#had stage 3 endometriosis

[angry-snail]

It's been a year since my hysterectomy yahoo

[alilaro]

stayed off my birth-control medication for a bit too long and its absolutely beating my ass still months later.... the idea that I used to live pre-surgery and pre-medication, was constantly in agony, told by my old doctor it was normal, and severely suicidal, every single day for years and that was my life is absolutely insane

[wosoamazing]

Eventual Answers

Part 3 | Beneath the Surface

Warnings: Endometriosis, Hospitals, Surgery, Mentions of Infertility, talks of emotions surrounding life long conditions (specifically Endo)

Notes: I hope this is okay, I tried to make it accurate, and include some of the emotions one might feel. Let me know if I did anything wrong and I’ll try to fix it up. This is the last official part of this series however if anyone has any one shot or blurb requests for this universe let me know. (Also I hope it's not boring, let me know what you think)

You clutched onto your Mum’s hand for dear life as you sat in the private waiting room, you had positioned yourself between Leah and your Mum, your knees bounced anxiously as you tried to convince yourself you were fine and that everything was going to be okay, however it wasn’t working, and a tear rolled down your cheek as you sniffled slightly.

“Bubs, you’re okay,” your Mum told you as she wiped away your tears, you shook your head in response to her, before she lifted you onto her lap, “what’s going on in that head of yours hey?”

“W-what if it’s all just in my head, and there isn’t anything wrong at all,” you admitted to her

“Bubs, that’s not going to happen, it’s okay to be nervous it’s a big thing, surgery is never easy,”

“C-can you tell me what's going to happen again?”

“Do you want me or Leah to tell you,” your Mum said as she reached a hand out for Leah to hold, who was also clearly nervous, however she seemed to be doing a good job of hiding it from everyone else.

“L-leah,”

“Okay,” Leah said before she took a deep breath, hoping her voice wouldn’t give away how nervous she was to you, Leah explained every single miniscule step to you, including telling you that they were going to use a mask to put you asleep before they did anything so you wouldn’t have to deal with any needles. Just as Leah finished explaining, one of the nurses called out your name and you went back along with both Leah and your Mum, and everything happened exactly as Leah said it would.

“Leah, Maddie,” the doctor greeted them as he came out and sat opposite them, “So, surgery went well, she is in recovery now and after we speak you can go see her, we did find endometriosis, stage 3, we removed serval adhesions and there are none left, we also removed most of the tissue along with two cysts on her right ovary, there is some tissue remaining that we couldn’t remove but hopefully most of her pain is now gone.”

____

“Hey bubs, how do you feel?” your Mum said as she noticed your eyelids flutter open, she gently brushed some of the hair out of your face, before placing a kiss on your forehead.

“Mmm, sore, bit sick, head hurts, tired. Where’s Leah?” you mumbled as your eyes slipped shut again, before you fought to lift your eyelids up.

“She’s just in the bathroom bubs, you can go back to sleep, it’s okay. We’ve got to stay here a bit longer before we can go home,”

“Did it go well?” you asked hesitantly as you tried to get yourself comfortable on the bed, the pain medication slowly wearing off at the same time you found yourself becoming more alert was not the best combination for being able to find comfort. Leah smiled and nodded at you, before she softly lifted up your jumper, revealing your abdomen, where you had 4 separate dressings.

“So it’s real?” you asked.

“Very real, they found you had stage 3, they removed all of the adhesions and most of the tissue and they removed two cysts from your right ovary, the tissue they left behind is mainly in and around your pelvis and there is some on your right ovary, so you’ll most likely still have the pelvis pain at times during your cycle and the back and leg pain during your period but it shouldn’t be as bad, you might also still get some pain will ovulation as well” Leah informed you.

“Thank you,” you said before tears of relief started to fall from your cheeks.

“We couldn’t be prouder of you bubs, and hopefully now this makes life slightly easier,” your Mum told you as she hugged you very carefully, before Leah returned with a big box in her hands, you hadn’t even noticed she left, let alone had enough time to retrieve a box of this size.

“We got this for you,” she said nervously as she placed it on the bed next to you. You opened it up and it was filled with various things you loved. There were some tim tams, shapes and a tin of milo, a new lip balm, and some hair products. There were also a few new card and board games, as well as a new pair of nike trackies and a matching hoodie. Which when you pulled out you looked up to Leah who was smiling back, it was one of the sets you told Leah you liked 2 months ago, and you were surprised she remember, you also had some new white nike socks, they have your initials embroidered on the bottom of them, probably so Leah couldn’t ‘accidently mistake them as hers’ again. Leah and your Mum sat with you until you fell asleep.

The next day Katie and Caitlin came around, at 11 the doorbell rang and as your Mum passed the living room to answer the door, she found you and Leah passed out on the couch, the night having caught up to you both, you were both talking to each other 10 minutes ago. 

“I’m so sorry, they’ve both just fallen asleep, and I don’t really want to wake them because they need it. She was up most the night crying and Leah was trying to calm her down,” your Mum said as she opened the door, both of the women were understanding and didn’t mind.

-

Leah had woken up during the night, however she didn’t really know why, she didn’t often wake up during the night without a reason so she was confused, until she heard a choked sob from your room. She doesn’t think she had ever moved so quickly at 11:00pm before. She opened the door to find you sobbing in your bed, your face was red and your eyes were bloodshot.

“Bubs,” Leah said as she crouched down beside your bed, “bubs,” you looked at her, “what do you need? Does it hurt? Do you feel sick?” Leah’s words came out calm but her head was anything but, her thoughts raced around at a million miles per hour as she tried to figure out what could’ve gone wrong.

“I don’t want this,” you cried out and Leah knew you weren’t physically hurting but mentally. She slipped in beside you and you immediately shifted your position on the bed, lying on your back you placed your head in her lap, burying your face in her stomach, you would’ve preferred a hug however you couldn’t have one so this would have to do.

“Bubs, I need you to take some deep breaths for me,” Leah told you as she started to card her fingers through your hair, which you did, allowing you to calm down slightly, you were no longer sobbing however tears still poured out your eye.

It was a weird feeling, being relieved and angry at the same time. You were glad that it wasn’t all in your head and that it was real but it being real meant a plethora of things. You might never get to have kids of your own, you’ll have to have more surgeries to remove the tissue in the future, you could lose your reproductive organs, you would have to live with a disease that affected your life so much, yet there was so little awareness, so little knowledge, so little research. Your crying continued for most of the night and Leah did nothing but be there for you, silently supporting you.

The following week passed by in a bit of a blur, a mix of emotions, pain, and recovery.

