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what are the tests that are involved untill you get the news that it is endometriosis and not regular cysts from PCOS.---girls the only thing i knew is that with all this medical advancement ---there is hope !

From what I understand a LAP is the only confirmation that you have endo. When the scar tissue is removed during a LAP it is of course sent to pathology & those tests confirm that the tissue was indeed endo. Ultrasounds & HSGs cannot confirm endo. I don't know much about pcos, but can't blood tests confirm or at least suggest pcos?

hi girls...i have been going for fertility testing and i already knew i have PCOS...but now also endo...it has not been confirmed yet but they are doing transvaginals every 5 days...and also sent me for a mri just on my reproductive area---i feel so sad...pcos wasnt bad enoough---also endo now...they have not told me exactly but i did see it written on some lab pictures....i guess they have to send me for a laporoscopy to make sure ?

just wondering---after endo has been confirmed---what are the next steps to be taken....---is pregnancy really possible with endo ?

Well, Liz, I know there are several options, but I can tell you what I've been going through since dx with endo... I was diagnosed in September 05 after a LAP. My CA-125 was also high, (this is an ovarian cancer tumor marker blood test). It concerned my ob enough to send me to an gyno-oncologist. Scared me to death, but after much reading the CA125 also suggests endo. My oncologist has had me on continous birth control pills ( I haven't had my period since Oct. because I don't take the 4th week pills...just start a new pack) I have had 2 check-ups/transvag ultrasounds since my Endo. THe ultrasound is to check for cysts (I guess watching for tumors just to be safe...) My CA-125 has also significantly decreased (from 60 down to 7). since I've been on the pill. This pretty much shows that the endo was raising my CA125, so cancer & tumors isn't even mentioned anymore. The last time I was at the onc he was VERY pleased that the CA125 had decreased & expects to take me back off bcp next month. He wanted me to be on bcp's for 6 months. He has not given me a percentage or anything as to our chances, but I am feeling very hopeful. At first going back on bcp's was devasting, because I thought the LAP would "fix" me. Now, I'm feeling very hopeful that April will be MY month.... The plan my doctor, husband & I made is to try for 6 months after bc & if it doesn't happen on our own look into IUI or IVF. So....only other posts have I read prove that you can get pregnant with endo, and hopefully I can be proof of that soon! It just may be a long road....

thanks melissa---that is so true--it is a long road.i never thought it would be so hard....the hard part for me is the mental part.

there seems to be not much hope out there for endo---does anyone have any success stories and what medication is given for endo? also,can a simple hormone blood test confirm endo, or what other exams are performed (besides laporoscopy) ?

Beth, I am extremely hopeful that I will have a success story by this summer. From co-workers & friends I have heard of many people who have gone on to have healthy babies. As far as I know the LAP is the only test that can CONFIRM endo...some tests & symptoms can point a doctor in that direction but endo is the only confirmation. I read about many ladies being treated with Lupron, but I have been taking continuous birth control (Demulen). I haven't had a period in 5 months.