positive serum IgE and IgG radioallergosorbent tests (D. Metzger, personal communication). On the basis of these clinical findings, which suggest an autoinflammatory or allergic component in endometriosis, we hypothesized that the biochemical mediators of atopic reactivity might be increased in women with this syndrome. As a prototype for such molecules, we selected the 8.4-kDa C-C eosinophil chemokine, eotaxin, and first investigated its peritoneal fluid concentrations in a case-control study of subjects with endometriosis and matched, normal women. These findings were then extended, using an established endometriosis cell model (7), to determine whether eotaxin protein secretion could be induced in vitro via endocrine and/or paracrine effectors.
80897
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (the endometrial stroma and glands, which should only be located inside the uterus) is found elsewhere in the body. \n\nEndometriosis lesions can be found anywhere in the pelvic cavity: on the ovaries, the fallopian tubes, and on the pelvic sidewall. Other common sites include the uterosacral ligaments, the cul-de-sac, the Pouch of Douglas, and in the rectal-vaginal septum.\n\nIn addition, it can be found in caecarian-section scars, laparoscopy or laparotomy scars, and on the bladder, bowel, intestines, colon, appendix, and rectum. \n\nIn rare cases, endometriosis has been found inside the vagina, inside the bladder, on the skin, even in the lung, spine, and brain. \n\nThe most common symptom of endometriosis is pelvic pain. The pain often correlates to the menstrual cycle, but a woman with endometriosis may also experience pain that doesn’t correlate to her cycle. For many women, the pain of endometriosis is so severe and debilitating that it impacts their lives in significant ways. \n\nEndometriosis can also cause scar tissue and adhesions to develop that can distort a woman’s internal anatomy. In advanced stages, internal organs may fuse together, causing a condition known as a "frozen pelvis." \n\nIt is estimated that 30-40% of women with endometriosis are infertile. \n\nIf you or someone you care about has endometriosis, it is important to research the disease as much as possible. Many myths and misconceptions about endometriosis still persist, even in medical literature. For many women, management of this disease may be a long-term process. Therefore, it is important to educate yourself, take the time to find a good doctor, and join a support group.
423304
There is nowhere for the blood to go, hence the continued accumulation of debris, blood and scar tissue.  As this continues over time, the lesions and implants usually become larger and more painful with each cycle.  Endometriosis can wreak havoc, causing anatomical problems by distoring or twisting organs, causing debilitating pain during any time of the cycle, causing infertility and so much more.  It is imperative to obtain treatment by a true expert, someone who can EXCISE the disease from all locations and not just vaporize or ablate it.  See www.centerforendo.com and www.endometriosistreatment.org for more info on excision as the effective treatment for Endo.
888730
They are not sure. I believe it is. I have endo and most of my older female relatives have had reproductive problems their entire lives.
424476
If you're a woman, have you looked into Endometriosis as a possible cause?   My friend had similar symptoms and the doctors looked at liver and gallbladder before settling on Endo as a diagnosis.\n\nGood luck.
315306
Find a new doctor.  Endometriosis is something that a lot of doctors just are not able to treat effectively.  \n\nI used to have periods that were so bad that I would basically pass out.  If you have pain then your doctor should work with you to manage it.  Telling you to take Midol is not acceptable.\n\nI'm not sure if there is a proven connection between endo and fatigue but I'll bet there is.  I've had this pretty much since I started my periods at 11 but it got really bad at 16.  I was diagnosed at 26 and I'm 30 now.  For most of my adult life I feel like I'm 80 and not 30!  I was always tired and slept a lot while my friends were going out and staying up all night.  Can't tell you for sure but that's my experience.\n\nRight after my surgery I was put on Lupron.  I only made it 3 months instead of the usual 6 because of the bad side effects.  This is something that I wouldn't recommend as a first choice.  After that I went on BCP.  After experimenting with a few I got on Yasmin which worked for me.  I still have pain every day but it is nothing like it was.  I used to be in constant pain and now I notice it a couple of times a day.  If it gets bad ibuprofen usually helps to keep it down.  \n\nEndo is weird because the amount of scarring and implants isn't necessarily related to the amount of pain.  My left ovary is completely covered (can't really see the ovary) and my right only has a couple of little implants.  I feel most of my pain on the right side.  My doctor said that he has seen women with a gut full of scarring who had no symptoms at all.  Also, what one doctor describes as bad another describes as moderate.  Just be aware of this when dealing with doctors.\n\nPain is felt differently by different people so it is hard to say what you need.  Find a doctor that is willing to work with you and who isn't quick to say it's in your head.  Don't be afraid to interview doctors and ask lots of questions.  If you aren't comfortable with the answers move on.  Remember that you are hiring them for a service.  Be in control - this is your body.