Two days after surgery you posted a photo your Mum had taken of you and Leah when you were having a nap together, you were curled into her side, her arms tightly wrapped around your shoulders, and the clear evidence of recovery surrounded you. The caption had no words, it was just a yellow ribbon emoji, something that people with the same experience would know the meaning of and so too would your close friends and family. You wanted to post about it one day, bring awareness to it and help others however currently you weren’t ready for that, you weren’t ready to tell the whole world, telling the world would make it more real, make the possible infertility struggles real, make the fact you may never be able to be intimate with a partner without pain real, it would somehow make everything just that much more real, something you weren’t quite ready to face yet.

[leiawritesstories]

Impossible

Rowaelin Month 2024, Day 13: Finding Out They're Pregnant @rowaelinscourt

Word count: 2.8k

Warnings: medical talk, hospitals, mentions of infertility, vague depictions of medical tests

A/N: this is a little bit self-indulgent but also therapeutic--i had surgery for endometriosis this past summer, and part of recovering from that was how tf do i process all the implications of this diagnosis??? well...writing helps. anyway. Aelin has endo in this fic, but things go very different for her than they did for me lol.

Enjoy :)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It was still dark outside when Aelin’s alarm went off, the cheery tune she’d chosen breaking through her restless scraps of dreaming. With a mild groan, she rolled over and tapped the screen of her phone multiple times before she managed to turn off the alarm, eliciting a sleepy chuckle from her husband behind her. She poked him in the shoulder and stuffed her pillow over her head. 

“Five more minutes,” she mumbled. “Got another alarm.” 

Rowan tugged the pillow off of her head and fluffed it up. “Mmmkay, go back to sleep, love.” He tugged her back against his side, and she closed her eyes. 

And her alarm went off five minutes later. She grumbled at it, but she carefully extricated herself from Rowan’s embrace, turned off her alarm, and pushed herself out of bed. Leaving a kiss on his forehead, she tucked the blankets up and went quietly into the bathroom. A clean set of clothes already sat on the shelf beside the shower, and she smiled softly at her husband’s quiet thoughtfulness. She went through the motions of the shower rhythmically, her body working on muscle memory due to the too-early hour, making sure to scrub extra well with the antibacterial soap. Finished, she dried off and put on the clean, comfortable clothes Rowan had set out—sweatpants and a loose shirt. 

He was awake and half-dressed when she emerged from the bathroom, and his glasses sat crooked on his nose. She chuckled softly and straightened the wire frames, and he caught her wrists and tugged her gently into his lap. “Hey.” Fingers threaded through her loose, damp hair. “Want braids?” 

“Yeah.” She passed him her brush and two hair ties, and he carefully wove the blonde waves into twin braids down past her shoulder blades. “Someday, our future daughter is going to only want you to do her hair for school.” 

“Biggest win ever.” His voice, like hers, held a touch of muted yearning, weighed down by the hopelessness of two years trying to conceive without success. Aelin had been diagnosed with stage 3 endometriosis in her last year of college, while they were engaged, and she had put off surgery until her doctor finally said that the excision procedure was the best thing she could do for her chance of having a family. 

“I’m nervous,” she admitted. “I know Dr. T said this is the best thing for us right now, but I…I almost don’t want to hope.” 

“Fireheart,” Rowan breathed, standing so he could wrap his wife in his embrace. “It’s going to be okay, my love. I have more than enough hope for both of us.” 

“I love you,” she whispered. 

She held his hand the whole way to the hospital. 

When they arrived, the receptionist waved them towards the procedure center waiting area, and they sat down and waited in the early-morning quiet. Only a few others were there, including an older couple, a middle-aged woman, a half-asleep man, and a woman about Aelin’s age sitting with her mother. 

“Galathynius?” Aelin stood up and went to the desk, and she gave the receptionist her information. It only took a few minutes, and soon she was back in her seat with a green hospital bracelet around her right wrist and a clipboard with some papers on it. She handed Rowan the slip of paper with her patient information and went to work on the few forms. It was only a short while before a nurse with a softly lined face walked into the waiting area and called for Aelin, and she squeezed Rowan’s hand as she stood up. 

“I’ll see you soon,” she promised, and she followed the nurse through the double doors into the pre-procedure area. They walked down a quiet, gray-tiled hallway, the faint scent of disinfectant lingering in the sterile air. 

The nurse—her nametag read Philippa—stopped by a restroom door. “First question, Aelin.” She held out a clear plastic cup. “Did you remember to come with a full bladder?” 

“I did.” Aelin smiled. “Almost like I’ve had practice with this kind of thing.” 

Philippa chuckled. “Okay then, I don’t need to give you instructions. Go ahead, and when you’re done, I’ll be at the desk over there.” She gestured. “Take your time.” 

Aelin went into the bathroom and closed the door. Pregnancy screening was required as part of the pre-procedure preparations, and it was almost too familiar, almost too easy, to take care of the urine sample and close up the plastic cup. So many tests flickered before her eyes, so many single lines, so many negative results. The only thing that gave her any hope was that Dr. Yrene was firmly convinced that this surgery would improve her chances of conceiving, since the endometriosis lesions would no longer be there to interfere with things. She handed Philippa the cup and followed her down to a small, clean room, where a hospital gown, cap, and socks sat on the bed beside a plastic sack and a sleeve of chlorhexidine wipes. 

“You know what to do, I’m sure, but I still have to give you the rundown.” Philippa let Aelin take a seat in the chair across from the bed and wrapped a blood pressure cuff around her right arm. “Wash with the wipes and change into the gown, blah blah blah, and your nurse will come in to get you all hooked up and ready to go.” She checked the blood pressure reading and jotted it down. “Oh, and if there’s anything else we need you to do, your nurse will let you know. Looks like you’ll have Sorscha, and she’s wonderful.” 

“Thank you,” Aelin murmured, giving the older woman a grateful smile as she left the room and closed the door. She had just finished getting herself into the gown and bright yellow socks when there was a rapping on the door and a woman of about her own age with soft caramel skin and a warm smile cracked open the door and poked her head into the room. 

“Aelin, right?” 

“That’s me.” Aelin sat down against the pillows. “Right on time.” 

“I’m Sorscha.” The nurse came into the room. “I’m sorry to disturb you before you might be ready, but your pregnancy screening came back positive.” 

The world around Aelin went silent. 

She shook her head slowly, bringing herself back into the present. “I…what?” Her breath hitched, shock creeping up her throat, and she clasped her hands together in front of her stomach. “It has to be a false positive; there’s not a chance I’m actually…” Pregnant. The word she couldn’t let herself say. 

Sorscha looked down at her clipboard, flipped a few papers. “Would you like to take a digital test by yourself? It could be a false positive, and we do need to be absolutely sure of the result because you’re scheduled to go under general anesthesia.” 

Aelin nodded. “Yes, please. I do want to take another test.” 

