Interactive FAQs Endometriosis Question: All three of my sisters have been diagnosed with Endo; one also with pre-cancerous cells within her cysts. I have not been diagnosed yet, but have had repeated problems with an irritable bowel, sharp stabbing pains in my lower left abdomen, and an irregular period. It always starts during the fourth week, but never on the same day or for the same amount of time or heaviness of flow. I have been on Ortho-Tricyclen for 4 years. Should I request my GYN to test for Endo or just rely on my yearly checkups. Stephanie B. Maryland Answer: Endometriosis is a genetic condition. If your sister or your mother have this condition, your chances are increased four-fold. Presenting symptoms associated with endometriosis can vary from woman to woman. They usually consist of painful cramping menstrual pain, pelvic pressure, backache and diarrhea that may begin a few days before the menstrual period and usually diminish in severity once the flow starts. Quite often the symptoms are confused or misdiagnosed. One of conditions that is frequently confused with endometriosis is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS can occur throughout the month and varies with your diet and not necessarily the menstrual cycle. If your "IBS" symptoms worsen with your menses or change in character, it is more likely that they are due to endometriosis and not IBS. Birth control pills offer many women good relief of the discomfort associated with pelvic endometriosis. Painful intercourse and endometriosis between the vagina and the rectum (RV septum) is less adequately treated with birth control pills and usually require surgery. Ovarian cysts filled with endometriosis (endometriomas) are best treated surgically. On average the diagnosis of endometriosis is delayed up to nine years from the onset of symptoms and may require visits to four or more doctors before the diagnosis is made. Unfortunately, the only way to confirm this diagnosis is by laparoscopic surgery and biopsy. But, this approach may not be necessary. While endometriosis progresses in up to 60% of women with the condition, if your symptoms are well controlled with birth control pills, surgery may not be necessary. However, if you are having difficulty coping with the menstrual pain or find your sexual pleasure diminished due to pain and you miss work around the time of your menses, surgical diagnosis and treatment may make sense to consider. Dr. Perloe FAQ archives: IVF PCOS Clomiphene Ovulation Ovulation Induction Injections Age Related Infertility Endometriosis Donor Egg Donor Sperm Male Factor Infertility Fallopian Tube Reanastomosis Tubal Infertility Unexplained Infertility Endometrial Factor Miscellaneous Return to the IVF Homepage This page, and all contents, are Copyright © 2003 by IVF.com, Atlanta, GA, USA.