1062488
I also have had endometriosis.  Please see another gynecologist.  Birth control is the treatment of choice but, when it doesn't work, other therapies should be tried.  The other therapies are treatment with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a), high-dose progestin, a progestin intrauterine device (Mirena), or danazol.  Usually, those are tried before a hysterectomy is even suggested in someone as young as you.  Please get a second opinion.\n\nIn the meantime, at home, use ibuprofen, motrin or advil for the pain (NSAIDs) due to their anti-inflammatory effect.  Take them on a regular schedule as prescribed on the bottle.  Apply heat to your lower abdomen in the form of a hot water bottle, hot bath or heating pad.  Lie down!  If on your back, put a pillow under your knees.  If on your side, curl your knees up to your chest.  Get regular exercise.\n\nIf you have any questions, please don't hesitate to email me.  Just click on my avatar.
318467
Endometriosis itself is a benign disease. However, recent studies have shown that women with Endo have a greater risk of developing certain cancers (e.g., of the ovaries, blood and lymph systems, including non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma). One of the larger studies done on this topic of 20,686 women hospitalized for Endometriosis showed that the women had a 20% greater risk of developing cancer overall, particularly of the breast, ovaries and the blood and lymph cells, during an 11-year period (the women actually had a lower risk of cancer of the cervix). For more information on the cancer risks, check out the work of Dr. Louise Brinton of the Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics Division of the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, Maryland who has been studying the connection for several years.\n  \nThe disease has also been linked to other illnesses, including a 9.8% incidence of melanoma, compared with 0.01% in the general population, a 26.9% incidence of breast cancer, compared with 0.1% in the general population; and an 8.5% incidence of ovarian cancer, compared with 0.04% in the general population. Women with Endometriosis also have a greater incidence of autoimmune conditions like thyroid disorders and Meniere's disease.  Also - researchers are beginning to discover higher rates of malignant changes in the disease itself, in certain patients.  See the ERC and the EA websites for more information on those risks.\n\nEndo also is a leading cause of female infertility, chronic pelvic pain and gynecologic surgery, and accounts for more than 120,000 of the 500,000 hysterectomies performed annually.\n\nThere is no cure for Endo, but there are ways to live well in spite of the disease.  Surgery is the gold standard for diagnosis and effective treatment; however, it is imperative to have the disease excised and not simply vaporized, as so many general GYN surgeons do.  That leaves extensive disease - and symptoms including infertility and debilitating pain - behind.  See www.centerforendo.com on excision as an effective treatment for long-term relief of Endo.\n\nGood luck to you and remember you're not alone.  http://groups.yahoo.com/group/erc
845080
if endometriosis has to do with the lining of the uterus i get that part, but i wouldn't know why there is a high WBC\n(whitebloodcell) count.  if endometriosis is bad howeve, then having lots of WBC's sounds like the infection, if thats what it is, is going away.\n    the only other thing i think endometriosis is, might be regarding ones menstration perhaps?
398031
The consequences can be far reaching and exact a potentially devastating toll on the patient, ranging from debilitating pain to anatomical disortions to infertility, but it doesn't have to be that way.  There is help out there - and it isn't hysterectomy.  That is an old wive's tale, right up there with "Endo is a disease of white career women" and "pregnancy cures it."  None of that is true.  Endo produces its own estrogen-synthesizing enzyme known as Aromatase, which allows it to self-sustain after hysterectomy.  The treatment is to remove disease, not organs.  Unfortunately, most doctors are quick to perform superficial surgeries like ablation, vaporization and cauterization, which leaves extensive disease behind.  Most doctors will also not a.) recognize all disease in all colors and locations and b.) be able to treat complicated forms of the disease such as that located on the bowel, bladders, ligaments, etc.  Therefore, it leads to repeat, ineffective surgeries that offer very temporary relief at best.  Combine lack of treatment with a 9 year delay in diagnosis and doctors telling the patient "it's in their head" and it can become rather complicated and painful.  Other doctors like to prescribe Lupron as if it were candy and tell their patients it is a cure - also not true.  What Endo patients need to do is get help from a TRUE Endo specialist - someone who meticulously EXCISES all disease from all locations.  Excision is the gold standard of treatment, conferring an up to 85% long term success rate, increase in fertility, and helps the patient regain her painfree quality of life.  Only advanced laparoscopic endoscopists with highly skilled techniques can perform excision and such specialists are few and far between, but they do exist.  Get help from someone who knows what they are doing and it will drastically improve the situation altogether.  See the links below for help. Good luck to you.