“Got it.” Sorscha walked her back to the bathroom and grabbed a digital test from the nurse’s station. She handed the box to Aelin and let her go into the bathroom alone. “Bring it on out when you’re done, okay? There is a possibility that we might have to do an ultrasound if you think you’ve had a false positive, but that’s easy to do.” She squeezed Aelin’s trembling hand. “You’re going to be okay, Aelin.” 

“Okay.” More hesitantly than before, Aelin went into the bathroom, locked the door, sat down, and took the pregnancy test out of the box. She went through the motions robotically, tucked the test back into the cap, and turned it over while she waited. Questions spun around her head at the speed of light, but she pushed them away, weighing them down with the strength of her doubt. She knew her ovulation window, and she’d had her period regularly. It just…it wasn’t possible. 

The timer pinged, and Aelin picked up the test, turned it over, and read the single line of text displayed on the tiny gray screen. And her whole body trembled, shaken by the force of hope that crashed into her as she read that second test. 

Pregnant. 3+. 

Shakily, she walked out and wordlessly handed the test to Sorscha, who took one look at it and helped Aelin sit down in the nearest chair. “You’re going to be okay,” she said again, reassuring Aelin as the tears finally broke free and spilled down her face. 

“I—” A great shuddering sob wrenched Aelin’s shoulders, and she just let her body loose to the tide of overpowering shock and disbelief and wonder and worry. “I think I’m dreaming,” she choked out, her words broken with tears. “It’s been two years; I didn’t think it was possible.” She wiped her eyes. “God, I’m sorry, here you are just trying to do your job and I’ve turned into a hot mess express in front of everyone.” She sniffled. 

Sorscha gave her a hug, and Aelin leaned into the comforting gesture. “How about we go back to your pre-op room and talk about next steps?” 

“Okay.” Aelin followed Sorscha back to the room, and she sat down on the bed while the nurse pulled up her charts on the computer. “So…what now?” 

“Well, the main thing is that you won’t be able to have the surgery that you were scheduled for, but that’s a very good thing because you’re pregnant.” Sorscha clicked through a few things. “I’ve paged your doctor, and she should be in soon to discuss what she wants you to do, but my suspicion is that she’ll order an immediate ultrasound to check on things and maybe have you do some blood tests. It’s convenient that you’re in the hospital, because you don’t have to go anywhere.” 

Aelin laughed softly, flicking stray tears away from her face. “Okay.” 

Right on cue, there was another knock on the door, and Dr. Yrene Towers came in, her copper curls tied back into a bun. “Well hello, Aelin! Seems like today might not go exactly as we planned.” 

“That’s one way to say it,” Aelin agreed. 

The doctor looked over at the charts that Sorscha had pulled up. “Okay, Aelin, I’d like for you to go up to the imaging clinic and get an ultrasound done.” She stepped over to the computer and rapidly typed up an order that she sent to the imaging center. “Since a surgeon ordered it, they’ll be able to do it right away, and this will either confirm your pregnancy for certain or prove that you had false positives. In the first case, we’ll turn to prenatal care, and in the second, we can go ahead with surgery. How does that sound?” 

“Sounds great.” Aelin glanced down at herself. “Should I change?” 

“Actually, it might be easier if you kept the gown on for now, since they’ll probably want to do an internal ultrasound.” Dr. Yrene looked over at Sorscha. “Can you take her to imaging, Sorscha?” 

“Of course.” 

“Perfect.” 

Sorscha slipped out of the room and came back a few minutes later with a wheelchair, and she got Aelin settled and took her down the hallways and up an elevator to the fourth floor, where the imaging clinic was located. She spoke briefly to the receptionist and took Aelin into the clinic, bringing her into a softly-lit room. An ultrasound tech was waiting, Aelin’s order pulled up on her screen. She conferred briefly with Sorscha and helped Aelin get situated on the exam bed. 

After a brief explanation and demonstration of the ultrasound probe, the tech started the scan, and it was only a few minutes before Aelin looked over at the screen opposite her and saw a teeny tiny baby moving gently around inside of her uterus. 

The tears welled up again, and she didn’t stop them. 

“Congratulations,” the tech murmured, and she clicked away at the ultrasound machine, making notes and recording measurements. Aelin stared at the image of the tiny baby, overcome by an emotion so strong she didn’t have the proper words for it, and she was surprised when the tech finished the exam and asked her if she wanted prints of the images. 

Sorscha came back and took Aelin back down to the pre-procedure area, and she found herself back in the exam room with her ultrasounds, waiting for Yrene. The doctor brought in her own set of Aelin’s ultrasounds, and she was beaming when she came into the room. 

“I’m so happy for you and your husband,” she said. “He doesn’t know yet, of course, but when we bring him back, you’ll be able to tell him all about it. Did you want to wait for him to discuss prenatal care, or would you like to talk about the details with me first?” 

“Tell me first.” Aelin stroked her thumb over the black-and-white images. “I want to know how far I am and why the heck I didn’t know.” 

Yrene chuckled. “Well, according to the way things are measuring and the dates you’ve tracked for ovulation, you are twelve and a half weeks, almost out of the first trimester.” She pointed to part of one image. “Now, the reason you didn’t know is probably partially due to your endometriosis giving you false periods and partially because, as you see here, you have an anterior placenta, which means that the placenta is in the front of the uterus. So, you might not show any bump until later in pregnancy, and it will probably not be quite as big as you might expect.” She ran through a list of more details, pointing out relevant things on the ultrasounds. “All right, then, I think we’re ready to bring your husband back. Is there anything else you want to ask me?” 

“Could you have them do the blood draw before you bring Rowan back? I want to have it all taken care of before he sees me.” 

“Of course.” Yrene spoke quietly to Sorscha, and when the blood draw was done and Aelin had a small bandage in the crook of her elbow, both the nurse and the doctor left the room. It was Yrene who walked in shortly later with Rowan, and she grinned at Aelin as she left the two of them alone. 

“Hey, Fireheart.” Rowan’s brows furrowed in confusion as he looked around the room. “Is something wrong?” 

She shook her head. “Not at all.” 

“But you’re…” 

“I know.” She looked down at herself, still in the hospital gown but not hooked up to IVs and monitors like he’d expected her to be. “They can’t do the surgery right now, Rowan.” Her throat thickened, and she looked up at her husband with tears gleaming in her eyes. “Because I’m pregnant.” 

“What?!” He staggered backwards, his body going nearly boneless as he collapsed into the chair, shock and hope washing over his face. 

Aelin handed him the ultrasound photos, watched the joy brighten his features as he drank in the sight of their tiny baby cradled inside of her. “Twelve and a half weeks, and I didn’t believe the tests until I saw the ultrasound.”

“Fireheart,” he breathed, standing so he could go to her and wrap her in his loving arms. His tears dropped into her hair, but she ignored them, just as he ignored how her tears blotched his shirt. “This…I think this is the best thing that could have happened.” 

