I have been having painful periods since I was 15. I have been to the doctors and have waited for an ultrasound to come through. Problem is I think I maybe pregnant, the ultrasound is in 3 weeks which would mean I would be around 5 weeks pregnant

When I have the ultrasound, if I am pregnant will the doctor be able to see the sack? Or find a heart beat? Or would this be too early

Thanks x

I don't think a heartbeat can be heard until at least 12 weeks. But they can see the sac at around 4-6 weeks.

As far as painful periods since you were 15, have they ruled out Endometriosis?

I have never heard of that, can you explain a little more?

Endometriosis is a disease in which tissue like the endometrium (the lining inside the uterus which builds up and sheds each month during menstruation) migrates outside the uterus to other areas of the body. These implants continue to break down and bleed; the result is internal bleeding, degeneration of blood and tissue shed from the growths, inflammation of the surrounding areas, and formation of painful adhesions and scar tissue.

Endometriosis has been documented in nearly every location of the body, including such remote and unusual sites as the brain, sciatic nerve, lungs and even skin. Endometriosis can cause debilitating pain and infertility, and despite being one of the most common reasons for chronic pelvic pain, the disease remains widely misunderstood.

There is currently no absolute cure for Endometriosis, but there are several methods of treatment, which may alleviate some of the pain and symptoms associated with it.

The amount of pain associated with the disease is not related to the extent or size of the implants. Some women with Endo have no symptoms, others have debilitating pain and even infertility. Some fairly common signs that may lead you to suspect Endo include - but are by no means limited to - any of the following:

Chronic or intermittent pelvic pain
Dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation is not normal!)
Infertility
Miscarriage(s) / ectopic (tubal) pregnancy
Dyspareunia (pain associated with intercourse)
Nausea / vomiting / abdominal cramping
Diarrhea / constipation, particularly with menses
Painful bowel movements
Painful or burning urination
Urinary frequency, retention, or urgency

Fatigue, chronic pain, allergies and immune system-related illnesses are also commonly reported complaints of women who have Endo. It is quite possible to have some, all, or none of these symptoms. Endo symptoms are varied and often nonspecific, so they can easily masquerade as several other conditions, including adenomyosis ("Endometriosis Interna"), appendicitis, ovarian cysts, bowel obstructions, colon cancer, diverticulitis, ectopic pregnancy, fibroid tumors, gonorrhea, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, ovarian cancer, and PID.

The only way a positive diagnosis of Endo can be made currently is via surgery, either a laparoscopy or the more invasive laparotomy, where biopsies are taken from suspected sites. It can also be visualized during surgery if the surgeon knows what to look for. Ultrasounds, MRIs, CT Scans and other diagnostic tests are not conclusive.

The most effective thing an Endo patient can do is to find a specialist who treats the disease, such as an experienced gynecologist with a history of treating Endo patients, or if infertility is a concern, a reproductive endocrinologist. Form a partnership with this professional, in which you make informed decisions regarding your treatment plan together. Endo is a serious disease which requires serious treatment.

Surgical Management includes hysterectomy and excision, fulguration, cauterization, ablation or other means of destroying implants. Medications include gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists and synthetic hormones. Alternative medicine, acupuncture, herbal therapy, massage techniques, and dietary measures can also be helpful. While not a cure, good nutrition, exercise and adopting a generally healthy lifestyle can improve symptoms for some women.


Source:Endometriosis Research Center (http://www.endocenter.org)

Thank you I will mention this to my doctor, get him to test!

Okay, good idea.