Hello new here. I recently found out I have a complex cyst that’s a little over 4cm.I’ve gotten my period a twice a month several times or sometimes not at all. The entire month of April I’ve been gotten my period every week. Which made me go to a gyno. They did an ultrasound a found the cyst on my left ovary causing me severe pain. Doctor suspects that I may also have endo from other symptoms I’m having. I’m schedule to get the cyst removed and will also undergo laparoscopy hysteroscopy d&c. Has anyone had this surgery? How did it go? Did you feel relief after cyst removal? How was recovery ? Does anyone else also bleed from hormonal birth control they tried putting me on that before and again and all it does it make me bleed more

I got my first period at age 11, currently 24. Ever since i had my first period, they were super irregular, lasted 14-20 days, is even throw up because of how much pain I was in.

My cramps are still terrible to this day so i was told to take birth control at age 16. I’m still on the pill, but I’ve had to switch brands four times now. I’m even on pain killers for my cramps, mefenamic acid. I genuinely cannot have my period without taking my pain killers. Without them, I cannot function. My cramps feel like sharp/stabbing pain always. Even with the pill, my periods last 8-9 days and are super painful. I always need to do a work from home day because of the pain I am in.

My last period was March 25-April 2 and it was one of the worst I’ve had in years. I was in so much pain that I could barely move, i just kept crying on the couch with a heat pad on my abdominal, and an ice pack on my head. It was absolutely horrific. My doctor sent a referral to an OBGYN for a consultation, which i will have in June. She is suspecting possible endometriosis or maybe cysts. I’m unsure as to what to expect for my appointment since it’s my first one. I also have never been sexually active and im worried i may not be taken seriously.

If anyone has any advice please let me know! Thank you :)

I am practically at the end of the rope and trying to consider a last option: alternative medicine. I have read from at least 3 people who were able to reduce inflammation and pain with this herbal supplement. Is there anyone here who has tried this?

My concern is that it seems to have an acid that is carcinogenic and toxic to the kidneys. Perhaps there is a version of this extract that has been modified to reduce the effect of this component.

Thanks in advance.

Hi Im 23/F, I have been having a constant pelvic pain, for like 5 months, also have been experiencing tailbone pain where I could not sit for long hours I, it would hurt so bad. My pelvic pain is dull, it would feel like something pulling down when I stand up or walk, constant pain but going towards my periods the intensity increases and during my periods, first 3 days I have worst pain. Have anyone who experienced such pain diagnosed with endo? Could this be endo? (Also I had a 5cm cyst on left ovary 5 months back, now my Ultrasound and MRI is normal)

I have a long history of problematic periods and chronic pelivc pain. About 2 years ago, I was found to have large ovarian cysts that were suspected to be the source of the pain. The cysts did not resolve on their own and then caused ovarian torsion, I had surgery to address this but only my fallopian tube was removed as a result. During this surgery, several cysts were removed and endometriosis (1 spot) was found and removed. Since then, my pain improved for about 4 weeks and then returned and was worse. I saw my doctor and she suggested that the pain may have been caused by endometriosis all along instead of the cysts. Since my surgery (April 2023) I have had significant pain, pulling/tearing sensastions internally, and have been unable to lift items and exercise regularly. I recently relocated for work and found a new doctor who suggested that my problem may be IC, this seems to fit some of my symptoms but does not explain them all. In addition, they did an ultrasound and found that my right ovary (where I had my precious cysts) is adhered to my uterus. My doctor mentioned going on birth control to suppress my hormones and hope to find relief, she also mentioned that if/when we are looking at surgical options we can address my bladder and “burn any endometriosis we find”. In my clinic notes she stated that she discussed ablation with me. I am not sure if she used the word burn in a more informal way, or if she truly meant that.

With that said, does this phrasing matter? Should I seek care from someone who specifically states they excise rather than ablate? Related to IC, could endometriosis on my bladder present as IC? If so, should I inquire about that possibility or will it make no difference for the treatment? I am unsure how to approach these two issues and I don’t know if I am being overly pedantic about the vocabulary used. Appreciate your help, thank you!!!

When is the best time to test hormones with a blood test?

My doctor has given me a pathology request to test my hormones however, at the time of discussion I hadn’t yet had my period. My period ended up being 11 days later than my last period at a total of 40 days.

But, I did have spotting randomly so if I need to test during my period, should I consider today as my first day since that’s when I’ve actively had tampons fill etc? Sorry for the TMI.

