QuestionHello. I am sorry to read about your own problems with endo. I hope you are doing well...
I've had severe cramps ever since my period began at 13. I am 22 now and they are only getting worse. The pain is horrible. Lately I've resorted to purchasing pain pills (tylonol 3) off a friend of mine who just has a c-section. My husband and I do not have insurance and can't afford it right now. We're both in college and struggling just to make rent every month. We do have a Family Physician who is a close friend of my husband's family and he has mentioned endo. He says he is incapable of making a definite diagnosis, but he is pretty sure that is what it is. I have almost every symptom, painful periods, heavy blood, painful intercourse, etc. I tell my husband the pain isn't just in my abdomen, but everywhere. It's like I've slipped into a pair of Pain-Underwear. Anyway, sorry I'm rambling...My doctor suggested that I take birth control to alleviate the symptoms. I'm not so sure about this. I can't afford to see a gyno and be properly diagnosed and treated, even though I know that's what I need. Birth control, my doctor says, is my only option beyond finding insurance (or money) for a gyno.
I guess my question is, does birth control work for endo? I realize it won't cure it, just calm it down for the time being. And I know the pain will begin again as soon as I quit. But I'm only looking at it as a short-term solution. Also, would you know about whether continuous or cyclic birth control would be better? My doctor claims that taking birth control continuously is not suggested, but all over the internet I've read about it being helpful in endo cases. I'm just so confused.
Any help you could offer would be greatly appreciated. Also, my husband and I were planning on trying to have a baby within a year, when we have both graduated. I've read that endo can inhibit your ability to concieve. We have been having unprotected sex for the past 4 years with no babies, so I assume it is the endo. I worry I will have trouble starting a family. I know you can't get pregnant on any of the hormones usually prescribed for endo, so I am confused as to how to ever begin. Seems I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place, you know what I mean?
I'm sorry this question is so long. I really appreciate your time and wny help you can offer. Thanks.
Chrissie Heldon
AnswerHI CHRISSIE,
WELL, BIRTH CONTROL WAS MY HERO FOR ABOUT 15 YEARS...YES, THE BIRTH CONTROL PILL IS WONDERFUL FOR ENDO..IT TAKES NEARLY ALL THE SYMPTOMS AWAY. YOU WOULD BE AMAZED. PROVIDING YOU DON'T SMOKE! I WAS ON IT FOR A LONG TIME UNTIL I BEGAN TO EXPERIENCE MIGRAINES...BUT THAT COULD ALSO HAVE BEEN MY AGE AS I AM 47. I THINK OVER KILL ON ANYTHING WILL EVENTUALLY BECOME A PROBLEM, BUT SHORT TERM LIKE YOU WANT TO DO-I THINK IS FINE. IF YOU HAVE BLOATING OR HEADACHES OR GENERAL DISCOMFORT, THE PILL ALLEVIATES ALL OF THAT. IT SORTS OUT YOUR HORMONES AND YOU REALLY FEEL GREAT. BUT NOT FOR LONG TERM USE...(YEARS). AND YES, ENDO WOMAN CAN GET PREGNANT, IT MAY TAKE A WHILE LONGER BUT YES IT DOES HAPPEN. ACTUALLY, RIGHT AFTER GETTING OFF THE BIRTH CONTROL PILL WOULD BE THE BEST TIME TO TRY...YOUR BODY IS SOMEWHAT REGULATED (NORMAL) WHEN ON THE PILL AND CONCIEVING MIGHT BE EASIER THEN.THE PILL IWAS ON WAS LOESTRIN, IT WAS ONE OF THE LOWEST PILLS OUT THERE...MEANIING LESS HORMONES WITH LESS SIDE EFFECTS. NOT MANY WOMEN CAN TAKE THIS ONE BUT IF IT WORKS FOR YOU, IT'S WELL WORTH IT. BEST OF LUCK TO YOU AND I HOPE YOUR NEXT YEAR IN COLLEGE GOES WELL AND IS RELATIVELY PAINELSS! I KNOW HOW IT FEELS TO TRY TO GET THRU COLLEGE FEELING TERRIBLE...MARTHA
