I am pretty certain that I have endometriosis... What now?

I was having the same symptoms as you and endometriosis runs in my family. My Aunt has it. So my mom made me an appointment to see the gynecologist ( A Dr. that specializes in women's health and reproductive health). I went to the appointment and told them that I wanted a female Dr. and that I did not want any exams yet, just to talk. I asked her some questions I had and she ended up putting me on a low dose of birth control pill. After I started the pills my horrible pain and cramps went away like magic. It was amazing. Bring a list of questions that you have for the Dr. and don't be scared- they will help you in any way they can. It wasn't scary for me at all but I was nervous.

I put some useful links down below for information on birth control pills and endometriosis.

As far as infetility goes, they have no idea if I am infertile or not, but my aunt had endometriosis and she had four kids. That is a good question for the Dr. They would be able to tell you more on that then I would. But don't be scared yet, get the answers you need from the Dr. before you freak out because stress will not help you.

Hope this helped!

You need to see a gynecologist for a proper diagnosis. If you've never seen a gynecologist before, you'll probably feel more comfortable seeing a woman gynecologist. They will weigh you and take a medical history. Then you will strip and put on a medical gown. The doctor will come in, introduce herself and ask why you are there, so that's the time to tell her about your symptoms and your concern that you may have endometriosis. A typical gynecological visit includes a breast check, so you'll take down the top of your gown and she'll check your breasts, pressing down with her fingertips around the nipple and then out around each breast to the armpits (where you have lymph nodes that can become cancerous). Then you cover up the top of your body, scoot down to the bottom of the examining table and put your feet in the stirrups. That part of the exam is the most embarrassing if you've never done it before, but it's an essential part of being female and taking care of your reproductive system. The doctor opens up your vagina using a device called a speculum, takes a look inside and then swabs your cervix. That tissue sample is called a pap smear and it is sent off for analysis. The whole pap smear process takes like a minute -- it's very fast. The doctor removes the speculum and then she'll press down on your abdomen to see if there is any swelling or abdominal tenderness. I'm not sure how endometriosis is diagnosed -- whether it's via ultrasound or taking tissue samples, but you can discuss that with you. She will ask if you are sexually active and will discuss birth control options with you if you need them.

Endometriosis can cause infertility, but there are various ways of treating it. My sister-in-law had endometriosis, but went on to have a second child by taking fertility drugs. She hasn't had any further problems with endometriosis since that pregnancy.