She chuckled through her tears. “Almost—I can’t have the surgery until after I give birth, but this is…definitely something we both hoped for.” 

“Yeah.” So gently, his thumb swept the tears from her cheeks. “And twelve weeks?”

“Yeah.” Grinning, she lifted his slack jaw back into place. “Dr. Yrene will talk to both of us about where we go from here.” He nodded, and she let him sit down on the bed beside her and loop his arm around her waist, his strength always her rock. The doctor walked back in and beamed at both of them, and she sat down and gave them a whole list of prenatal instructions. 

“But really, most of all, you know what works best for you and your health,” she concluded. “I like to tell my patients not to get too obsessed with the mommy books and social media mom advice, but gods know I can’t control that. I’ll see you in a few weeks, okay?” 

“Thank you so much.” Aelin impulsively hugged her doctor. After Yrene left, she turned back to Rowan, and she brushed the stray tears off of his chin. “It’s good news, love. It’s such good news.” 

“I know.” He passed her clothes to her, and she changed out of the hospital gown. A nurse came back to walk them out of the hospital, and they left with a completely different set of instructions than they’d expected when they arrived only a couple of hours earlier. 

 An entirely different outcome, but a miracle nonetheless.

~~~

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[chaithetics]

Hey! Just an update as my queue is now empty, warning this does talk about some health stuff! (Firstly, masterlist here for navigation)

Tomorrow I'm having a surgery, my second laparoscopy, a mirena insertion and a surgical procedure for bladder endometriosis. I'm pretty nervous but I'm especially nervous as it'll be my first laparoscopy since my lupus diagnosis. One of my organs that has endometriosis is my kidneys, which is also an organ concern for lupus. (Feel free to give movie recs here as I'll probably check some stage over the next few days)

I've had what feels like non-stop lupus flare ups the last year so I'm extremely anxious. I was hoping to finish writing a fic and schedule post some fundraisers etc but that just didn't happen because this weekend but I've been 1) extremely busy with so many things, 2) depressed because of what happened here and 3) really anxious! I haven't been as active on tumblr the last month and like 80% of posts have been scheduled.

I won't be posting for a few days if not weeks and I can't guarantee when I'll be posting or replying to messages. Maybe during this recovery period I'll be able to finish the Shiv Roy x reader, and Kendall Roy x reader Desperate to Please sequel, and start my Nathan Bateman series. So please don't hate me for the wait, I'm sorry! You're more than welcome to send thoughts in, comment or message though!

Please give me movie and show recs too! If you've given me recs in the last few months please feel free to drop them here again to remind me, I've got a notebook to actually write them in and not just do mental lists lol.

Also, if you can please donate to and share some of these campaigns for Palestinians here Vetted Gaza Evacuation Fundraiser List - Google Sheets and follow @gaza-evacuation-funds, @/nabulsi, @/el-shab-hussein, and @/90-ghost!

[crotchrottt]

hi i had stage 3 endometriosis removed as well as my tubes and appendix :)”

[dzzystrs]

LOE UPDATE; i got spayed (a hysterectomy)!

i just wanted to talk about it a little bit, i know i dont use this blog much anymore especially for personal stuff, but this is kinda yknow. a huge life update!

i tried two birth controls over the last year and a half that both made me um. crazy. worsened my depression significantly, did not improve my periods, yada yada. my psychiatrist (who i LOVE!!!!!!) had referred me to her childhood best friend who is an obgyn and EXTREMELY queer friendly (and she is a lesbian!!!) and we discussed my options going forward, which was essentially iud or surgery. i refuse to try anything i couldn't stop taking immediately (bc of my past experience w birth control), so i got referred to her obgyn surgeon that she adores (and i also now adore <3)9

and pretty much he agreed that surgery was probably in my best interest, im trans w/ no interest in having children, i probably have/had endometriosis, and my periods were ruining my life, so despite my living in oklahoma and being 22 y/o, he got my scheduled within a month and half to get my surgery. WHICH WAS A LOT TO PROCESS, but now im one day post op and maybe its the oxy talkin but im so . relieved. happy.

they found a cyst on my right ovary while operating, plus lesions that are indicative of endometriosis, but allegedly the cyst can be a sign of severe stage of endometriosis which. explains a lot of the pain i was in. and also for me at least justified my hysto so much more. it's only been about 24 hours since they used a robot to remove thangs from me, but i've felt very little pain so far.

and the craziest part about all of this is im not medically transitioned my doctor is so crazily transfriendly and the first thing i heard when i woke up from surgery was someone gendering me correctly. i never heard my deadname once throughout all of this, my preferred name is on all my medical documents and my wristband. i feel so fortunate and grateful and just. happy. joy. i got a fucking HYSTERECTOMY in oklahoma as a non medically transitionated they/he and i was respected the ENTIRE time. i feel insane /pos

ok i think thats all my thoughts for now. i just wanted to share this experience while i was having all my feelings about it n stuff. i might post more, i might not, i think i Will have to crowdfund at some point to help pay off my surgery depending on how my payment plan gets set up, if not then to at least supplement some of my income that im losing while on leave to cover essentials and medical copays. so you still might hear about it in that capacity lol

[blackbird-brewster]

Three years ago this week, I had a hysterectomy as part of a surgery to remove stage IV endometriosis that had taken over my body. The endo was so bad, my uterus, ovaries, and bowel were all adhered together in one large mass. My surgeon removed a large number of endo adhesions, cysts, and fibroids as well as removing my uterus, tubes, cervix, and one ovary.

It was unreal how even the immediate post-surgical pain was noticeably less than what my pain levels were beforehand. There's no cure for endometriosis, but the hysterectomy at least meant I would no longer have periods that caused me to black out from pain.

That alone was a huge bump to my quality of life. Unfortunately, endo is a relentless disease and within nine months of surgery, I started experiencing that well-known pain again.

I ignored it for as long as I could, not wanting to admit that it was back already, not wanting to go back to the non-stop appointments and scans, where my body belonged to the medical system.

Subconsciously, it was like if I didn't say it out loud, if I didn't seek treatment, it meant it wasn't real. I played wilful ignorance for nearly a year, but of course, while I was ignoring the endo, it was busy spreading.

The thing about endometriosis is, the only way to fully identify how bad it is, is to have surgery. Ultrasounds and MRIs can give an idea of what's going on, but surgery is the only way to medically dx it with certainty.

Surgeons can remove the adhesions, but that causes scar tissue and unfortunately, the more scare tissue you have, the more endo grows back. Even the most skilled surgeons can't remove every cell of endo in a patient.

How long it takes to come back varies by person, so I guess I just drew the short straw with only getting nine months of relief.

Luckily, there are some ways to manage the pain. I've been doing a chemical menopause treatment for about 18 months now. I get a monthly implant that stops my one ovary from producing hormones (which can make endo worse). And it's been LIFE CHANGING, to say the least.

