Can anyone give me some advice or more info on endometriosis? And is it possible to get pregnant if you haveit
606835
EndoKnow is one of the many websites owned and operated by Takeda Abbott Pharmaceuticals, the makers of Lupron.  Their sole intention of offering EndoKnow and its sister sites is to get patient's private info and then spam them with ads about how great Lupron is (which it isn't).  It is a direct-to-consumer marketing tactic and should be avoided at all costs.\n\nFor free, current and accurate info on the disease, offered with no hidden agenda other than to support and educate patients, visit the Endometriosis Research Center @ www.endocenter.org.  Their literature states:\n\n"About Endometriosis:\n\nWith Endometriosis, tissue like that which lines the uterus (the endometrium) is found outside the womb in other areas of the body. Normally, the endometrium is shed each month through menses; however, with Endometriosis, these implants have no way of leaving the body. The implants still break down and bleed, but result is far different than in women and girls without the disease: internal bleeding, degeneration of blood and tissue shed from the growths, inflammation of the surrounding areas, and formation of scar tissue result. In addition, depending on the location of the growths, interference with the normal function of the bowel, bladder, intestines and other areas of the pelvic cavity can occur. Endometriosis has also been found lodged in the skin - and even the brain.\n\nSymptoms include chronic or intermittent pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation is not normal!), infertility, miscarriage(s), ectopic (tubal) pregnancy, dyspareunia (pain associated with intercourse), nausea / vomiting / abdominal cramping, diarrhea / constipation (particularly with menses), painful bowel movements, painful or burning urination, urinary frequency, retention, or urgency; fatigue, chronic pain, allergies and immune system-related illnesses are also commonly reported complaints of women who have Endo. It is quite possible to have some, all, or none of these symptoms. Endo symptoms are varied and often nonspecific, so they can easily masquerade as several other conditions, including adenomyosis ("Endometriosis Interna"), appendicitis, ovarian cysts, bowel obstructions, colon cancer, diverticulitis, ectopic pregnancy, fibroid tumors, gonorrhea, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, ovarian cancer, and PID.\n\nDespite today's age of medical advances, researchers remain unsure as what causes of Endometriosis. There is NO CURE, despite the continued propagation of such myths by the uninformed who still mistakenly believe that hysterectomy, pregnancy and/or menopause can "cure" the disease. Invasive surgery remains the gold standard of diagnosis, and current therapies continue to remain extremely limited, often carrying side effects.\n\nMistakenly minimized as "painful periods," Endometriosis is more than just "killer cramps." It is a leading cause of female infertility, chronic pelvic pain and gynecologic surgery, and accounts for more than half of the 500,000 hysterectomies performed in the US annually. Despite being more prevalent than breast cancer, Endometriosis continues to be treated as an insignificant ailment. Recent studies have even shown an elevated risk of certain cancers and other serious illnesses in those with the disease, as well as malignant changes within the disease itself.\n\nResearch has shown that genetics, immune system dysfunction, and exposure to environmental toxins like Dioxin may all be contributing factors to the development of the disease. Endometriosis knows no racial or socioeconomic barriers, and can affect women ranging from adolescence to post-menopause. The disease can be so painful as to render a woman or teen unable to care for herself or her family, attend work, school, or social functions, or go about her normal routine. It can negatively affect every aspect of a woman's life; from her self-esteem and relationships, to her cap
666251
yes you can, some people even have peroids while they are pregant, which shouldnt happen but has.
514999
Pregnancy is not a cure for endometriosis!!!\n\nFor me it's extremely painful cramps during my period.  I used to basically pass out.  Also, during the rest of the month I have pain on my lower right side.  I can really feel it when I walk.\n\nI also find that I am tired all of the time.  I think that it is related but there is no way to know with absolute certainty.\n\nNausea and vomiting especially right before and during my period.\n\nBowel problems.  This is also more pronounced right before and during my period.
