Endometriosis Symptoms: Pelvic Pain, Cramps & Back Pain - A Guide

Question
Hello. i am an 18 year old female. Over time, my menstrual cramps have become a lot worse since i first started when i was twelve. I only used to have slight cramps, but now they have become very deep, dull, and strong with significant lower back pain. And just over the past year or so, I have developed new symptoms that I have heard are indicative of endometriosis. I have been experiencing bad pain during bowel movements, but ONLY when i have my period. The pain is in the pelvic,vaginal, and anal area and hard to pinpoint where it starts. The pain is very sharp and feels like something is terribly wrong. I went to my GYN and told her about my pelvic pain and cramps. She said that the first thing that came to her mind was endometriosis, but she thinks i'm too young for it (is this true?)She gave me birth control pills to help the cramps, however i am still having painful periods. I have had 2 ultrasounds both of which came back normal with no masses or anything. This has been frustrating. Should i ask her again about endometriosis? i just have a feeling something is not right. And i am also worried that if a laparoscopy is needed, it will have been for nothing if it turns out to be negative. I know you cannot give medical advice, but i am just really frustrated and am in need of some type of advice. Thank you for taking time to read this.

Answer
Hi Leah

    Firstly...GET A BETTER DOCTOR!!! You are certainly not too young for endo...any woman that is menstruating can experience endo...and even not. I have heard from woman who are in menopause and still have pain and furthermore I have woman that have had total hysterectomies and still have pain and traces of endo.
    The ultrasounds are ok for anything that might stand out as a growth or mass but a Laparoscopy is the procedure you will need to see if you have endo.The Lap is a procedure that explores and looks for the severity of endo. Endo is a hormone driven disease so, depending on the severity, it may or may not be detected at the start.
    I would strongly advise that you find a good doctor, a high risk gyno that deals in womens diseases.
    You are very intuitive about "something not being right"...you are correct! Best of luck to you! And get rid of that doctor!
Martha