Could I have endometriosis?

[isthisevennormal]

Hi all, just going to start this off by saying that I am currently waiting for a gyno appointment and therefore will talk it through with the doctors but I am getting myself a little confused/ worked up so I’m trying to put my mind at rest.

I’m 24 and have terrible stomach aches on the regular but not cyclically if that makes sense. There’s no obvious trigger for them (good, meds, time of day etc) but when they do happen I am knocked out for at least the day afterwards because it feels like I’be been kicked in the stomach. I’ve been prescribed tramadol for the pain which helps a lot but paracetamol and ibuprofen don’t even touch it. I’ve ended up calling ambulances and had to be sedated because of the pain. But gastroenterologists cant find the problem.

It’s been suggested that I may have endometriosis. The only thing that I’m confused about is that I don’t have periods due to being in the contraceptive pill since I was 16! I know that the endometrial tissue can grow in your guts and bowl which may be the problem? I guess my real question is, is it possible to have endometriosis and have been soothing the symptoms by being in the contraceptive pill anyway?

Ps when I’ve had withdrawal bleeds they have been heavy but not nearly as bad as some of the endometriosis horror stories I’ve heard?

Endo can effect women in different ways for me I was in pain from my fist period and missed school slot as I felt like I was dying. I have heavy period all the time I can go for weeks on end with out a break or have nothing for months. Others are different I'd wait and see what they say and take it from there there are support groups online which I find comfort in me personally and lots of women global that share what is happening to them. Good luck x

Yes it’s perfectly possible to have endometriosis even though you’re taking the Pill. You also don’t need to have very heavy periods in order to have endo - or even pain. It’s actually possible to have no symptoms at all. You’ll need a laparoscopy to confirm the diagnosis, a transvaginal ultrasound can’t always detect it. I hope you get to the bottom of it and don’t let the doctor’s dismiss your concerns.

Thank you for your help! I had my hospital appointment with the gyno and I’m going for a pelvic ultrasound. The doctor didn’t seem to think it was endo and think it’s more gastrointestinal but she didn’t dismiss me completely and we’ll see what the pelvic ultrasound says and go from there.

Hopefully I’ll get to the bottom of this eventually

The pelvic ultrasound may not give any clues either. I have had more of those than I care to name but none of these ever detected the endometriosis that was there.

Endo as well can and does get onto the intestines. Any pain that is cyclical in nature and/or gets worse up to and including menses should be checked to see if endo is present.

Has your gallbladder been tested? Not just for stones but for functionality as well?

Thank you, I’ll see how the pelvic exam goes and also talk to my gastrologist again. I know it’s not a good thing to wish for but I wish they would do a laparoscopy just so endo can either be identified or ruled out.

I don’t think I’ve had my gallbladder investigated before, I’ll bring it up with my gastro and see what he says. Thanks again everyone