I just want to have the most accurate reading but my periods are irregular and this might be my chance for an accurate reading for another 40 days.

I was prescribed Lupron Depot for 2 months for IVF related to possible silent endo and it’s killing me.

I’ve had a headache since the day I took it, I can’t sleep, I alternate between sweating and freezing, I’m in the world’s shittiest mood…. And I’m STARVING ALL THE TIME. I ate a whole 12 in sub last night from Subway and still had stomach pains like I hadn’t eaten at all.

Any suggestions that brought you relief is welcome because these 2 months are going to be terrible if things to level out soon.

Hello, I have had the luck to be referred for a laparoscopy, with already diagnosed Endo. I’m at the stage of searching for a good surgeon, and would like to ask if there are some specific qualities I should be looking for? And can anyone with experience please tell me if I should prepare myself in any way in advance? I am currently in Poland, so if someone also has some recommendations I would be grateful! Thank you to anyone responding ❤️

Hey all! I got diagnosed with stage 4 Endometriosis 3 years ago and since then I’ve been on Dienogest & a Mirena IUD. Prior to that I was on birth control for 5+ years.

I had issues with Dienogest and lots weight gain / inability to lose weight. Since coming off the Dienogest I’ve lost 7lbs already literally from just living my day to day life - I’m exercising + eating well, but I did that before coming off that pill anyway.

I’m looking at getting my IUD out but I am worried and hoping to hear from other people’s experiences? Did it get worse / better? I’m terrified of having a period at the moment as I haven’t had one for 8 years. I guess I want to take a break from all these hormones and see how my body is coping after the surgery.

I am a 37-year-old female who wants biological children and has been trying to conceive naturally for 9 months. I have had three fertility specialists say I have stage 3 or 4 endometriosis based on ultrasounds showing ~3 cm. endometrioma on left ovary and CA125 test result of 38.3. I have DOR (AMH = 0.16 & 0.34; FSH = 25; AFC = 3-4). I have silent endo with no pain or symptoms I am aware of so I am only seeking minimally invasive excision treatment in hopes of preserving fertility and being able to conceive. The question is - I have heard multiple conflicting opinions (including the endo surgeon) on whether do freeze eggs before surgery or get lap done first before retrieval/IVF. One doctor I trust said freeze first, another said lap first, another essentially said there is no way to answer. I am concerned I will lose the last of my eggs if surgery damages ovarian tissue, but also concerned getting enough beforehand could take ages and yield little-to-no quality with the endo. What would have the least risky/best outcome?

I’ve been informally diagnosed with endo by my gyno. Not by laparoscopy but through a general exam and by asking me questions.

I had severe pain on my period growing up until now, to the point where I would have burn marks on my abdomen from the heating pad.

Is this typical of endometriosis for the pain to just go away when on birth control?

Can endo still be spreading if it’s not actively causing pain?

I have reoccurring cysts related to my endo and I’m fairly certain I have another right now. I know when to go to the ER for one, but I’m wondering when to see my gyno to get it checked. It’s been a while since I’ve dealt with a cyst that wasn’t pregnancy related and in the pasts my doctors say I can get an appointment to check on them when they form but my cysts are always small enough to go away on their own or have already burst. I also switched doctors during pregnancy so I’m not sure how my current doc feels but honestly I don’t really want to pay for an ultrasound just to be told it’s nothing.

For some additional context, this cyst hasn’t hurt as bad as others but did trigger some of the worst leg pain I’ve ever had yesterday (I get a lot of leg pain in my right leg related to endo, my secret theory is I have endo growths in the muscles but I’ll never tell a doc my theory cuz that seems crazy). The pain on my right lower abdomen also hurt but nothing too alarming. My right ovarian cysts are usually the only ones that hurt despite me getting them on both sides and then being smaller on my right. I’ve also had bloody discharge for several days now so either the cyst has burst or I’m on my period. I have an iud so my cycles aren’t normal ones.

I’ve seen some posts on social media of women with cysts who just tough them out each time which is why I’m curious when people on this sub think it’s worth to tough out vs visiting the doctor. Money is tight so I’m leaning heavily towards not.

Hi everyone. Thanks for being such a wonderful and supportive community. I am (very surprisingly) 7 weeks pregnant with my first pregnancy. We were actually waiting to see an IVF specialist so this is unexpected for me. I'm having a lot of cramps and wondered if others had experienced the same thing. I've had an ultrasound and everything in the right place, with a heartbeat and no bleeding. I have stage 3 with lots of adhesions, so just keep telling myself it's endo/scar tissue/uterine stretching, but it would help me not to worry so much if I knew others has experienced similar things. TIA!