This treatment has been SO effective on the pain, I mostly forget that I have endo at all. I rarely feel the pain, usually it's in the week leading up to my next injection when my implant is wearing off -- I feel it and the pain stops me in my tracks.

Lately, that pain comes earlier and earlier each month, and every month, the pain is worsening. I am terrified about what this all means. Usually, the treatment I'm on is only used for 6-9 months at a time. I'm already at 18 months, which I am grateful for. But even this isn't a long-term solution.

I'm so scared. I'm so scared of going back to the life I had before surgery. The life where I was in debilitating pain every day, the life where I was bed bound for weeks and months at a time, the life where my body belonged to the medical system, the life where I was always being poked, prodded, and scanned. The life where I made such regular visits to the emergency department, we had to keep a hospital go-bag at the ready.

I don't know what comes next. I don't see my gynae again until April and I desperately hope she says I can keep doing this treatment, because at least it manages the pain 80% of the time. But if I can't, if the long-term risks are too high and I have to come off this treatment, I don't know what I'm going to do.

I guess I'm posting about this to not only get this off my chest, but also so other people with endo might see it and know that you're not alone. This disease destroys lives and is a constant battle, but you're never alone. I see you. I'm so proud of you. All we can do is keep fighting. <3

[intersex-support]

I'm concerned I may have an intersex condition and I'm not sure where to go from here. Could I ask for some advice?

Essentially, I'm realizing that I... probably didn't complete puberty the first time. I'm afab, and I did get a growth spurt and body hair and start to grow breasts, but I never developed past what I'm now realizing was probably about stage 3 on the Tanner Scale. My breasts stayed small enough that I could easily pass as male without binding (I'm nonbinary) and I was never able to find a bra small enough to fit me. Overall I was kinda just built like a tall preteen, and frequently mistaken for one well into my 20s

I'm also diagnosed with presumed endometriosis and had extremely irregular and painful periods for my entire life. Birth control pills didn't fully fix it and depo shots just made it worse, but when my gyno put me on nexplanon about 9 months ago it stopped my period altogether. More than that though... I think I'm going through puberty again, at the age of 25. I started experiencing breast growth and female-pattern fat redistribution that's very similar to what my transfem friends are going through on HRT, and I realized... my medication is literally just progestin. I'm essentially on feminizing HRT as an afab person. And after 9 months on HRT I've finally progressed to what looks like stage 4 on the Tanner Scale and I'm getting closer to stage 5

I did some research on what could be happening when I first started noticing the changes and found out that recent studies have linked endometriosis to estrogen dominance (either an excess of estrogen or a deficiency of progesterone) and the symptoms of both estrogen dominance and low progesterone seemed to fit me. Since the changes started after I went on progestin-only medication I figured that was my answer, that I had low progesterone bc of my endometriosis and it stunted my development. But recently I was talking with an intersex blogger who pointed out that having hormone deficiencies so severe they interrupt puberty isn't common for endometriosis and it might be a symptom of an intersex condition, and they recommended for me to look into hypogonadotropic hypogonadism

I've been doing research on it and. It really seems to describe what I went through. The only things that don't really fit me are the short height and lack of period, but that may just be bc I had an incomplete puberty instead of an absent one. More specifically though I learned about Kallmann Syndrome, and I know it's relatively rare, especially in afab people, but a lot of the other symptoms seem to fit me. The first, notably, is that I've had hyposmia my entire life which is a defining feature of the condition. I also have spinal defects: scoliosis, hyperlordosis, and cervical kyphosis. I even have some unexplained motor control issues that I'm now concerned may be mild ataxia, like my lifelong constant hand tremors and a general "clumsiness" that makes it difficult for me to get my limbs to do what I want—both of which cause frequent issues for me

I really wanna get some solid answers but I'm... not sure where to go from here. Would getting my hormones checked be a logical next step? If it's specifically progesterone that's affected for me I'm not sure if the tests will be able to tell the difference between natural progesterone and synthetic progestin though, and I can't go off my medication bc my endo is so bad without it that I won't be able to work. Maybe that's not even the hormone they would need to check anyways though, maybe it would be GnRH? Idk, I'm just a little bit lost. I'm considering going to Planned Parenthood to ask about it (my current gyno has not been very forthcoming with information about my own condition) but I'm nervous about seeing them without knowing if it's something they can even help with and I'm also worried about going in with too much information and having a doctor dismiss me as having given myself a "google diagnosis" 😣

Any advice on the process of seeking a diagnosis? Or any other next steps in general?

Also—I keep having this nagging thought in the back of my head that says even if I do turn out to have a form of HH it wouldn't "matter" now that I'm on HRT and finishing puberty. Any opinions on this? Would I still "count" as intersex if that's the case? And what if I can't get a diagnosis?

Hi anon,

So sorry for the late answer. Hope you've been doing well.

It definitely makes sense to me that you would be looking into Kallmann Syndrome, especially since you have hyposmia and that really is such a key part of that condition. I agree with the other blogger that it's worth looking into why your puberty was disrupted/incomplete and regardless of whether it's Kallmann Syndrome, another intersex variation, or something else, that might be helpful information to have. And I totally get what you mean about it "not mattering" to get a diagnosis now that you're on HRT, and honestly, what is most important is your priorities and wishes in this process.

It is completely valid to want this information and search for a diagnosis, and to want an answer even though you've now found a treatment that works. If you decide at some point through the process that diagnosis is not a priority for you right now, that's okay too--what matters is that you are the authority here and that you have the right to feel whatever way you feel about it. The intersex community has such an incredible amount of variety--we all have so many different variations, different experiences, ways that symptoms show up or don't show up, and there's no "right" way to be intersex. All ways of being intersex are valuable and real ways that we're going to show up in our community.