333930
Treatment for endometriosis has varied over the years, and there is still no absolute cure. If you don't have any symptoms, and you're not planning to have any (more) children, then no treatment is necessary, just regular checkups. If you have only mild symptoms, and infertility is not a factor, simple painkillers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen may be all that's needed.\n\nFor severe symptoms, depending on where the growths are located and their size, your doctor may recommend a hysterectomy and removal of the ovaries. Before you decide whether this is indicated, get a few separate opinions from other doctors. Although hysterectomy is considered a definitive cure, research has shown that women who undergo a hysterectomy for endometriosis sometimes experience a recurrence of the disease.\n\nConservative surgery involves removing the growths themselves, rather than any reproductive organs. One procedure, which was shown on The Learning Channel's "The Operation," is called operative laparoscopy. Through a laparoscope, surgery is done with a laser, a cautery, or small surgical instruments. Again, as with more radical surgery, recurrence is common after this procedure. Conservative surgery is the treatment of choice for women under thirty-five who are diagnosed with endometriosis in the early stages and who want to have children. About 40 percent of these women will go on to conceive. After conservative surgery, between 20 and 50 percent of endometriosis patients will need more radical surgery.\n\nIf you're infertile or don't wish to get pregnant, simply going on a progestin-containing oral contraceptive or a progesterone supplement, such as Provera, may control your endometriosis. This works for as long as you're taking the synthetic hormones, and sometimes the therapy can force endometriosis into remission for months or years after going off the hormones.\n\nIf that doesn't work, your doctor may recommend you take the drug danazol (a testosterone derivative). When a low dose of danazol is taken (roughly 100 to 200 mg per day), many women experience relief as well as a scanty menstrual flow. But there are "androgenic" (or progesterone-related) side effects to danazol, which include weight gain, acne, muscle cramps, unwanted hair growth, voice-deepening, water retention, and occasionally, liver problems since the liver has to metabolize this drug.\n\nIf you're not having success with danazol, there is a slightly more severe treatment with a GnRH, which is often used in fertility treatments. This drug "copies" your natural GnRH, thereby shutting it down and throwing you into a sort of "controlled" menopause. Synthetic hormones introduced into your body as "copies" are called analogues or agonists. GnRH is administered through injection, as a pump spray, or nasal spray. Brand names include Lupron, Synarel, or Zoladex. GnRH is strong medication and should only be considered in very severe situations.\n\nIf you decide to have surgery to treat endometriosis, GnRH therapy is sometimes recommended for about two to three months prior to surgery to dry up your menstrual flow.\n\nPregnancy As a Cure\n\nBelieve it or not, pregnancy does cause endometriosis to go into temporary remission, because you don't ovulate when you're pregnant. Furthermore, permanent remission of endometriosis has been known to occur after childbirth; the growths in this case shrink, and the pain associated with the disease stops. The problem is, the longer you have endometriosis, the greater your chance of becoming infertile. If you have been diagnosed with endometriosis, are planning to have children, and are in a position to have a family (that is, you have a supportive partner and are financially stable), then getting pregnant is a good idea. In other words, why wait? In addition, the disease may also worsen with time.\n\nPregnancy as a prescription is not feasi
119332
i had a cousin with PCOS and she has a beautiful 1 year old. They say that the biggest issue with PCOS is realizing that it is what causes your infertility. once you know what the problem is, you can find the right help to get pregnant.  you are probably more likely to miscarry more often, until you get pregnant (my cousin went through years of miscarriages before she had a successful pregnancy) and you will probably be high risk the whole time.
679708
I suffer from this too.  I was also told to keep an eye on my weight, so did more exercise and started eating more healthily. If you're finding that you're not managing to lose weight then it might be worth seeing your doctor/dietician to get some advice.  I was told that I'd still be able to have children, just that I might need to take some hormone supplements when trying to conceive.  Try not to worry hun, it's a really common problem and I know loads of people who have it and have managed to have children.\n\nWendy\nx
479307
PCOS can make it very difficult for you to get pregnant.  Weight is a major factor, but so are hormones.  It's not impossible, but you need to be prepared to take fertility treatments.  Keep losing the weight and keep trying.  It's not impossible, just difficult.
334815
It's possible you may have a condition called polycystic ovaries. Women who have it are usually overwgt., have irregular or no periods, may be hairer than usual (hirsutism) in additiion to other symptoms. If you have it you won't ovulate and then you can't get pregnant. you need to see your obgyn. He or she is likely to ask you to loose wgt and put you on a drug to correct your ovulation like clomiphen (clomid). You'll also need some  tests to check your hormone levels including insulin. The website below should help. Good luck
623644
Chances are against it, but yes, it is possible.  Try to go to www.scarleteen.com, they've got some expert advice on all and any questions about pregnancy, curiosity, your body, anything and everything under the sun.  It really is a great help.
505298
If she is healthy, it should not be a problem in the slightest.  33 is not that old, in terms of fertility.\n\nIf a problem arises, there are things that can help.  The general rule of thumb is, if you are under 35 and have been trying for a year, it's time to see a reproductive endocrinologist (RE). If you're over 35 and it's been 6 months, then consult the RE. There are a number of tests and therapies that can be tried to determine if in fact you are infertile, if so, why, and what treatment is best. For example, if Endometriosis is a cause, surgical removal of the Endo can help. If other factors are involved (female), perhaps certain medications (IVF protocol) can help. Other treatments/options exist if the cause of the infertility in the couple is due to the male factor. \n\nStart with the links below. Good luck! \n\nhttp://www.socrei.org/\nhttp://www.haveababy.com/\nhttp://www.inciid.org/\nhttp://www.resolve.or
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.
738234
possible, but more unlikely.   Go see a fertility doctor.
