Birth Control and/or Endometriosis?

Question

I'm 16 and I get horrible cramps. I get them before, during, and after my period. I've tried everything- hot baths, heat pads, exercising, resting, cold pads, painkillers, stretching, you name it. Nothing can help my cramps, and I often have to miss school because of it or I'm unable to focus in class. I bleed a lot, and I often bleed through my underwear even when I change pads often. In fact, I still bleed out on chairs and it's extremely embarrassing for a 16 year-old to do so. I also have a history of ovarian cysts. (Though, they did go away on their own.) I've attempted to have PIV (penis in vagina) sex and it's just painful. We've tried to loosen it up with foreplay and it just hurts. Even when I try to masturbate it hurts.

All but the painful sex attempts are impeding my own life. My hobbies require me to sit up straight, and the back and stomach cramps restrain me from doing so.

I don't think all of this is normal, so I'd either like to check for endometriosis or have some sort of birth control to stop my period. I would like to be checked out by a gynecologist, but I'm highly uncomfortable because last time I had a male doctor. I also don't know how to go about asking my mother about it. She's extremely uncomfortable with me having a tampon or Diva Cup and it's led to heated arguments. I'm worried the same thing will happen if I ask for birth control or a check-up. Mind you, my mother is Catholic. How would I go about asking her about it without her getting angry or suspicious? Thank you for reading. 💕

Answer

You have to have your mom's permission to use a tampon? You're way too young to be having sex- especially since you're not on any birth control. If you can't buy a tampon behind her back, how could you pay for a baby? I think you just need to be honest with her. I'm sure she'd rather have you on birth control than end up pregnant. And since you're sexually active, you need to go see a gynecologist either way. There are female ones out there. Maybe have her explain it to your mom with you.

Answer

Tell her tour symptoms and ask to schedule an appt with a female dr. Talk to a Dr that you are comfortable with and have them check you out and see what the dr says. If a Dr says that would help your cramping and heavy bleeding then she has no reason to be hard on you about bc. How often do you change your pad is a question they will ask you and if it's excessive and you're still bleeding through the dr should be concerned bc that is not normal nor is it healthy. Good luck doll hope you get the help you need.

Answer

If I were you, I would head to Planned Parenthood, your symptoms to me sound like PCOS, and the main treatment for that is birth control and metformin. I would talk to them about your symptoms and get tested for PCOS. If it turns out you do have it start the conversation with your mom about the reproductive history of your family. Branch out from there, then the two of you can go to a female OB together and discuss what you already know but your mother doesn't.

Also, try the disposable menstrual cups, as well as cutting ALL soy chia  & flax seeds as well as all beef and dairy products from cows with rbst. I used to bleed so heavily I soaked a pad every hour and a half. And now I barely need a pad with that diet modification and the IUD Skyla.

I was in this spot at 9 and again @ 13 when I was formally diagnosed with both PCOS and endometriosis. My mother refused to help me even in the privacy of our own home. So I was left with peer reviewed journals articles and papers. I'm actually becoming a nurse, and that degree will be put towards a doctorate in obstetrics and gynecology.

Answer

Endometriosis can only be diagnosed by laproscopic surgery. You would have to go to an ob/gyn for this. I would recommend first switching to a female doctor if that would make you more comfortable. Most doctors will try to treat with bc, do diagnostic surgery, and then if your endometriosis is severe enough treat you with Lupron injections. Try finding an ob/gyn that specializes in young adults and teens.
 My mom is very religious, and when I was your age I can completely relate to being uncomfortable asking to be put on bc, because of different types that they offer and I thought that she would say no because then she might think I was sexually active. I finally told her it was from a quality of life standpoint that I wanted birth control, and that I wasn't planning on having sex and preventing pregnancy. I would miss out on about 4 to 7 days a month due to heavy flow, intense cramps, fainting, and being in chronic pain every time my period started. Be open and honest with your mom. She might see that you are in pain, and doesn't know how to start that dialogue with you. Sitting down with her after you research some options might be helpful too. Ask her to come to the Dr appt with you and have her come back after the exam and new patient consult so that she can be included in the discussion if you want to.

I was diagnosed at 18, and basically on treatment for endometriosis up until my husband and I got pregnant this year (about 7 years total). I am very vocal about seeking treatment quickly if you have concerns about endometriosis because it can affect so many other aspects of your health. Best of luck talking to your mom, and seeking care and treatment that is best for you.

Birth Control and/or Endometriosis?

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