Anyone else get pain under your left rib? I had a physical exam done recently to feel for an enlarged spleen and my doctor said that that wasn't the case but I still have the pain. I have a 4.5cm ovarian cyst on the left side so I don't know if that's related, especially since the rib pain is so much higher up, but I don't know. I'm thinking maybe it could be stomach issues but I thought that your stomach was more in the upper middle part of your abdomen. What do you all think? Anyone ever had this?

Hi! I have my preop appointment tomorrow and I wanted to ask for those who have had surgery, what are some good questions that you believe patients should ask at during the preop appointment? I listed some questions below.

1. Are there any lifestyle changes I should make before the surgery to optimize my health and recovery?
2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this specific surgery in my case?
3. Can you explain the surgical procedure in detail, including what will be done to remove the cyst and any potential complications? If endo is present ablation or excision? I would prefer excision.
4. How long will the surgery typically take?
5. What type of postop pain management can I expect, and how will it be administered?
6. Are there any specific dietary guidelines or restrictions I should follow after the surgery?

How soon after the surgery can I expect to resume normal activities, such as driving or returning to work? Exercise? Sex? 7. Will I need assistance with daily tasks during the initial recovery period, and if so, for how long? 8. What signs or symptoms should I watch for after the surgery that might indicate a complication or the need for medical attention? 9. Are there any specific instructions regarding the care of my incision sites after the surgery? 10. Can you explain the potential impact of the surgery on my fertility, future pregnancies and childbirth? 11. Will I need to wear certain clothing after the surgery? What should I avoid? 12. How will I be informed about any changes to the surgery schedule or preoperative instructions? 13. Are there any specific exercises or physical therapy techniques I should start before the surgery to aid in my recovery? 14. How will you communicate with my primary care physician about my surgery? 15.Can you explain the potential impact of the surgery on my bladder or bowel function, and how these aspects will be managed during the preop period? 16. When can start to resume my daily medications? 17. Will I have access to a preoperative nurse or coordinator who can address any last-minute questions or concerns before the surgery? 18. Can you explain the expected outcome of the surgery in terms of cyst removal and potential impact on my symptoms? 19. Are there any specific dietary recommendations to follow in the days immediately preceding the surgery? 20. Will I need to do any additional imaging tests or procedures to further evaluate the cysts before the surgery? 21. Can you provide guidance on preparing my home environment for a smooth recovery after the surgery?

I appreciate any guidance and suggestions!

Hi everyone, I would love some advice,

For some background, I had my first laparoscopic surgery in January. I had lesions covering the majority of both my ovaries, my tubes, and my pelvic wall. I truly feel a world of difference since then. I finally have energy, and I am not in constant pain. Now, on to my issue...

I have been on a combination birth control pill (Low-gestrel... I think it is generic for Cryselle, Elinest, and Ogestrel) for about eight months, and it makes me feel CRAZY. I have meltdowns, panic attacks, and random periods of depression. I suspect it is the extra estrogen going into my already estrogen-dominated body. I feel like I am at a crossroads: Should I try a different brand of the combination pill? Should ask my doctor to switch me to a progestin-only pill?

I would love to know if anyone has similar experiences with the combo pill or if you have had any positive or negative experiences with a progestin-only pill.

SSmall Disclaimer: Small Disclaimer: I am also doing holistic practices to try to keep endo growth down, but my endo seemed to grow the fastest when I was off birth control.

​

I had sex with my boyfriend this morning at about 10:30, and ever since i’ve been having terrible cramps. We didn’t do anything that we haven’t done before, but it’s been about 6 hours now & i’m in so much pain. I’m not even bleeding either its just this deep pelvic pain & back cramps as well :/ as far as I know I’m not on my period, but I have an IUD and also am taking norethindrone to manage the pain and bleeding and I have just been spotting for the past week or so. I just am so confused and uncomfortable in my body and I don’t know what to do anymore. Sex is important in my relationship and it is seriously a bummer that I have so much pain with it. This is the first time its been this bad, I usually have burning after and sometimes during but I’ve never had cramps afterwards like this. I’m in the process of getting diagnosed and I feel like it just keeps getting worse ☹️

i thought i had endo for the last year (and a few months) after a few trips to the ER with severe pain (and then my period happened) and the pain never really stopped.