1022472
For free, current and accurate info on the disease, offered with no hidden agenda other than to support and educate patients, visit the Endometriosis Research Center @ www.endocenter.org. Their literature states:\n\n"About Endometriosis:\n\nWith Endometriosis, tissue like that which lines the uterus (the endometrium) is found outside the womb in other areas of the body. Normally, the endometrium is shed each month through menses; however, with Endometriosis, these implants have no way of leaving the body. The implants still break down and bleed, but result is far different than in women and girls without the disease: internal bleeding, degeneration of blood and tissue shed from the growths, inflammation of the surrounding areas, and formation of scar tissue result. In addition, depending on the location of the growths, interference with the normal function of the bowel, bladder, intestines and other areas of the pelvic cavity can occur. Endometriosis has also been found lodged in the skin - and even the brain.\n\nSymptoms include chronic or intermittent pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation is not normal!), infertility, miscarriage(s), ectopic (tubal) pregnancy, dyspareunia (pain associated with intercourse), nausea / vomiting / abdominal cramping, diarrhea / constipation (particularly with menses), painful bowel movements, painful or burning urination, urinary frequency, retention, or urgency; fatigue, chronic pain, allergies and immune system-related illnesses are also commonly reported complaints of women who have Endo. It is quite possible to have some, all, or none of these symptoms. Endo symptoms are varied and often nonspecific, so they can easily masquerade as several other conditions, including adenomyosis ("Endometriosis Interna"), appendicitis, ovarian cysts, bowel obstructions, colon cancer, diverticulitis, ectopic pregnancy, fibroid tumors, gonorrhea, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, ovarian cancer, and PID.\n\nDespite today's age of medical advances, researchers remain unsure as what causes of Endometriosis. There is NO CURE, despite the continued propagation of such myths by the uninformed who still mistakenly believe that hysterectomy, pregnancy and/or menopause can "cure" the disease. Invasive surgery remains the gold standard of diagnosis, and current therapies continue to remain extremely limited, often carrying side effects.\n\nMistakenly minimized as "painful periods," Endometriosis is more than just "killer cramps." It is a leading cause of female infertility, chronic pelvic pain and gynecologic surgery, and accounts for more than half of the 500,000 hysterectomies performed in the US annually. Despite being more prevalent than breast cancer, Endometriosis continues to be treated as an insignificant ailment. Recent studies have even shown an elevated risk of certain cancers and other serious illnesses in those with the disease, as well as malignant changes within the disease itself.\n\nResearch has shown that genetics, immune system dysfunction, and exposure to environmental toxins like Dioxin may all be contributing factors to the development of the disease. Endometriosis knows no racial or socioeconomic barriers, and can affect women ranging from adolescence to post-menopause. The disease can be so painful as to render a woman or teen unable to care for herself or her family, attend work, school, or social functions, or go about her normal routine. It can negatively affect every aspect of a woman's life; from her self-esteem and relationships, to her capacity to bear children, to her ability to be a contributing member of society.\n\nThe disease can currently only be diagnosed through invasive surgery, and the average delay in diagnosis is a staggering 9 years. A patient may seek the counsel of 5 or more physicians before her pain is adequately addressed. \n\nOnce diagnosed, it is not unusual for a patient to undergo sev
527809
It does seem some women can became pregnant. \n\nWomen with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have a number of seemingly unrelated symptoms, many of which manifest themselves as cosmetic annoyances which vary from nominal to extreme.\n\nINFERTILITY\nPCOS may account for as many as half of all cases of infertility. Because women with PCOS generally do not ovulate regularly, it affects their ability to conceive. However, many women with PCOS are able to get pregnant, especially with the help of a fertility specialist, and to carry successful pregnancies to term. There are a number of possible treatments, ranging from simple and fairly inexpensive medications which induce ovulation to costly high-tech treatments such as in vitro fertilization. Some of the most exciting new options being used to regulate cycles and enhance fertility are medications known as “insulin sensitizers”. Insulin sensitizing medications (Cmetformin) address the underlying endocrine problem present in many women with PCOS and can restore natural ovulatory function.
72807
I too have pcos. Luckily i have now had 2 children.\nI recommend you going to a website where i get all my information & is very informative on everything from doctor's to infertility, birth control pills, & treatments. I wish you much luck! And i truly hope that you find all the info you need!
580622
I had this same problem. I had been to several different doctors before i went to the one im with now. I have a condition called PCOS (poly cystic ovarian syndrom) I had to be put on glucophage and a hormone replacement, it helped me get pregnant within three to five mths of taking them. And when i did get pregnant i had to have regualar checkups for me and the baby and i had to continue the glucophage through the whole pregnancy so i wouldnt miscarry. So i highly suggest going to a OBGYN and gettin tests done to see if you might have a condition stoppin you from gettin pregnant.
1126661
Honestly it depends on how much either doctor know about the syndrome.  I would highly recommend you do your own research first.  If you are trying to become pregnant, then I would recommend you see a reproductive endocrinologist.    Have you been diagnosed?  Or are you seeking a diagnosis?    PCOS is not a new syndrome, but most doctors don't know much about it or are ignorant about the treatment.  Here are some great sources online for info....\n\nwww.pcosupport.org\nthey have discussion boards too where you can ask all of us PCOSers any questions that you may have.\n\nwww.soulcysters.net\n\nGood luck in you quest!  It can be very difficult.  If you have any questions feel free to email me.  I will help you out if I can.