The process of seeking a diagnosis can be kind of long and frustrating, but I'd say the first step would definitely be trying to get a referral to an endocrinologist or any doctor who is willing to run a full hormone panel on you, (generally this includes estrogen, testosterone, progesterone, FSH, LH, SHBG, and thyroid hormones). For Kallmann Syndrome, they would be looking for low estrogen, FSH, and LH levels. They would probably also run some other blood tests checking general blood chemistry levels to rule out any other causes. The next step for Kallmann diagnosis is sometimes an MRI to rule out any physical abnormalities on the pituitary gland. Finally, there is also molecular genetic testing for Kallmann that can help identify the specific genetic mutation, but the diagnosis can also be made without genetic testing or an MRI. Planned Parenthood might be a good first step, either to actually do the first set of labs or to provide you to a referral to a endocrinologist who would be willing to order the labs. It can definitely be really hard navigating doctors who are dismissive of our own self-knowledge and research, and I've found it can sometimes be more helpful to just explain your symptoms (lack of periods, lack of puberty) and ask for a full hormone panel rather than specifically telling the doctor that you want to test for Kallmann's.

Overall, just know that you absolutely aren't alone in this and that you are welcome to come back to the blog with any other questions or just to vent. It can be confusing and overwhelming trying to navigate the medical system, and you deserve support! Best of luck on this journey 💜

[heartshattering]

I feel like I've messed my health up and there's no going back.

Yes, I took NSAIDs to deal with chronic headaches and migraines, TMJ pain, endometriosis cramps, and back pain, because 1 - a previous doctor who didn't want to give me anything else for the pain told me it was fine, 2 - I stopped being able to go to physical therapy, and 3 - I was balancing trying to graduate while being the caregiver of my terminally ill grandma in her last stages of life and didn't have time to practice other pain relief techniques.

Yes, I eat basically every food on those "Top Worst Foods for Digestive Issues" lists, because I don't have time to make a special meal every time I'm hungry while I'm taking care of my mom. Yeah, eating greasy chips and double stuffed Oreos and chocolate and other things I don't have to cook isn't good for me and I know I have trigger foods and should be following one of those low FODMAP diets and spend time meal-planning or whatever but I feel like I can't get my life in order. I struggle so hard to stay on top of other things, I don't want to obsess over every single thing I eat and have to cook 3 special meals a day for myself every day.

Yes, I overdo it with caffeine. It's a shitty dependency I've had for a long time which led me to having to see a pediatric cardiologist and get prescribed heart meds since before I was even in high school. I've been hospitalized for heart arrhythmias in my 20s and I still take too much caffeine because I'm always tired, sick, can't focus, and the doctor told me I couldn't take stimulant medication for ADHD because of my history of heart issues. Add on top of that the fact I have two parents from the "We don't believe in ADHD, young people just need to focus better" generation. So I fuck myself up with massive amounts of caffeine instead because that totally makes sense. And (surprise surprise) caffeine is another thing you aren't supposed to take when you have IBS (and almost every other health issue I have). But I do it anyway.

Going on sleep meds wasn't ideal. I have stopped other ones before and I'm weaning off my current one. But doctors still blame me for having taken them in the first place, don't see how much effort I put into gradually trying to sleep more naturally again, and just assume the worst from me and say I'm doing reckless shit like drinking alcohol while on sleep meds or driving after taking them (I don't do either of those things, on or off meds, but especially not on them). As soon as doctors find out about my home life and things like my mom being paralyzed and the fact I lost four of my family members in one year, they automatically think I'm abusing the sleep meds and lecture me on stuff like "Doing that isn't going to fix your grief/depression :/" and don't understand how difficult sleeping while dealing with severe OCD phobias and compulsions that get worse at nighttime is.

I stay up late because I can hardly get any work done during the daytime. I can only follow a sleep routine for so long until I run into a night where I have to catch up with my work because my aunt randomly stayed for a week, or my mom had an emergency, or whatever else. Same used to happen when I was a student taking care of my grandma, too. I suck at managing my time and I'm constantly overwhelmed, I feel like at any second I'm going to mess everything up and disappoint everyone.

I know I haven't been great to myself and that I have all sorts of habits that haven't been ideal but it's just been so hard to get help. I was made to leave the local psychiatric center because my problems were considered "too severe" for them to handle. It feels like no one wants to deal with me and that they just see me as a lost cause even though I'm trying. Really, I am trying. It's just so hard and I feel like too much of a mess all the time.

[rockstarlwt28]

March is Endometriosis Awareness Month. If you’re asking, ‘Endo-what?’ you’re not alone, so don’t worry. Here you can pick from a series of questions and send me them as an ask, anonymously if you wish. There’s no limit to the amount you can send either.  I’ll be answering them throughout the month. A re-blog helps create awareness too. Don’t hesitate to ask your own questions, if one you want to learn about isn’t listed. 

*Most information statistic wise is (perhaps) UK based.

Thanks!

Post Contains: Surgery / Menstrual Cycles / Chronic Illness and Pain / Treatments

1. What is Endometriosis?

2. What can be done to help?

3. How could I go about receiving a diagnosis?

4. Can you list some of the symptoms?

5. Is there a cure for this disease?

6. How were you diagnosed?

7. How long does it take to be diagnosed on average?

8. Are there any statistics?

9. Could you provide some leaflets / websites about the condition?

10. What is ‘laparoscopic surgery’?

11. Does Endometriosis only affect the pelvic organs?

12. How many people do you think know of the disease?

13. Does the condition disappear after menopause?

14. Can you tell me some of the treatments you have had, to help with the growth and manage the symptoms?

15. How does it affect someone on a daily basis?

16. What are the menstrual cycles like?

17. What are the stages of Endometriosis?

18. Does dietary changes help?

19. I know someone with Endometriosis, what can I do to help?

20. Tell me how the pain feels during a flare up / menstrual cycle?

[liim-bo]

BB

BASICS

STAGE NAME \\ bb ( 비비 )

MEANING \\ bright, shining

BIRTH NAME \\ phoebe jones

KOREAN NAME \\ chu hee jin ( 추희진 )

NICKNAMES \\ feebs, bee, bumble bee, pj

BIRTHDAY \\ september 16, 2000

ZODIAC \\ virgo

CHINESE ZODIAC \\ dragon

BIRTHPLACE \\ perth, australia

HOMETOWN \\ adelaide, australia

HEIGHT \\ 159.2cm ( 5'3" )

WEIGHT \\ 48kg ( 105lbs )

BLOOD TYPE \\ o

ETHNICITY \\ korean - australian

NATIONALITY \\ korean - australian

LANGUAGES \\ english ( fluent ), korean ( fluent )

CAREER

GROUP \\ limbo ( 2012 - present )

POSITION \\ lead vocalist, sub rapper, maknae

REPRESENTATIVE SIN \\ wrath

REPRESENTATIVE VIRTUE \\ patience

COMPANY \\ pledis entertainment ( 2010 - present )

TRAINEE PERIOD \\ 2 years

DEBUT \\ september 18, 2012

DEBUT AGE \\ 12 years old

STATS

VOCALS \\ 8/10

DANCE \\ 6/10

RAP \\ 7/10

VARIETY \\ 10/10

ACTING \\ 5/10

PRODUCING \\ 4/10

PHYSICAL

TATTOOS \\ her members names in hangul on the inside of upper right arm, virgo symbol on left wrist, virgo constellation on inner right arm

PIERCINGS \\ four on left ear ( 4 x lobe ), four on right ear ( 4 x lobe ), one on left side of nose ( small hoop )

FACE CLAIM \\ bae su min ( stayc )

VOICE CLAIM \\ sumin ( stayc )

RAP CLAIM \\cocona ( xg )

PERSONAL

SEXUALITY \\heterosexual

EDUCATION \\ seoul broadcasting high school

MBTI \\esfp-t, entertainer

STRENGTHS \\bold, observant, adaptable

WEAKNESSES \\sensitive, poor long-term planner, conflict-averse

STYLE \\

