Don’t put off investigative procedures without good reason

At 23, I underwent another operation, to remove yet another cyst from my right ovary and lesions from my bladder, bowel and pouch of Douglas. At 24, a cyst was found on my liver that was thought to be from the endometriosis (though this is rare). I also have endometriosis on my kidneys which burdens me with the pain of a UTI every day.

Now, at age 25, endometriosis affects my every day. Thankfully, I still only experience pain during sex and my periods are normal, but the urinary problems are terrible and my bowel doesn't work like it used to. I've tried hormonal therapy but it didn't work for me either so I'm currently considering a hysterectomy which at 25, and about to get married, is a decision which I find quite disappointing.

My advice to women is this - don't put off investigative procedures without good reason. I said no to a simple keyhole surgery that may have prevented the whole situation I'm now in because I was scared and I didn't think it would happen to me. My grandmother had 8 children, my mother had 5 and sadly, I now may not be able to have any. This can happen to anyone. I had next to no pain, a tiny waist band and was carrying two very large cysts. You just don't know what is happening inside you unless you let them look - and age is no factor. Please don't treat your fertility and health with the naivety that I did - it's too important.

Content Updated July 7, 2008