967603
Que paso Stacy,\n\nIm drorganico, natural health practitioner for 12 years and have dealt with several dozens cases like yours and every single one of them, when they client followed every step of the protocol that is, has been cleared up with 6 to 8 weeks of detoxing and making the right adjustments in their lifestyles.\n\nAs you said, your 30 and lots of carefree living in front of you so please get a hold of your emotions and forget the old lady analogies, lets get you back to the secure and sexy image that you know you have of yourself. This can be dealt with faster than you can imagine. However I do need to mention that lack of action on your part will make not being able to wear cute little things a very minor issue compared to other complications that will certainly come about.\n\nForget surgery and forget additional costly "toxic legal poison" known as pharmaceuticals prescribed by docs that realy dont know that there are legit, effective and economic solutions that work in harmony with your body, not against it, Ill give you some basic info and if you cant find a decent natural practitioner in your city, and you want some detailed help, contact me through yahoo, my email is listed.\n\nStacey, my business slogan is EDUCATE SO AS NOT TO MEDICATE, so bear with me while I give you some basic information so your informed and at least make informed decisions not just heresay, trendy and gossip decisions.\n\nThe fibroid tumor is a hard, benign (noncancerous) tumor that generally occurs in the uterine wall. It usually has no toxic effects on the body and causes problems only if it grows large enough to physically encroach on vital structures. If such tumors are present in the uterus as a woman approaches menopause, they may produce abnormal menstrual bleeding. \n\nAt times this bleeding can be controlled only by removing the uterus. In many cases, much less extreme and natural measures are more than satisfactory. The cause of fibroid tumors remains medicaly unproven though there are many solid theories. Researchers in my natural health field believe its due to certain trace mineral deficiencies via an imbalance of the body PH, more on that in bit. \n\nThe balance of ovarian hormones must play some part in their formation because as a woman goes through menopause, the fibroids present frequently retrogress and atrophy along with the normal shrinking of the uterus.\n\nMany tumors are in the early stages respond well to the use of certain detox protocols and trace mineral supplementation, this in combination of consuming less acid forming foods and more alkaline forming foods and the all important stress management aspect which also plays a factor in why these tumors formed in the fist place since its a know scientifica fact that un managed stress releases a large amount of unnecessary acid in your system.\n\nTo accomplish this, I recommedn certain detox herbs, supplements with natural detox agents; essential vitamins that reinforce the immune system, vegetable protein and supplementation. \n\nThis combined with spiritual reconnection therapy is effective in virtualy all cases within a time frame of 7 days to get rid of pain, 8 to 12 weeks for the enitre detox process to take hold and at about 12 weeks after the process begins get an ultrasound to confirm what you will already know and feel, the tumor has been flushed out naturaly with no drugs or toxins.\n\nNow Stacy, about one of the main root causes of your tumor, PH out of balance. Let me explain.\n\nThe body is dominated by 2 chemicals, alkaline and acid, when the acid takes over for a considerable length of time the entire cell structure and tissues are deprived of sufficient oxygen, this is called an "anaerobic enviroment" this was discovered by 2 time Nobel Prize winner in science and medicine, Dr. Otto Werberg, a German physician that won those prestigious awards in 1931 and then again 1938, he also documented that once you get the PH to get more alk
489610
i was diagnosed with endo when I was 18 yrs. They told me I couldn't have children so I accepted that and got on with life. At 29 yrs I found out I was pregnant and it was the biggest and best shock of my life. I ended up being in labour for 6 days, yes that's right 6 days, I was in the worst pain you could imagine. In the end they gave me a c section. So what I am trying to say is my end pain was the worst i had ever felt in my life, that was until I was in labour. Endo pain is close but not quite there.!