LIKES \\ season 3 steve harrington, flavoured coffee, doing her members hair, making string bracelets, soundtracks written by phil collins, going to ikea, astrology, black & white outfits, performance art, getting gifts for her family, the singer aurora

DISLIKES \\ hospitals, people who think they're entitled, people watching her eat, being out of the loop, her stage name, strong smelling perfumes, people who use their popularity and status for their own benefit, egotists, gnomes, the taste of lavender, people who use her

HABITS \\ has a tendency to zone out, anytime and anywhere

TALENT \\ very flexible, can put her legs behind her head

HOBBIES \\ making string bracelets, building ikea furniture, going out for food

FEARS \\ nosocomephobia ( fear of hospitals )

FAMILY

MOTHER \\ helen jones ( 1975 )

FATHER \\ simon jones ( 1977 )

BROTHER \\ barnaby jones ( 1998 )

BROTHER \\ william jones ( 2002 )

TRIVIAL

ONE \\ was added to the group in the september of 2012

TWO \\ phoebe had a lot of doubts about joining the group a year after they'd debuted and really thought she wouldn't have any fans, however 'voids' were extremely lovely and welcomed her into the group with open arms

THREE \\ has rhinitis, mainly triggered by dust and pollen, but the occasional animal fur can set her off too

FOUR \\ cannot stand he stage name; has said she would much rather be known as heejin than bb

FIVE \\ phoebe hates people watching her eat, so she tends to turn away or cover her face with her hands whilst eating

SIX \\ was diagnosed with endometriosis at the age of 14

SEVEN \\ her representative sin is wrath

EIGHT \\ her representative virtue is patience 

NINE \\ her representative symbol is a bear

TEN \\ her representative colour is red

[viaka13]

Every single period I had from the very beginning was horrific. 8-12 days, bleeding through everything, pain so bad my incredibly religious parents let me stay home from church. I was told by my mother that they were just like that for some people, including her, but on the bright side when I had kids labor wouldn't hurt.

When I was 21 it started and didn't stop. Three months of hell and it only got worse. I was throwing clots the size of grapes and super tampons were black after 40 minutes. A friend got worried and forced me to go to the ER, where the doctor was concerned enough he put me on birth control pills to try to make it stop until I could see my doctor over the holidays.

I ended up having surgery two days after Christmas for stage 3 endometriosis and the ob/gyn was livid. What was supposed to be under an hour took two and a half. My hormones were so fucked my progesterone levels were undetectable. I got out on hormone blockers for a very long time in an attempt to reset everything, and was on very heavy duty birth control after that for 9 years. Internal ultrasounds every 6 months for 2 years. The ob/gyn all but yelled at my mom for telling me it was normal for so long. It should never have gone on that long.

If this sounds even remotely close to your experience, IT IS NOT NORMAL.

So many people who get periods are like “Ugh it sucks that having a menstrual cycle makes you almost die every month” like no that’s not normal you need to go to the doctor

[sushmitamukherjee]

What Are the Risk Factors for Developing Ovarian Cancer?

Ovarian cancer is one of the most challenging cancers to detect in its early stages, often resulting in a poor prognosis. Understanding the risk factors associated with ovarian cancer can empower women to take proactive measures for their health. If you have concerns about ovarian cancer, it’s essential to consult a gynaecologist in Indore for personalized advice and screenings. Here are some of the key risk factors for developing ovarian cancer:

1) Family History and Genetics

A significant risk factor for ovarian cancer is having a family history of the disease. Women with relatives who have been diagnosed with ovarian, breast, or colon cancer are at a higher risk. In particular, mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes substantially increase the likelihood of developing ovarian cancer. If there’s a history of these cancers in your family, discussing genetic testing with the best gynecologist in Indore can help assess your risk.

2) Age

Age is a crucial factor in ovarian cancer risk. The likelihood of developing ovarian cancer increases with age, particularly for women over 50. Most diagnoses occur after menopause, so women should be vigilant about their health during and after this stage of life. Regular consultations with a lady gynaecologist in Indore can aid in monitoring any changes.

3) Reproductive History

Certain reproductive factors may influence the risk of ovarian cancer. Women who have never been pregnant or who have had fertility treatments may have a higher risk. Additionally, starting menstruation at a young age and experiencing menopause at an older age are associated with increased risk. Discussing these factors with a gynaecologist in Indore can help assess personal risk profiles.

Also Read: Best Laparoscopic Surgeon in Indore

4) Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

Long-term use of hormone replacement therapy, particularly estrogen without progesterone, has been linked to an increased risk of ovarian cancer. Women considering HRT for menopausal symptoms should discuss the potential risks with the best gynecologist in Indore to weigh the benefits and drawbacks.

Also Read: IVF Centre in Indore

5) Lifestyle Factors

Certain lifestyle factors may also contribute to the risk of ovarian cancer. Obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, and poor diet can increase the risk of various cancers, including ovarian cancer. Maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help mitigate these risks.

6) Endometriosis

Women with endometriosis have an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer. Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, often causing pelvic pain and complications. If you suspect you have endometriosis, it’s crucial to consult a lady gynaecologist in Indore for proper management.

Understanding these risk factors can help women take control of their reproductive health. Regular check-ups and open communication with your healthcare provider, such as a gynaecologist in Indore, are essential for early detection and effective management of ovarian cancer. If you have concerns about your risk, don’t hesitate to seek professional advice.

[seedsivf]

 State-of-the-Art Laparoscopy Surgery Center in Nashik.

 SeedsIVF is the leading laparoscopy center in Nashik, providing a range of minimally invasive surgeries with high success rates. Call +91-9225669715 now.

In today's world, laparoscopy has revolutionized surgical procedures, offering a minimally invasive alternative to traditional open surgery. At SeedsIVF, we pride ourselves on being the premier laparoscopy center in Nashik. Our state-of-the-art facilities and experienced medical professionals ensure that you receive the best possible care.

Understanding Laparoscopy

Laparoscopy, also known as minimally invasive surgery, involves making small incisions through which a camera and specialized instruments are inserted. This technique offers numerous benefits, including reduced pain, faster recovery times, and minimal scarring. At SeedsIVF, our team of highly skilled surgeons utilizes the latest laparoscopic technologies to provide you with safe and effective treatments.

Why Choose SeedsIVF for Laparoscopy Surgery in Nashik?

1. Experienced and Skilled Surgeons

Our team at SeedsIVF consists of some of the most experienced and skilled surgeons in Nashik. They are experts in performing a wide range of laparoscopic procedures, ensuring that you receive the best care possible.

2. State-of-the-Art Facilities

We are equipped with advanced laparoscopic equipment and cutting-edge technology, making us the leading laparoscopy surgery center in Nashik. Our facilities are designed to provide a comfortable and safe environment for our patients.

