Yes, endometriosis can worsen if left untreated. I have Stage 4 (severe) which if caught earlier might not have caused so much damage in my pelvic area.

Be persistent with your doctors!!!You said that some of your tests have come back with issues...well how do the doctors plan on treating those issues?

I had an ultrasound and MRI. The MRI was able to provide my doctos with a detailed picture of what was going on in my pelvis. I'm not sure if you've had that test.

Again, BE PERSISTENT!. It's your health so do your research and ask a lot of questions. Three years ago I trusted my doctors opinion that everything was okay - just menstral pain - and now I'm an awful mess.

You need a laparoscopy. The doctors need to go in and actually look around to see what is going on. They cannot accurately diagnose you without a laparoscopy. You need to be persistent. 11 years is too long, yet it is so common for us Endo gals to go years without diagnosis or proper treatment. The sooner you get treatment the better off you will be in the long run.

Ive had problems since i was 9 years old and started my period... untill i was 14/15 they told me it was my "body getting use to having my period so young" which everyone including my mother bought untill it didnt settle (while i suffered each month). They tried many pills that my body rejected and did a few ultrasounds and xrays that showed nil... I went to the gyno at about 14/15 she did a few tests of her own (much the same tests) couldnt find anything... tried more pills, same thing happened as before, and put me on depo for 3 years, I had breakthrough bleeding which was heavy and each month still had the pain of like a period was coming on (however not as bad as when I was having a period). I complained from 12 untill now of hip pain/back pain which was always worse when on my period. When I turned 18 she sent me for a bone density scan and ultrasound to make sure all was ok as I was going through a bit of pain no one could explain. It turned out my uterus wall lining was so thick it looked like i was due for my period which was impossible as i hadnt had a proper period for the best part of 2 years on the needle.. they did an internal ultrasound and found a black "patch" type thing, I ended up in hospital that night in so much pain it was difficult to breathe, I apprantly had an infection, my gyno said and was put on two types of anti-biotics, the emergency room doctor told her she thinks I have endo but she never looked further on. Never checked up on the infection and at the begining on 2009 took me of depo due to forming osteoporosis from depo. Put me on more pills that didnt work AGAIN....I asked for a second opinion, then moved states and Friday im going to a professor in the field of endo, getting more opinions, im terrified its done more damage than good due to the places of pain etc, and so long without anyone going inside.. my gyno is the same woman who told me i dont need a pap smear untill im 20. I trusted her being so young and not understanding, but im older now and think she's probably done more damage than good ignoring my symptoms/me.

What do you guys think?

If you want to know my symptoms I can let you know.

Im going to tell this doctor im not taking any more OCP's and I cant take depo, I want an internal examination. Im going to be persistant and forceful!!
My aunty had the same issues, and ended up after two children having a hysterectomy, however due to family disputes I can't obtain any medical records.

Thanks heaps for the help guys!

I've done my research andrea, and from what i've told you, you can see they've brushed me off, and i've had some doctors who obviously dont care much. After my "infection" i never had a check up ultrasound or anything, so who knows what it actually was? or if its gone? she maintains I didnt need it. But Im questioning, it all now. On my own accord!

Thanks heaps guys for you advice/opionions
Much love xo

Hey I have a question, maybe someone can help! I went to my doctor complaining of painful periods, painful intercourse, and a tenderness in the lower right abdomen as well as a dull cramping mid month.She said i was having symptoms of what she thought might be endometriosis. I was given a vaginal ultrasound and they found"residual blood build up" and want me to go back in 1-2 months for another ultrasound. does anyone know what that means and what they will be looking for on my second ultrasound? Thanks advice would help so much!

One thing I can tell you is that they cannot diagnose endo by ultrasound. The only way is thru Laparoscopy.
You need to be persistant about no more drugs and a lap!!!!

thanks =) I shall write it down before I go, and be highly persistant about it.