Thank you for sharing your story. I was diagnosed when I was 19 and I'm 27 now. I have only had one surgery and fear needing a second one soon since my endo symptoms are getting progressively worse. Also, my boyfriend and I have been talking about getting married soon and starting a family. I am so nervous about even thinking about the process of trying to conceive.

I share many of the worries you wrote about in your post. I feel as if endo has transformed me from a happy go lucky person to one that is constantly complaining and feeling sick. I would be happy to talk if you ever need a sympathetic ear.

Sending you lots of love and support! <3

Hi guys I'm so happy tovyou shared your stories. I'm 20 years old. I went to my gyno cause I've been having a nagging pain on my left side by my ovary and may other symptoms. More symptoms have been noticed through this year alone. I went to the docs in February earlier this year for the pain and my gyno felt certain I have endo. I haven't had a lap surgery yet... I'm working on finding a good surgeon to do that for me. I'm terrified of surgery and I'm pretty skeptical it can help. But it seems to me my only option.. since I found out I could have endo I've been devastated.... it's affecting my heart majorly. My gyno too also said that if I want to have children that I should do so in the next 3 years. My cousin who has endo is 26 and she found out she has stage 3 endo after discovering she had cysts on her ovary. She has had 5 kids lol so don't lose hope. When there's a will there's a way. Some may be luckier than others. And that's okay it doesn't mean you won't have a family one day.
Me and my boyfriend have only been dating for a year, he's defiantly different than any other guy I've known. (In a good way) I feel like he could be "the one" but he's not sure I am,. And I understand we've only been dating for a year and we are still learning things about each other. And I'm not certain if he is the one I want to be with for the rest of my life either. I feel like he is but I'm not certain. I've stupidly been talking to him about getting married and having kids. Bc since I found out about endo I can't help but feel rushed. I feel like I'm running out of time and every year it's going to get worse. It's not fair to him or me... I wanted to wait another 5 years, I want to finish college, be financially stable, and be married before I start a family. I'm not ready to be a mom. Right now I keep thinking about the long disappointing journey my future holds. And I don't want to go through it. No one does.
I understand how frustrating it can be. And it can literally break your heart and make you want to give up. But I want to tell you somthing, don't ever give up. Cause if you do, your allowing an illness to take over your life and we all know that's not good.. I know it's hard, but there's so many people out there that are much stronger than they think they are. I think people just need to be reminded of there strengths so emotions don't take over. People like you and me and many more, we have to stay strong. Don't be afraid of the unknown, don't be afraid of what your future holds. You are the only one who can take control of your life and your happiness. And I believe you can. You fight your way through to see your ending. It may not turn out as bad as you think it will. People with endo eventually have kids. Most anyway. It maybe a long journey. But it's not impossible. It's just difficult.
There are so many great fertility doctors out there can can help you achieve your dream. I know of a few fertility doctors that are the best in the country. And many women have had success with them. But yes, not all. Every woman's body is different and medications, surgeries, and illnesses can affectt their body differently. There's nothing wrong or deformed about you just bc you have endo. It's who you are and how your body was made. Embrace it as well as you can. I know it sounds weird. But it's nothing to feel ashamed about. No human body is perfect and things can go wrong. Bodies can break, but it doesn't mean you give up on things you desire most. You have to work with what you have and make the best of it. Don't allow an illness to take over your life and happiness, you take control and live the fullest with no regrets. And no shame with who you are.
You know, let's say you can't make a baby. You can still have children. I know adoption is not the same is having your own biological baby. But you can still give a child the life they've always dreamed of having. You can give a child a wonderful life that their own biological mother couldn't. That to me, is a hero! And even tho that child isn't biological you could still make a great loving family. It could be greater than you've ever imagined. Taking adoption into concideration, you could save that child's life and provide a home. There is a bright side. And the only one that could stop you from having a family would be you. There's so many chances and opportunities, you just have to look around, look at how great life can be, look at the different ways to see life. I promise it will amaze you. Take a chance and stay strong, fight for what you want! And never give up on yourself and your life ! You are in control and you are strong! Believe in who you are!

It will be a battle, it's okay to break down every once in a while just don't ever give up!
I hope your boyfriend supports you and is willing to stay by your side through this journey. You both will find the greatness life provides. You both need to stay strong and always remember what's truly important. Which is each other. Love and loyalty is very important. ! I'm sure you know, just just as a reminder