3. Comprehensive Care

From your initial consultation to post-operative care, we provide comprehensive services to ensure your well-being at every stage. Our multidisciplinary team works together to create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.

4. High Success Rates

Our commitment to excellence and patient care has resulted in high success rates for our laparoscopic procedures. We continuously strive to improve our techniques and outcomes, ensuring the best possible results for our patients.

Laparoscopic Procedures Offered at SeedsIVF

1. Laparoscopic Hysterectomy

A laparoscopic hysterectomy involves the removal of the uterus through small incisions. This procedure is less invasive than traditional surgery, resulting in shorter hospital stays and quicker recovery times.

2. Laparoscopic Myomectomy

For patients with uterine fibroids, a laparoscopic myomectomy offers a minimally invasive option to remove these growths while preserving the uterus. This procedure is ideal for women who wish to maintain their fertility.

3. Laparoscopic Endometriosis Treatment

Endometriosis can cause severe pain and fertility issues. Our laparoscopic endometriosis treatment allows for precise removal of endometrial tissue, alleviating symptoms and improving your quality of life.

4. Laparoscopic Ovarian Cystectomy

Ovarian cysts can be effectively removed through laparoscopy, minimizing discomfort and downtime. Our surgeons are adept at performing this procedure with precision and care.

5. Laparoscopic Tubal Ligation

For those seeking permanent contraception, laparoscopic tubal ligation is a safe and effective option. This procedure involves blocking or sealing the fallopian tubes to prevent pregnancy.

Patient Testimonials

Mrs. Anjali Patel

"I had a laparoscopic hysterectomy at SeedsIVF, and I couldn't be happier with the results. The team was professional and caring, and I recovered much faster than I expected."

Mr. Rajesh Kumar

"My wife underwent laparoscopic myomectomy at SeedsIVF, and the care we received was exceptional. The doctors explained everything in detail and made us feel comfortable throughout the process."

Contact Us

If you are considering laparoscopic surgery, contact SeedsIVF today to schedule a consultation. Our team is here to answer any questions you may have and guide you through the process.

Choosing the right laparoscopy center in Nashik is crucial for your health and well-being. At SeedsIVF, we are dedicated to providing top-notch care with the latest laparoscopic techniques. Our experienced team, advanced facilities, and patient-centered approach make us the best choice for laparoscopic surgery in Nashik.

Visit:  -  https://www.seedsivf.com/laparoscopy.php

Contact:- +91- 9225669715

[ask-pinky-promise]

What are the signs of fertility in women?

Are you planning to try for a baby? If so, how might you increase your chances of getting pregnant? It is necessary to lookout for signs of fertility in women, such as checking their ovulation period, which can be useful to know to time sex with your partner sensibly and increase your chances of becoming pregnant.

What is ovulation?

Ovulation is the release of a mature egg from your ovary. If you have regular menstrual cycles, you may be able to estimate when you’ll ovulate because it often happens 12 to 16 days before your period starts. A fertile woman will likely look and feel like this at each stage of her menstrual cycle:

1–7 days — during your period — least fertile stage

8–9 days — after your period — possible to get pregnant

10–14 days — around ovulation — you are most fertile

15–16 days — after ovulation — possible to get pregnant

17–28 days — thickening of the uterine lining — less fertile — unlikely to get pregnant 1

Additionally, you can monitor your ovulation by keeping an eye out for the following signs:

Changes in your cervical mucus — You might notice that your vaginal discharge is more wet, clear, and slippery.

Changes in your body temperature — A thermometer will show a minor increase in your body temperature.

Use ovulation prediction kits — Ovulation can be detected by measuring the hormone levels in your urine using ovulation prediction kits. Your hormonal levels rise around ovulation.

You’ll probably get the best precise results if you mix all these methods. Additionally, bloating, minor stomach pain, and breast tenderness are some symptoms of ovulation. However, these cannot be relied upon to predict ovulation. 2

Fertility problem in females:

Infertility occurs when you are unable to conceive after six months to a year of unprotected, regular sex, depending on your age. It’s not always the case that infertility means you’re “sterile” or that you’ll never be able to have kids. Half of the couples who get assistance can conceive naturally or with medical help. The goal of fertility treatment can be to restore fertility through medication or surgery or to assist you in becoming pregnant using sophisticated techniques.

Symptoms of infertility:

Changes in the menstrual cycle and ovulation in women may be symptoms of an illness connected to infertility. Which are:

Abnormal periods that bleed more heavily or less heavily than usual

No or irregular periods

A painful period that causes cramps or pelvic pain

It may be due to hormonal factors; examples of such symptoms include:

Skin changes

Changes in sex drive

Hair growth on the skin, lips, and chest

Hair loss or thinning

Weight gain

Additional signs include:

Nipple discharge that is milky white (without breastfeeding)

Pain during sex

There may be other factors that contribute to infertility, and they might have different symptoms.3

Causes of low fertility in females:

Problems with fallopian tubes — Infertility due to the “tubal factor” is most frequently caused by a pelvic inflammatory disease brought on by chlamydia and gonorrhea. Additionally, they may become obstructed by scar tissue due to an infection or endometriosis.

Problems with the uterus — include adhesions, septum, polyps, or fibroids inside the uterus. While fibroids and polyps can appear at any age, some abnormalities, like a septum, are present from birth.

Problems with ovulation — due to hormonal imbalances, eating disorders, substance abuse, being overweight or underweight, thyroid problems, extreme stress, and pituitary tumours.

Problems with the egg number and quality — Menopause or the improper amount of chromosomes in some eggs can prevent them from fertilising and developing into a healthy fetus.

Menstrual cycles, previous pregnancies, miscarriages, pelvic pain, abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge, and other medical history must all be discussed with your doctor. They may also inquire as to whether you have ever had an STI or pelvic infection in the past.

Fertility treatments:

You have several treatment options when your doctor has identified the cause and diagnosed female infertility. The causes of infertility will determine your treatment options.

For instance, structural problems are treated with surgery, whilst hormonal medicines might be used to treat other difficulties (such as troubles with ovulation or thyroid conditions). Many people will need artificial insemination (the injection of sperm into the uterus after ovulation) or in vitro fertilisation (the laboratory fertilisation of eggs with sperm to create embryos, followed by the transfer of the embryo into the uterus). For women who wish to have a family, gestational surrogacy and adoption may also be good possibilities.

Most forms of female infertility cannot be anticipated or prevented. However, in some circumstances, you can avoid infertility by reducing the risk factors that contribute to it. For female fertility, it may be helpful to minimise alcohol use and smoking, maintain a healthy weight and form suitable physical activity routines. Visit your doctor periodically to talk about any potential concerns about female fertility.