Cramping/Endometriosis

[AlwaysFlappable]

Sorry for the long post.
I came off all contraception at the beginning of the year and been using condoms with my partner. I'm 41 and have a history of ovarian cyst when I was very young - the ovary was removed and I've had no problems since.

My concern is that since coming off the pill my periods have varied between 24 and 31 days. The first 2 days of my periods have been agony where I've barely been able to move. My last period was from the 17th Sept until 21st. I had sex with my partner on 24th September. It was painful. I felt like my insides were being crushed and since then I've had cramping pain. I think I've cramped all through ovulation as I always do but it seems to have lasted longer than normal.

It's the first time I've had prolonged cramping and can't help but wonder the cause. Today's the 6th day and I can't help my mind from thinking the worst. I'm wondering if what I've described sounds like endometriosis??

Thanks for reading (if you've made it this far!)

Endometriosis cannot be ruled out here. It is a common cause of severe period pain and it can also cause deep pain during sex.

Any pain that is cyclical in nature and or gets worse up to and including menses should be checked out to see if endometriosis is the cause. You need to see a gynaecologist as this type of issue is outside a GPS remit.

Thank you @AttilaTheMeerkat I've booked myself for a private scan tomorrow as I really want to rule out other possibilities (cysts etc). Once I know what it is - or not I'll see my GP for hopefully a referral to gynae.

I'm currently on cycle day 18 and still having cramping pain. My biggest fear is cancer and as I suffer from anxiety I'm terrified of being fobbed off by the GP.

Hope all goes well re the private scan.

Do keep a daily pain and symptom diary to show people like the GP and gynaecologist if you do not already do this. Flag up also the pain during sex.

Bear in mind that endometriosis may not show up on a scan likes a MRI or in particular an internal ultrasound.

If you have the means to pay to see a gynae as a private patient for an initial consultation I would do this. I suggest this too as NHS waiting lists to see gynaecology are very long.

Feel free to keep us posted.

Just back from my scan... I'm so relived there's no growths observed. The sonographer did say I could have the beginnings of fibroids. And while the scan can't diagnose endometriosis he didn't spot any of the usual signs.
I'm going to make an appointment to see my GP and then go from there. I've attached the scan findings and I'm trying not to Google every bit of terminology!