i had a laparoscopy today and they found no endo. everything ‘looked healthy’ and nothing they saw explained the heavy, painful, long and debilitating periods I’ve been suffering with on and off all my life but especially every month the past year.

i cried when they said they didn’t find it because i am so embarrassed that i have made it all up. maybe i am just this mentally messed up. the dr was nice and reassured me that she believes my pain is real, it just isn’t endo.

now i’m going to have to leave all the endo groups even thought it felt like i finally had an answer for all these issues. it feels like a walk of shame.

she, and i, have no idea of what it could be though. and i’m now going to have to start the process all over again of tests and experiments to try and work out what the fuuuck is causing all this agony.

anyway, thank you for the support over the last year. i am grateful for all the knowledge i’ve gained. if you have words of wisdom id greatly appreciate it, even though i don’t have endo, im sure some of you have had this fear before & i just don’t know what to do now it is actualised.

In February, I went to the ER for what I thought was appendicitis since I had pain in my lower right abdomen. They did a CT scan and said I didn't have appendicitis, but had a 3.3cm ovarian cyst on my left side that shouldn't have been causing any pain and would go away soon on its own. Today, I had an ultrasound showing that it had not gone away, but rather grown from 3.3cm to almost 5cm. I can feel it now and it's not pleasant. They said they couldn't tell if it was an endometrioma or not, but that I could have it removed if it's still there by the time I get surgery this summer. I'm so frustrated with my body and the way I am in constant pain every single day. I want all of my internal organs to be scooped out and thrown in the trash.

Okay so obviously this is a very complex and sensitive topic. I’m open to hearing any and all experiences. Please be kind in the comments!

I have always wanted to have kids more than anything, but feel like the process of getting pregnant/being a parent with multiple chronic illnesses is so impossible and is ruining my mental health. I (28F) was diagnosed with stage 2 endometriosis last September. I’ve had a long recovery and got no pain relief from the surgery (pain actually increased) and have been in pain management since then. I also have PMDD, POTS, hypermobility, migraine headaches, C-PTSD and was diagnosed with PCOS at 18 . My husband (36F) and I want a child SO badly. I was a nanny for 15 years and have seen the trenches but still adore children and would love to be a mother. However it seems so impossible now for the following reasons:

•Health risks that come with pregnancy (I had a friend and her baby die at 39 weeks last year and that really gave me great pause). Pregnancy can be so dangerous, especially when you have co morbidities. Also terrified of having a c-section. My lap recovery has taken SO LONG and I couldn’t imagine a much more major abdominal surgery while taking care of a newborn 😭

•My health in general. I don’t see how I can be a good mother when I have 10-14 good days spread out a month. I can’t drive when taking my pain meds. I can’t take them during pregnancy. I can’t work because of my health issues. I just don’t see how I can be a good mom 😭 I’m also so done mentally. I can’t take the constant pain and cycling. It seems to be getting worse and worse every year. I feel like I can’t take one more month let alone years. I want to just throw in the towel. I know an oophorectomy isn’t a cure but I feel like if my hormones are at least consistent and in control. And if I kept my uterus I could maybe do IVF with a donor egg in the future. I just want a normal life.

•Invasive fertility procedures like egg retrieval/freezing and IVF. The time/energy/money it takes let alone the toll on my body. The constant Dr. appts when I already have so many. The repeat pelvic ultrasounds. It all sounds so terrible.

•THE COST! I don’t know how anyone does it especially with multiples. Even having one and with me staying home it is sooooo expensive. My husband has a great job and we live in a moderately priced city (Portland, OR) and are comfortable, but I feel like adding a child would just continually drain our savings. We would eventually have to move to a bigger place which is another huge expense. The price jump between one and two bedrooms here is significant. We would also have to say goodbye to all the extras like vacations and concerts which sounds tough. Just the cost of pregnancy and birth is so hard to swallow and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. And that’s if baby & I are 100% healthy. NICU stays can cost millions.

•The State of the World. Climate change. Insane politics. Wars. Microplastics. I could go on and on.

The thought of not having my own biological child with my husband literally makes me feel sick but I also would feel irresponsible having a child at this point. And I don’t know how much longer I can wait.

Thank you for listening, this was extremely long and complicated. TY all!

Hello, it’s me again.

You might have read my post a few weeks back about having pain after a transvaginal ultrasound.

Basically it just got worse and worse and worse. The pain then spread to my bladder, and I felt like it was hard to pee, I felt such a horrible ache after peeing, I felt like I had to pee every 10 minutes, I was having what felt like the worst period cramps of my life just constantly non stop.

