clumpy, agonizing periods ... endometriosis??

[bethany-109.livejournal.com]

I'm 23 years old now, and I still get excruciating cramps every time. Lately, there's a pattern: I writhe and cry all day... until these huge chunks of lining come out! Shortly afterward, I'm fine. I know that it is normal to get some tissue clumps, but I can't deal with the pain! Pain meds used to work; now they're not enough.

Is there a way  to prevent the clumping? Maybe drinking more water or eating more iron or doing special exercises would help?

I know this is stubborn, but I can't go see a gyno. I am a virgin and I don't want anyone poking around there.
I keep thinking that it could be endometriosis. After all, if pieces of uterus are breaking off, they might not all be coming out, right?
Any similar experiences or advice?

Comments

[literarygirl.livejournal.com]

I would strongly suggest reconsidering the visit to the gyno. Endometriosis can be a dangerous condition if not treated properly. Only a doctor can tell you for sure if this is even what you have.

The first time I went for a pelvic exam I was still a virgin. I informed the staff of this and they used the smaller speculum, and I was fine. It's only slightly uncomfortable, and really, a small price to pay compared to what you are experiencing every month.

[bethany-109.livejournal.com]

Well, that does sound less bad than I imagined... I'll think about going if it doesn't get better soon. Thanks!

[bachlava.livejournal.com]

I second the recommendation of seeing a gynecologist. There's no other way of finding out what exactly is causing this - endometriosis is just one of a range of possibilities. And until the problem is diagnosed accurately, there's no way of determining an effective course of treatment. Gynecologists see virgins all the time, and the poking around isn't the nightmare that popular culture depicts it as being. It can be somewhat uncomfortable, but it's not awful - unlike your periods sound!

Best of luck getting the problem identified and appropriately treated.

[bethany-109.livejournal.com]

Good point. Thanks!

[eggsnail.livejournal.com]

You should really see a gynocologist, if nothing more than for a check up. I'm getting the impression that you never have. I had terrible periods much like what you describe, minus the clumps. My cramps were so awful I'd spend the entire first day of my period in tears, curled into a ball on the couch. As I got older, I went from taking Tylenol, to better OTC pain meds, to muscle relaxers, to pain killers, and then muscle relaxers and pain killers. None of that worked, and in the end I went to my gyno and she put me on HBC. It was a life saver. My periods are perfectly managable now, I can actually function on the first day of my period, and as opposed to lasting for nearly a week, my period will last about two to maybe three days.

Also, it's just healthy to have check ups at the gynocologist to make sure everything's okay down there, and especially for the pap smears. It's not traumatic, I promise. If you're worried about the fact that you're a virgin, just have them use a smaller speculum. Visits can be slightly uncomfortable, but that's about it, and like someone else said, it's a small price to pay in the greater scheme of things. :) Good luck!

[bethany-109.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I think HBC might be in my future. I'm just hesitant to try it because I have some friends who had bad experiences... Maybe it would work for me though.

[bethany-109.livejournal.com]

Good tip on the aspirin, I've never tried that. Thanks.

[sinandsilence.livejournal.com]

Yeah they said the same for me about a narrow cervix. My mother suggests having children to fix that, haha.

[kuradi8.livejournal.com]

Yes, I agree that if you suspect that you have endometriosis, you should see a doctor.

I'm sure it's not medically correct but this is how it was explained to me and my twisted sense of logic says it's close enough.

The cervix between the uterus and the vagina is a circular sphincter muscle very similar to the irises (the colored part) in our eyes. Irises are very active muscles, constantly adjusting their size and capable of being very relaxed (large pupils in the dark) or very tight (bright sunlight.) But the cervix is usually clenched tightly shut. It opens to a pinhole when you're at your most fertile to allow sperm to pass -- and some gals experience a little cramping from just that minute change. During gestation, it clenches extra tight to hold the developing fetus in place and when it's time to give birth must suddenly relax and stretch to an unbelievably large size, which is what causes those intense labor pains. And what you're experiencing with period cramps is the cervix opening just enough to let the lining dribble out. Accompanied by the uterus contorting too -- kinda like a dog shaking water off his coat.

An old wives tale says that the more water that you drink before and during your period, the less you'll bloat and the more fluid your period will be. Some add that taking an aspirin a day will also thin your flow out because it is a blood thinner. And once you become sexually active, a pre-period vigorous encounter does wonders to break up the clots.

The idea behind those old wives tales is that the thinner your flow is, the smaller the pieces that need to pass through the cervix so it doesn't have to open so painfully large. (Which is still a TINY opening -- otherwise your period would all WHOOSH out like going pee.)

Some suggest drinking raspberry leaf tea to lessen cramps. There are other herbals as well -- but just because something is "all natural" doesn't mean it's "all safe." Be careful about dosage and side effects, and know the warning signs for having had too much -- and when to seek medical attention.

If your period is that clumpy and your cramps are that bad, chart them. Write down each change of product and how full it was. Chart your cramps -- how often and how hard. That would be a huge help to your doctor.

A way of measuring flow is to use a reusable menstrual cup -- which is a green and economical alternative to disposable products like pads and tampons. Depending on the brand, one cup costs US$15-45, and can last 5-10 years. I discovered them about a year ago and wish I'd found them when I was young. Check out the size and capacity charts at http://community.livejournal.com/menstrual_cups/1285963.html to figure out which would fit you best if you're interested.

[bethany-109.livejournal.com]

Thanks so much for all of this! I'd never heard of the aspirin or raspberry tea before. It is also good to hear the medical explanation of the dilating and stuff, to remind me that what I'm feeling is not my body tearing itself apart. I am always dehydrated, so I'm excited to hear that water might actually help (especially with the bloating!). As far as the other old wives tale goes, I have always suspected that sex would help. That is a comforting thought, though I won't be trying it for a couple of years. Thanks again for all the advice.

[kuradi8.livejournal.com]

Most importantly, see your doctor about your concerns. I know the idea of it is distasteful to you but taking care of your health (and the procedures that involves) is a necessary evil.

Because you say that you're always dehydrated, drink a LOT more water and see what happens before you add aspirin or herbals. I suspect water will make a big difference all by itself.

And I'm glad you're waiting to have sex. :o)

[airenwoodmoon.livejournal.com]

I back the recommendation to see your doctor. And if you suspect endometriosis be sure to let them know and don't back down; it's important to get a doctor who will listen to you.

Unfortunately endo isn't the easiest to diagnose, but don't be afraid to push your doctor until they figure out what is going on, endo or not.

[bethany-109.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the feedback. I will definitely consider it.