Ovarian Cysts, Endometriosis, Adneomyosis

I am a 43 year old female at the end of my rope. I have had 4 laporoscopies for endometriosis only to find a mild case. I have suffered ovarian cysts on a regular basis as I have tried about 6 or 7 birth control pills and have never been able to tolerate any of them. I’ve had an ovarian cyst rupture which was not a pleasant experience. During my second laporoscopy they severed the left inferior epigastric artery which cauased a lot of bleeding. They had to do an emergency laporotomy. I have been on Lupron, Danocrine, Depo-Provera, BC pills and numerous other hormones to suppress ovulation and ease menstruation. I also had IVF done about 3 years ago that resulted in Ovarian Hyperstimulation and was exremely painful. I had fluid go to my lungs which made it painful to breathe. The IVF did not take. I am off all hormones now and don’t want to go back on them for so many reasons! Ovulation and menstruation have returned but more painful than ever. I have been told that I have adenomyosis. I will not have IVF again! My husband and I are in the process of an adoption but I fear caring for my child being in such agony. The pelvic pain is daily and obviously more painful when the cysts are larger.I also epxerience back pain, sciatica pain, abdominal bloating, severe cramping and heavy bleeding. I have been told to get a hysterectomy at this point. I am ready to have it all out. My quality of life for the past 8 years since my first surgery has been terrible. I have missed out on so much because of this horrible condition. Do you have any words of advise. I am desperate!
Thank you, Mel

Dear Mel-
Your symptoms are classic for adenomyosis….the treatments you have had have only treated the symptoms, not the condition itself.
Traditional gynecology would recommend complete removal of the uterus for your condition…as you may have read, we do NOT advocate that philosophy. We think it is important for the women to remain whole and allow her reproductive system to function naturally….our laser FAS procedure removes the diseased part of the uterus and laser treats the remaining part of the organ. We have had great results giving women their life back…virtually pain free with light periods. The surgery will remove the option of fertility, but keep the uterus functioning hormonally and sexually.
If you are interested in our procedure,,,please give my office a call. Whatever you decide, I would not recommend delaying, as the disease spreads with every monthly cycle.
Good Luck.

i am a 24yrs old lady that has been diadnosisied with adenomyosis and polycystic ovaries.it all started 4 yrs ago with sligth lower abdominal pain.it has gradually increased a little but is still bearable and more to the rigth.there is now backache and my bleeding is noticeably ligther.i have always had heavy flow periods in 31 days cycle with a bleeding priod of 6 days but they are now 28 days with ligth spotting some days before the main period begins and the periods are noticeably ligther in flow.on examination and transvaginal scan i was said to have a bulky uterus (6-10wks) and polycystic ovaries .i have now been placed on dianette for 6 months to see if this improves it.i want to know if this will be of any help to me.i am particularly anxious about my fertility and will like to know what my chances are of taking in and having chidren in the future.

Dear Dog-
We have not yet found ANY medication to effectively treat adenomyosis on a long term basis. This disease is estrogen dependent…any medication that turns off your ovaries ie Lupron and others, will reduce the spread of the disease for the short term you are on the medication. Unfortunately, once off the drug, the disease will continue to spread with every menstrual cycle. This disease damages the uterus at the cellular level..the more it invades the uterine muscle the more damage it produces. Eventually, the woman is unable to either get pregnant or carry a pregnany past the first trimester…miscarriages are common. We recommend any women with this disease plan their family immediately or take the risk of being unable to have children.
Good Luck