I tested for a UTI, negative, but took a course of antibiotics as a precaution.

I had started to convince myself the gyno had punctured something inside of me. I was like is this a kidney infection? Do I have a kidney stone? Do I have a tumour? Is this the end? Make it stop!

The pain has genuinely been that bad I’ve been off work for two weeks and have been drugged up every day.

And then… I started to get INTENSE burning down below. So the doctor has given me fluconazole and within 24 hours so much gunk fell out of me. TMI but good lord. I feel like someone has popped me like a balloon. I’m still cramping but it feels more like the drug is working and getting rid. The pressure is less intense and I’m peeing normally again.

Fingers crossed this is the answer to my pain but my question is does Endo cause more painful yeast infections? I’ve had one in the past in my early 20s before I started showing signs of endo and it was never like this. The pelvic pain has been insane.

Hi all, I've been having this cyst grow on my left ovary since June 2023.

In June 2023, it was .9 cm.

In October 2023, it grew to 1.9 cm

In March 2024, it grew to 3.0 cm

In April 2024, it grew to 3.6

The radiologist is favoring this to be an endometrioma due to its persistence. I have not been diagnosed with endometrioses nor has it been suspected that I ever had endometrioses.

I do get constant pelvic pain throughout my cycle. Although I don't have a cyst on my right ovary, I feel a stabbing pain there often, in addition to the pain on my left ovary. The pain is constant and dull to my left ovary. Now wondering if my constant pelvic pain is a symptom of endometrioses. Other than that, I do not painful periods or cramps.

Just wondering if anyone knows how fast an endometrioma grows. It sees like mine is growing pretty fast, with .60 cm within the last month. I'm terrified that it may rupture or cause torsion.

Also, it seems that the only way to get rid of an endometrioma is to have it surgically removed, is that correct?

Ugh, I wish it would go away!

​

I’ve had heavy, painful periods for years now and have switched birth control pills at least seven times trying to find one that works. My gyno and I have discussed the possibility of doing an exploratory surgery to officially diagnose my endometriosis.

Also for the past few years, I have had the worst upper GI stomach pain that feels like a gnawing/burning sensation along with nausea. I’ve had ultrasounds, a CT scan, a HIDA scan, multiple stool tests, and two upper endoscopies. Everything comes back looking normal and every medicine I’ve tried does not alleviate any pain.

Could these be related? My GI doctor told me she had one case a few years ago where a patient had the same symptoms and they ended up finding endometriosis growing on her stomach.

I went to my OBGYN today and she downplayed all of my issues, telling me that there’s no way these two things can be related. She said I may just have a “low pain tolerance” and may have to deal with painful periods. (???????) This pissed me off so much. She somewhat reluctantly agreed to do a laparoscopy but I don’t know if I feel comfortable with her anymore.

Any advice would be appreciated!!!!

Hi, I was put in a continuous progesterone only birth control pill (skipping placebo) a couple months ago and I’m still having my period every 2ish weeks. I just started again today after my last cycle ending on the 4th of April. The one before that ended the 18th of March.

I’ve had this issue for months, even before I took a continuous progesterone pill.

Others experience this? Any suggestions on addressing it? I have surgery planned in a few months but until then… help 😫

Altered GABA A receptor function in women with endometriosis: a ... https://obgyn.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/aogs.14559

Hi! So I’m well versed in endometriosis but today I’m stumped.

Back in July my OBGYN diagnosed me via surgery with endometriosis, she got rid of what she could with ablation but there was some on my bladder she couldn’t get bc she isn’t skilled in excision.

I got a specialist, waited for surgery, today was the day!

He saw NOTHING.

Of course I’m all drugged up post op and thought this meant he un-diagnosed me. NO apparently I still have endometriosis he just didn’t find any adhesions this time.

Has anyone else had this happen? My pain has been 10x worse since that surgery in July.

Please give kind words. I’m aware that the endo I have could have shed away inside of me but it’s just so weird that he found nothing.

I have a 3cm recto vaginal endo lesion will this lead to a stoma bag ??? I’m really worried. I don’t have symptoms though.

When my symptoms first started they felt very cyclical and that honestly made it easier to manage. I could be like, “ok period coming so I need to lay low these days” or “oh I’m ovulating that’s why I feel crappy”

Now it doesn’t seem like there’s any rhyme or reason and I can’t track it? I feel like I’m just feeling more ill randomly and more frequently. Anyone else relate? Am I crazy? I’ve always been told the pain is pretty cyclical.